Exploring the Impact of High-Frequency Percussive Massage on Muscle and Fascia Stiffness and Joint Flexibility

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In the realm of manual therapy, the recent adoption of high-frequency percussive massage is notable. Despite its reputed benefits in improving the range of motion in joints, the specific mechanisms at play have been unclear.

A study was conducted to determine whether a short session of high-frequency percussive massage could influence the stiffness in muscle or connective tissues, particularly the deep fascia and deep intermuscular fascia, as well as affecting the joint range of motion.

Fifteen healthy male individuals were recruited for the study, each undergoing a five-minute session of high-frequency percussive massage targeting their medial gastrocnemius muscle. To assess the effects of this treatment, shear-wave elastography was utilized. This advanced imaging method measured tissue stiffness in the deep fascia, muscle, and deep intermuscular fascia, along with the range of motion in the participants’ ankle joint dorsiflexion, both before and after the massage.

Results Shear-wave elastography showed a significant decrease in the stiffness of the deep fascia. Additionally, there was a significant increase in the range of motion of ankle dorsiflexion (increase in range of motion: 3.0 degrees). However, there were no significant changes observed in the muscle and deep intermuscular fascia.

Conclusions This study demonstrates that a five-minute session of high-frequency percussive massage can effectively reduce the stiffness in the deep fascia and improve the range of motion in the ankle joint. These findings suggest that high-frequency percussive massage could be a valuable and efficient method for reducing deep fascial stiffness and enhancing joint flexibility in physical therapy.