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Myofascial Release Therapy in IBS
This study is now recruiting.
The purpose of this study is to find out if myofascial release therapy (MFR), (a massage method that will be used in the belly area), will improve the symptoms in CHOP patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
Participation will last approximately 8 months which includes in person visits and remote follow-up (surveys only). The MFR intervention is comprised of 6 once a week in-person visits that will be conducted by a licensed massage therapist. This therapist will train participants in order for them to self-administer MFR therapy at home, daily. Participants will be asked to record their IBS symptoms throughout their study participation.
Who Do I Contact?
If you are interested in participating in the study or want to learn more please contact our study team at beniteza [at] chop.edu or 267-425-1937.
Visit Criteria
Participants will receive MFR therapy and education by a licensed massage therapist, once a week, at 6 in-person visits. Visits are scheduled at CHOP's main campus in Philadelphia or at the satellite location in Voorhees, NJ, based upon patient preference. MFR is a series of methods used in massage therapy, physical therapy and osteopathic medicine to release tightness in muscles, help relieve pain, and to improve motion. Gentle pressure is applied to the muscles by the trained therapist using their hands. Each visit will last around 1 hour.
Participants will be asked to practice MFR at home and to answer questionnaires about symptoms and diet.
After the in-person visits are completed, there will be 6 additional times where study staff will ask participants (and parents) to complete questionnaires remotely.
