Actively Recruiting
Investigating Medical Massage Therapy for Patients With Sub-Acute Lower Back Pain
Led by The Geneva Foundation · Updated on 2026-06-05
220
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
T
The Geneva Foundation
Lead Sponsor
U
Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are investigating whether adding Medical Massage Therapy (MMT) to provider-directed care can shorten the time active-duty service members with subacute lower back pain (LBP) spend on medically restricted duty. This trial focuses on subacute LBP, a common cause of musculoskeletal injuries among service members, and aims to reduce pain, healthcare use, and improve recovery compared to provider-directed care alone. The study involves 200 participants and addresses the lack of strong evidence for effective LBP treatments. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: one receiving only provider-directed care such as physical therapy, and the other receiving both provider-directed care and weekly MMT sessions by licensed therapists. The treatment period lasts approximately 12 weeks, with participants following their assigned care plan and completing study forms. A final follow-up visit occurs up to four weeks after the last treatment. During the study, participants will undergo regular assessments including pain scales, disability indexes, and questionnaires about pain, work productivity, and sleep quality at baseline, weekly visits, and follow-up. Researchers will monitor medical restricted duty days, medication use, and healthcare utilization. Data collection continues for up to 16 weeks after the baseline visit to evaluate the impact of MMT alongside standard care on recovery and quality of life.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Investigating Medical Massage Therapy for Patients With Sub-Acute Lower Back Pain
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Active-duty service member
- Aged 18 to 64 years (inclusive)
- Medical evidence of subacute lower back pain lasting 1 to 3 months
- Willingness to comply with treatment and follow-up schedule
- Ability and willingness to provide written informed consent
You will not qualify if you...
- Current diagnosis of significant comorbid pain such as polytrauma
- Active or ongoing cancer treatment
- Active infections, including skin lesions and rashes
- Flu, severe cold virus, or COVID
- Severe depression or anxiety
- Symptomatic inflammatory or autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis not in remission
- High grade spondylolisthesis (Grade III or IV)
- Fibromyalgia
- Severe osteoporosis with fragility fractures
- Neurogenic conditions
- Spinal stenosis with active neurogenic claudication
- Acute cauda equina syndrome
- Radiating pain below the knee with true neurological signs
- History of spinal cord injuries with lasting neurogenic loss
- Lumbar spine surgery within the past year
- Spinal interventions within the past 6 months
- Current use of blood thinners or anticoagulants
- Enrollment in another clinical trial that would affect safety or results
- Females who are currently pregnant or plan to become pregnant during the study period
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 12 weeks
Participants receive either provider-directed care alone or combined with weekly medical massage therapy for subacute lower back pain.
Weekly visits for up to 12 weeks
Duration - Up to 16 weeks after baseline visit
Participants are monitored for up to 16 weeks after the baseline visit to assess long-term effects and recovery.
1 final follow-up visit
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Madigan Army Medical Center
Joint Base Lewis McChord, Washington, United States, 98431
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
J
Janel Son, MPH
B
Brad M. Isaacson, PhD, MBA, MSF, PMP
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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