The effect of Thai massage and acupressure on foot numbness in patients with diabetic mellitus: a study at Pon Swang primary care unit, Tambon Jorakae, Amphure Nongruea, Khon Kaen Province

ABSTRACT

Thai massage and acupressure are commonly applied for foot numbness in diabetic patients, but studying on the effect have not found. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of Thai massage and acupressure on foot numbness in diabetic patients.  Twenty-four diabetic participants, 21 men and 3 women, age 45 - 79 years (means 64 + 8.11 years.) were recruited from a primary care unit at Pon Swang primary care unit, Tramboon Jorakae, Amphure Nongruea, Khon Kaen Province who registered for diabetic care during October 2006 and February 2007.  Each of the participants received 2 sessions per week of foot massage for four weeks from validated massagers.  Each session lasted 30 minutes. The results of the study showed that the average of numbness scores of foot before massage were 9.42 + 4.66, after applied the fourth and the eighth massage sessions were 4.21 + 4.47, and 1.83 + 2.68  respectively. Foot numbness was reduced significantly (P \< 0.001) after the fourth session of foot massage. This effect maintained towards the end of the eight sessions. It is suggested that foot massage for at least four sessions consecutively may yield some beneficial effect on reduction of foot numbness in diabetic patients.