Lower Back Pain study: Medical Massage Therapy vs Provider Directed Care
Official title Investigating Medical Massage Therapy for Patients With Sub-Acute Lower Back Pain
ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT07615816
What this study is testing
- What it's testing
- The study wants to see if adding regular medical massage to standard care shortens the time service members are on restricted duty, eases pain, and reduces extra health visits.
- Who it's for
- Active‑duty service members who have sub‑acute lower back pain.
- What's involved
- All participants follow their provider’s usual care. Those assigned to the massage group receive a weekly medical massage from a qualified therapist for about 12 weeks and complete study questionnaires.
- Time commitment
- Approximately 12 weeks of treatment (±2 weeks) with a final follow‑up visit up to 4 weeks after the last session.
Which group you join is decided by chance.
A plain-language read of the study's public ClinicalTrials.gov listing. The study team confirms the details.
Who can take part
Ages 18 to 64
You may be able to join if
- Active-duty service member
- 18-64 (inclusive) years of age
- Medical evidence of subacute low back pain (as indicated by complications lasting 1-3 months)
- Willingness to comply with treatment and follow-up schedule
- Ability and willingness to provide written informed consent
You likely can't join if
- Presence of significant comorbid pain (e.g., polytrauma)
- Cancer - active/ongoing treatment for
- Active Infections, including skin lesions and rashes
- Flu or other severe cold virus or COVID
- Severe depression or anxiety
- Symptomatic Inflammatory/Autoimmune diseases such as Rheumatoid
See the full eligibility criteria
- Active-duty service member
- 18-64 (inclusive) years of age
- Medical evidence of subacute low back pain (as indicated by complications lasting 1-3 months)
- Willingness to comply with treatment and follow-up schedule
- Ability and willingness to provide written informed consent
- Presence of significant comorbid pain (e.g., polytrauma)
- Cancer - active/ongoing treatment for
- Active Infections, including skin lesions and rashes
- Flu or other severe cold virus or COVID
- Severe depression or anxiety
- Symptomatic Inflammatory/Autoimmune diseases such as Rheumatoid
- Arthritis and Ankylosing Spondylitis. Acute exacerbation and not in remission
- High Grade Spondylolisthesis (Grade III and Grade IV)
- Fibromyalgia
- Severe Osteoporosis (BMD with T-score of -2.5 or lower, along with the presence of one or more fragility fractures)
- Neurogenic conditions
- Spinal Stenosis with active neurogenic claudication
- Cauda Equina Syndrome - acute
- Radiating pain below the knee or in the presence of true Neurological signs (numbness/weakness)
- Spinal Cord injuries with persisting neurogenic sensory or motor loss
- Lumbar spine back surgery within the past year
- Received spinal interventions (e.g., surgery, nerve ablations, steroid injections, etc.) within the past 6 months
- Current use of blood thinners/anticoagulants
- Is enrolled or plans to enroll in another clinical trial during this study that would affect the patient's safety or results of this trial
- [Females only] Currently pregnant (self-reported) or plans to become pregnant during the study intervention period
The study team makes the final eligibility decision.
Where it is enrolling
- Joint Base Lewis McChord, Washington, United States
Compensation & support
A stipend or payment for your time may be offered.
No amount is published here because ClinicalTrials.gov has no reliable field for payment or travel support. Ask the study team what's actually covered (payment for your time, travel, parking, or other study costs), and never join a trial for the compensation alone.
Questions & answers
Do participants get paid in this trial?
This study's listing includes signals that participants may be compensated or receive a stipend. Amounts vary and are set by the study team, so confirm the details with them.
Is it free to join, and do I need insurance?
Searching and applying through BridgeMD is free. In clinical trials the study-related treatment and visits are generally provided at no cost to you. You usually don't need insurance to take part, but confirm specifics with the study team.
How long does this study last?
The listing doesn't state an exact length. The study team walks you through the schedule and number of visits before you decide to enroll.
Who can join this trial?
This study is enrolling all sexes, 18 years to 64 years. The study team makes the final eligibility decision.
Where is this trial taking place?
This study is enrolling now at Joint Base Lewis McChord, Washington, United States. Enter your location above to see the nearest enrolling site and check your eligibility.
Explore other conditions
BridgeMD is an information and trial-matching tool that is independent of the study sponsor. Details come from ClinicalTrials.gov. The study team decides eligibility, and your own doctor gives medical advice.