Effect Of Massage Manual Therapy And Kinesiotaping Towards The Reduction Of Swelling, Pain, And Improvement Of Motor Function In Ankle Injury

Abstract

Background

Ankle injuries are common among athletes and physically active individuals, often resulting in swelling, pain, and limited motor function. Effective rehabilitation strategies are essential to accelerate recovery and restore functional performance. Manual massage therapy and kinesiotaping (KT) are widely applied therapeutic techniques believed to support healing and improve outcomes in musculoskeletal injuries.

Objectives

This study aims to investigate the effect of manual massage therapy combined with kinesiotaping on swelling reduction, pain relief, and motor function improvement in patients with ankle injuries at Bengkel Terapi Masase Cedera Olahraga Mafaza.

Methods

This research used a pre-experimental one-group pretest–posttest design. A purposive sample of 16 participants was selected from a population of 46 individuals with ankle injuries. The intervention consisted of 20 minutes of manual massage therapy combined with kinesiotaping. Swelling was measured using a tape measure, pain intensity was assessed using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and motor function was evaluated with the Foot and Ankle Disability Index (FADI). Measurements were conducted before and after therapy. Data analysis employed a paired t-test to determine differences between pretest and posttest results.

Results

The intervention significantly reduced swelling, pain, and improved joint function, with all outcomes showing a p-value < 0.001.

Conclusion

Manual massage therapy combined with kinesiotaping is effective in reducing swelling, alleviating pain, and enhancing motor function in individuals with ankle injuries, and may be recommended as part of rehabilitation management.