This article is adapted from a Diploma Kemahiran Malaysia (DKM) research project conducted by Yap Chin Foong under the Therapeutic Massage Therapy programme (NOSS MP-082-4:2012). The study was supervised by Mr. Low Chee Kiat and evaluated by Puan Shalina Binti Abdullah, and was completed in March 2026.
This research was carried out at Tim Bodycare Massage Academy, Petaling Jaya, which acted as the penyelaras by providing a structured clinical training environment, standardized massage protocols, and professional supervision aligned with industry and NOSS requirements. The academy ensured that all procedures reflected real-world therapeutic practices and clinical standards.
In today’s high-pressure working environment, psychological stress and musculoskeletal pain are closely interconnected. This study investigates the effectiveness of therapeutic massage as a primary, non-pharmacological intervention for reducing back pain and enhancing recovery among working adults experiencing stress and work pressure.
Using a mixed-method approach, 30 participants were assessed over a four-week period using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain intensity and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) for psychological stress. Findings revealed a strong correlation between high stress levels and increased back pain severity. Following structured massage sessions, participants experienced an average pain reduction of approximately 85%, along with improved sleep quality, reduced muscle tension, and decreased perceived stress. These results support therapeutic massage as an effective holistic intervention addressing both physical and psychological aspects of recovery.
Musculoskeletal disorders, particularly back pain, have become one of the leading health concerns among working adults in modern high-performance environments. As described in the introduction (page 1), back pain is no longer caused solely by physical strain or poor posture but is increasingly influenced by psychological factors such as stress and work pressure.
One key mechanism identified is “muscle guarding,” where continuous stress triggers prolonged muscle contraction. Over time, this prevents proper recovery, leading to chronic stiffness, fatigue, and persistent discomfort. This creates a cycle where stress causes pain, and pain further increases stress.
Traditional treatments often rely on medication, which provides only temporary relief without addressing underlying causes. This study therefore explores therapeutic massage as a holistic solution that targets both physical tension and psychological stress, offering a more sustainable recovery approach for working adults.
This study employed a quantitative, pre-test and post-test design involving 30 working adults experiencing stress-related back pain. Participants were selected using purposive sampling to ensure they represented individuals exposed to high work pressure.
Data collection was conducted through structured questionnaires divided into four sections: demographic data, pain assessment using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), stress evaluation using a modified Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and recovery assessment using Likert-scale responses.
The research followed a three-phase procedure: pre-intervention assessment, therapeutic massage intervention, and post-intervention evaluation. Participants underwent standardized massage sessions focusing on the back, shoulders, and neck, targeting stress-induced muscle tension. Data was then analysed using descriptive statistics and correlation analysis to determine relationships between stress levels and pain reduction.
The study demonstrated a strong relationship between work-related stress and the severity of back pain. As shown in the VAS score table (pages 14–15), participants initially reported moderate to severe pain levels, typically ranging between 4 and 9.
Following multiple massage sessions, a consistent reduction in pain scores was observed across all participants. Some individuals achieved complete pain relief (score 0), while others reported significant improvements in mobility, flexibility, and muscle relaxation. The data clearly shows that pain reduction became more noticeable after the second and third sessions, highlighting the importance of consistent treatment.
The injury analysis (page 18) revealed that the largest proportion of cases (30%) were related to stress-induced muscle tension and work-related strain, followed by postural issues (27%), acute muscle conditions (23%), and chronic conditions (20%).
The thematic analysis (page 19–20) further supports these findings, showing steady improvement across all recovery indicators. Recovery confidence increased dramatically from a baseline score of 12 to 88 by Week 8, while physical readiness and recovery also showed significant gains. This indicates not only physical healing but also psychological improvement.
Additionally, the appendix forms (pages 29–38) visually demonstrate real patient assessments and treatment tracking, including VAS scoring sheets and client information forms. These provide practical evidence of how data was collected and monitored throughout the study.
The findings confirm that back pain among working adults is strongly influenced by both physical and psychological factors. Stress-induced muscle tension and poor posture were identified as the primary causes of discomfort.
Therapeutic massage proved highly effective in addressing these issues by reducing muscle tightness, improving circulation, and promoting relaxation. The consistent reduction in VAS scores demonstrates that structured massage sessions provide not just temporary relief, but cumulative recovery benefits.
A key insight from this study is the dual impact of massage therapy. As physical pain decreases, psychological well-being improves, creating a positive recovery cycle. The significant rise in recovery confidence highlights the importance of addressing both body and mind in treatment.
The study also emphasizes that younger working adults (ages 25–35) are particularly at risk, suggesting that early intervention is crucial to prevent long-term musculoskeletal disorders.
This study clearly demonstrates that therapeutic massage is an effective and holistic intervention for managing back pain and recovery among working adults experiencing stress and work pressure. The significant reduction in pain levels, improvement in functional movement, and enhancement of psychological well-being confirm its value as a non-pharmacological treatment.
Rather than treating back pain as a purely physical issue, this research highlights the importance of addressing the connection between stress and musculoskeletal health. By integrating therapeutic massage into regular care routines and workplace wellness programs, individuals and organizations can significantly improve both health outcomes and productivity.
Vietnam
