Cervicogenic Tinnitus and Manual Therapy

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Massage therapists are uniquely suited to incorporate a number of rehabilitation strategies for patients with Cervicogenic Tinnitus.

Massage therapists are uniquely suited to incorporate a number of rehabilitation strategies for patients with Cervicogenic Tinnitus.

Why Does Massage Therapy Work for Cervicogenic Tinnitus?

A biopsychosocial framework helps put into context the interconnected and multidirectional interaction between: physiology, thoughts, emotions, behaviors, culture, and beliefs. In terms of clinical responses to massage therapy there are a couple of proposed mechanisms of action, including but not limited to: neurodynamics, contextually aided recovery, neuromodulation, social grooming and mechanotherapy.

Structures to be Aware of When Treating Cervicogenic Symptoms

A treatment plan should be implemented based on patient-specific assessment findings and patient tolerance. It should include screening to identify red flags, that would lead to appropriate management and medical referrals. Structures to keep in mind while assessing and treating patients suffering from tinnitus may include neurovascular structures and investing fascia of:
• scalene muscles
• sternocleidomastoid
• temporomandibular joint
• masseter
• longus colli muscle 

More to Explore

Delgado de la Serna, P., Plaza-Manzano, G., Cleland, J., ... Díaz-Arribas, M.J. (2019). Effects of Cervico-Mandibular Manual Therapy in Patients with Temporomandibular Pain Disorders and Associated Somatic Tinnitus: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Pain Med.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31665507/

Haider, H.F., Hoare, D.J., ... Paço, J.C. (2017). Pathophysiology, Diagnosis and Treatment of Somatosensory Tinnitus: A Scoping Review. Front Neurosci.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28503129

Michiels, S., Van de Heyning, P., Truijen, S., De Hertogh, W. (2015). Diagnostic Value of Clinical Cervical Spine Tests in Patients With Cervicogenic Somatic Tinnitus. Phys Ther.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26045606

Michiels, S., Van de Heyning, P., Truijen, S., Hallemans, A., De Hertogh, W. (2016). Does multi-modal cervical physical therapy improve tinnitus in patients with cervicogenic somatic tinnitus? Man Ther.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27592038

Michiels, S., Van de Heyning, P., Truijen, S., Hallemans, A., De Hertogh, W. (2017). Prognostic indicators for decrease in tinnitus severity after cervical physical therapy in patients with cervicogenic somatic tinnitus. Musculoskelet Sci Pract. 
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28286241

Oostendorp, R.A., Bakker, I., ... Samwel, H. (2016). Cervicogenic somatosensory tinnitus: An indication for manual therapy? Part 1: Theoretical concept. Man Ther.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26749460

Oostendorp, R.A., Bakker, I., ... Samwel, H. (2016). Cervicogenic somatosensory tinnitus: An indication for manual therapy plus education? Part 2: A pilot study. Man Ther.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26971019