This article is adapted from a Diploma Kemahiran Malaysia (DKM) research project conducted by Mohd Zambri Bin Sulaiman under the Therapeutic Massage and Care programme (NOSS MP-082-4:2012). The study was supervised by Mr. Low Chee Kiat and completed in March 2026.
This research was conducted at Tim Bodycare Training Centre, Petaling Jaya, which served as the penyelaras by providing structured clinical guidance, standardized massage protocols, and professional supervision in accordance with NOSS requirements. The centre played a key role in ensuring that the study was carried out in a controlled, practical, and industry-relevant environment.
Low back pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal conditions among adults and is frequently associated with muscle tension, poor posture, occupational strain, psychological stress, and insufficient physical activity. These factors can contribute to discomfort, reduced mobility, and a decline in overall quality of life. This study investigates the relationship between these contributing factors while also evaluating the effectiveness of therapeutic massage as an intervention.
Using a quantitative approach, data was collected from 30 participants through structured questionnaires and pain assessments using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Participants underwent a series of massage therapy sessions, and their progress was monitored throughout the study. The findings revealed a consistent reduction in pain levels, accompanied by improvements in mobility, posture, and functional performance. These results support therapeutic massage as a safe, effective, and non-invasive method for managing muscle tension–related low back pain.
Low back pain has become increasingly common in modern society, particularly among working adults whose daily routines involve prolonged sitting, repetitive movements, or physically demanding tasks. Over time, these activities place continuous strain on the muscles and supporting structures of the lower back, leading to tension, stiffness, and discomfort. Muscle tension, in particular, plays a significant role in the development of low back pain, as prolonged contraction reduces flexibility and increases fatigue within the affected muscles.
In addition to physical strain, poor posture and inadequate ergonomic support further exacerbate the condition, especially in office environments where individuals remain seated for extended periods. Occupational demands such as heavy lifting, repetitive bending, or long hours of standing also contribute to the accumulation of muscular stress. Psychological factors, including stress and fatigue, can intensify muscle tightness and pain perception, while low levels of physical activity weaken the muscles that support the spine. This study aims to explore the combined influence of these factors and to examine how therapeutic massage can help alleviate symptoms and improve overall musculoskeletal health.
This study employed a quantitative research design involving 30 participants who experienced low back pain associated with muscle tension. Data was collected through structured questionnaires that captured information on demographic background, pain severity, posture, occupational activities, stress levels, and physical activity. Pain intensity was measured using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), allowing participants to rate their discomfort on a scale from zero to ten.
Participants underwent a series of six therapeutic massage sessions conducted in a controlled clinical setting. The research followed a structured process that included participant recruitment, pre-assessment, intervention through massage therapy, post-assessment, and data analysis, as outlined in the study timeline on page 19. This systematic approach ensured consistency in data collection and allowed for accurate evaluation of changes in pain and functional ability over time.
The findings of the study reveal that low back pain is strongly influenced by both occupational and lifestyle factors. Data from the participant profiles on pages 11 to 12 shows that individuals from both sedentary and physically demanding occupations experienced musculoskeletal strain. Office workers commonly reported issues related to prolonged sitting, poor posture, and weak core muscles, while those engaged in manual labor were more affected by heavy lifting, repetitive movements, and long-term physical strain. These results highlight that low back pain is not limited to a specific type of work but is instead associated with a wide range of daily activities and habits.
Pain assessment using the Visual Analogue Scale demonstrated a clear and consistent reduction in pain levels across treatment sessions. At the baseline stage, most participants reported moderate to severe pain, with scores ranging between four and nine. As treatment progressed, pain levels steadily decreased, with noticeable improvements observed as early as the second and third sessions. By the final session, many participants reported minimal pain, with some achieving complete relief. The VAS data presented on pages 12 and 13 clearly illustrates this downward trend, confirming the effectiveness of repeated therapeutic massage sessions.
In addition to pain reduction, participants experienced significant improvements in physical function. Many reported increased flexibility, improved range of motion, better posture, and reduced muscle stiffness. Daily activities such as sitting, standing, and walking became more comfortable, indicating that the intervention contributed to enhanced functional ability. Some participants also noted improved sleep quality and reduced fatigue, suggesting that the benefits of massage therapy extended beyond physical recovery.
The thematic analysis on pages 17 and 18 further supports these findings by showing consistent improvement across multiple recovery dimensions. Physical recovery, pain management, physical readiness, and recovery confidence all increased steadily throughout the intervention period. Notably, recovery confidence showed the greatest improvement, reflecting the psychological impact of reduced pain and improved mobility. This demonstrates that therapeutic massage not only addresses physical symptoms but also enhances overall well-being and confidence in movement.
The results of this study confirm that low back pain caused by muscle tension is a multifactorial condition influenced by posture, occupational demands, stress levels, and lifestyle habits. Both sedentary and physically active individuals are at risk, although the underlying causes may differ. Office workers are more likely to experience postural strain due to prolonged sitting, while manual workers face mechanical stress from repetitive and physically demanding tasks. Despite these differences, the findings show that therapeutic massage is effective in addressing both types of conditions.
An important observation from the study is the cumulative effect of treatment. While initial sessions produced gradual improvements, more significant reductions in pain and enhancements in mobility were observed after multiple sessions. This highlights the importance of consistency in therapy for achieving long-term results. Furthermore, the relationship between physical recovery and psychological well-being is evident, as participants reported increased confidence and reduced anxiety related to movement. These findings reinforce the value of a holistic approach that addresses both physical and emotional aspects of recovery.
In conclusion, this study demonstrates that therapeutic massage is an effective and practical approach for managing muscle tension–related low back pain. The intervention not only reduces pain intensity but also improves mobility, posture, and overall functional ability. By addressing both physical and lifestyle-related factors, therapeutic massage provides a comprehensive solution for individuals experiencing musculoskeletal discomfort.
As low back pain continues to affect a large portion of the working population, adopting preventive strategies such as proper posture, ergonomic awareness, regular physical activity, and stress management is essential. When combined with consistent therapeutic treatment, these measures can significantly improve quality of life and reduce the risk of recurrence. This study highlights the importance of integrating therapeutic massage into modern healthcare and rehabilitation practices as a safe, non-invasive, and evidence-based solution.
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