Combined Swedish Massage and Dry Cupping Therapy Improve Lumbar Range of Motion in Middle-Aged Males with Chronic Non-Specific Low Back Pain

Abstract

Aim: This investigation evaluated the combined effects of Swedish massage therapy and dry cupping on lumbar range of motion in middle-aged males with chronic non-specific low back pain.

Methods: A single-group pre-posttest experimental design enrolled ten male participants (age 44.2±2.67 years) experiencing non-specific low back pain exceeding three months duration. The 6-week intervention protocol incorporated biweekly 30-minute Swedish massage sessions employing effleurage, petrissage, friction, tapotement, and vibration techniques, combined with biweekly 10-minute dry cupping applications using size 1 acrylic cups positioned bilaterally parallel to L1-L5 vertebrae. Lumbar mobility was quantified via Finger-to-Floor Test measurements for forward flexion and standardized goniometric procedures for backward extension.

Results: Forward flexion capacity increased from 28.6±3.74° to 37.2±2.71° (mean difference 8.6°, 95% CI [2.9°, 14.3°]; t₉=3.326, P=0.009, Cohen’s d=1.05), representing 30.1% improvement from baseline. Backward extension improved from 28.9±4.60° to 39.6±2.76° (mean difference 10.7°, 95% CI [7.2°, 14.2°]; t₉=6.743, P<0.001, Cohen’s d=2.13), constituting 37.0% enhancement. Both parameters exceeded the 5° minimal clinically important difference threshold, with effect sizes indicating large-to-very-large magnitude improvements.

Conclusion: Combined Swedish massage and dry cupping therapy produced statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvements in lumbar range of motion among middle-aged males with chronic non-specific low back pain. These preliminary findings support the potential utility of integrated manual therapy approaches as non-pharmacological management strategies, though adequately powered randomized controlled trials are required for definitive clinical recommendations.