This article is adapted from a Diploma Kemahiran Malaysia (DKM) research project conducted by Chan Chun Yen 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 professional supervision, structured treatment protocols, and a clinical environment aligned with NOSS standards. The centre ensured that all therapeutic interventions were carried out with consistency, safety, and real-world application.
Upper back pain is a common musculoskeletal condition that can significantly affect an individual’s quality of life and daily productivity. It is often associated with musculoskeletal injuries caused by repetitive movements, poor posture, prolonged static positions, and lifestyle factors. This study examines the prevalence of upper back pain among individuals receiving treatment and identifies the contributing factors related to this condition.
Using a cross-sectional quantitative approach, data was collected from 30 respondents through questionnaires and pain assessment using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Participants also underwent a series of therapeutic massage sessions, and their progress was monitored over time. The findings revealed that muscle strain was the most common condition, followed by myofascial pain and postural issues. Pain levels showed a consistent reduction across treatment sessions, while physical recovery, mobility, and confidence improved significantly. The study supports therapeutic massage as an effective, non-invasive approach for managing upper back musculoskeletal conditions.
Upper back pain has become increasingly prevalent in modern society, particularly among individuals exposed to prolonged sitting, repetitive movements, and poor ergonomic habits. This condition is not only physically uncomfortable but can also interfere with daily activities, work performance, and overall well-being. Musculoskeletal injuries affecting muscles, ligaments, and supporting structures are among the primary contributors to this type of pain.
In many cases, individuals adopt improper postures during work or daily activities, such as forward head posture or rounded shoulders, which place continuous strain on the upper back muscles. Over time, this leads to muscle tension, fatigue, and reduced flexibility. Additional factors such as age, gender, physical activity levels, and psychological stress further influence the severity and frequency of symptoms.
This study aims to explore the prevalence of upper back pain caused by musculoskeletal injury and to identify the key factors contributing to its development. By understanding these relationships, more effective prevention and treatment strategies can be implemented, particularly through therapeutic massage interventions.
This study employed a quantitative cross-sectional design involving 30 respondents who experienced upper back pain. Data was collected using structured questionnaires that gathered information on demographic background, lifestyle habits, posture, and physical activity levels. Pain intensity was measured using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), a widely used tool that allows participants to rate their pain from zero to ten.
Participants underwent six therapeutic massage sessions over a structured treatment period. The procedures followed a systematic approach, beginning with initial assessment, followed by intervention, and concluding with post-treatment evaluation. According to the study procedure outlined on page 16–17, the research followed a clear sequence of recruitment, pre-assessment, treatment sessions, and data analysis, ensuring consistency and reliability in the findings.
The results indicate that upper back pain is strongly associated with muscle-related conditions. As shown in the respondent data on pages 9–10, the majority of participants reported muscle tension involving areas such as the trapezius, rhomboid, and scapular muscles. Postural issues such as forward head posture and rounded shoulders were also commonly observed, highlighting the impact of daily habits and ergonomics.
Analysis of symptom distribution further revealed that muscle strain accounted for approximately 60% of cases, making it the most dominant condition among participants. Myofascial pain, commonly associated with trigger points, contributed to about 23% of cases, while postural-related problems made up the remaining portion. This clearly shows that most upper back pain cases are linked to soft tissue dysfunction rather than structural abnormalities.
Pain assessment using the VAS scale demonstrated a consistent and progressive reduction in pain levels throughout the treatment sessions. As presented in the table on page 11, baseline pain scores were generally within the moderate to high range, between five and nine. Following repeated massage sessions, these scores gradually decreased, with several participants achieving minimal or no pain by the final session. This trend confirms the cumulative effectiveness of therapeutic massage.
In addition to pain reduction, participants experienced significant improvements in physical function. The thematic analysis on pages 15–16 shows steady increases in physical recovery, pain management, physical readiness, and recovery confidence over an eight-week period. Recovery confidence showed the most dramatic improvement, indicating that participants not only felt better physically but also gained greater trust in their ability to recover and perform daily activities.
The findings of this study confirm that upper back pain due to musculoskeletal injury is influenced by a combination of physical and lifestyle factors. Poor posture, prolonged sitting, repetitive movements, and lack of physical activity were identified as key contributors to the condition. These factors are especially relevant in modern lifestyles, where individuals spend extended periods using computers or mobile devices.
One important observation is that muscle tension plays a central role in the development of upper back pain. This aligns with the high prevalence of muscle strain and myofascial pain identified in the study. Therapeutic massage addresses these issues directly by reducing muscle tightness, improving circulation, and releasing trigger points, which explains the consistent reduction in pain observed across sessions.
Another key finding is the cumulative nature of treatment effectiveness. While initial sessions produced gradual improvement, more significant changes were observed after multiple sessions, emphasizing the importance of consistency in therapy. The study also highlights the strong connection between physical recovery and psychological well-being, as increased recovery confidence reflects improved mental readiness and reduced fear of movement.
This study demonstrates that upper back pain caused by musculoskeletal injury is a common condition influenced by posture, lifestyle habits, and physical activity levels. The findings confirm that therapeutic massage is an effective, non-invasive intervention that can significantly reduce pain, improve mobility, and enhance overall functional well-being.
By addressing both physical and lifestyle-related factors, therapeutic massage offers a holistic approach to managing musculoskeletal conditions. When combined with proper ergonomics, regular movement, and awareness of posture, it can play a crucial role in both treatment and prevention. As such, it represents a valuable component in modern healthcare and rehabilitation practices.
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