Sažetak
Mišićno-koštana bol čest je izazov u društvu i značajan udio u potražnji za fizioterapijskim uslugama. Akutna i kronična bol utječu na pokretljivost, radnu sposobnost i svakodnevno funkcioniranje pojedinca. S obzirom na porast bolnih sindroma povezanih sa sedentarnim načinom života, posturalnim disbalansima i kroničnim opterećenjima, raste potreba za učinkovitim, neinvazivnim i individualno prilagodljivim terapijskim intervencijama. Masaža je jedna od oblika fizioterapijskih intervencija i ima široku primjenu u kliničkoj praksi.
Potencijal masaže kod različitih oblika mišićno-koštane boli razmatra se kroz razumijevanje mehanizama boli, fiziološke učinke na meka tkiva te njezinu integraciju u strukturirani fizioterapijski plan. Posebna pažnja posvećena je klasifikaciji boli te najčešće korištenim vrstama masaže: švedske, dubinske, limfne, sportske; koje doprinose smanjenju mišićne napetosti, povećanju mobilnosti i aktivaciji parasimpatičkog sustava. Primjenjuje se prema jasno definiranim indikacijama, uz ciljeve prilagođene individualnim potrebama pacijenta.
Stanja poput boli u vratu, boli u donjem dijelu leđa, fibromialgija, sindrom karpalnog kanala, se razlikuju po mehanizmima boli, zajedničko im je smanjena funkcionalnost, povećana mišićna napetost i narušena kvaliteta života, na što masaža ima pozitivan učinak. Dostupna istraživanja potvrđuju da masaža ima svoju važnu ulogu u liječenju mišićno-koštane boli, osobito kao dio individualno prilagođenog fizioterapijskog pristupa.
Ključne riječi: mišićno – koštana bol, masaža, bolna stanja
Abstract
Musculoskeletal pain represents a common challenge in modern society and accounts for a substantial proportion of the demand for physiotherapy services. Both acute and chronic pain significantly affect mobility, work capacity, and overall daily functioning. With the increasing prevalence of pain syndromes associated with a sedentary lifestyle, postural imbalances, and chronic mechanical loading, there is a growing need for effective, non-invasive, and individually tailored therapeutic interventions. Massage therapy is one form of physiotherapeutic intervention and is widely applied in clinical practice.
The therapeutic potential of massage in various forms of musculoskeletal pain is considered through an understanding of pain mechanisms, their physiological effects on soft tissues, and its integration into a structured physiotherapy treatment plan. Particular emphasis is placed on pain classification and the most used massage techniques, including Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, lymphatic drainage, and sports massage. These techniques contribute to the reduction of muscle tension, increased mobility, and activation of the parasympathetic nervous system. Massage is applied based on clearly defined indications, with treatment goals adapted to the individual needs of the patient.
Conditions such as neck pain, low back pain, fibromyalgia, and carpal tunnel syndrome differ in their underlying pain mechanisms; however, they share common features such as reduced functional capacity, increased muscle tension, and impaired quality of life, all of which can be positively influenced by massage therapy. Available research supports the important role of massage in the management of musculoskeletal pain, particularly as part of an individualized physiotherapy approach.
Keywords: musculoskeletal pain, massage therapy, pain conditions