Phlebologie 2014; 43(02): 78-83
DOI: 10.12687/phleb2167-2-2014
Original article
Schattauer GmbH

Efficacy of a massage roller combined with cooling lotion in the prevention of calf muscle cramps

Article in several languages: English | deutsch
F.-P. Schmidt
1   Hämostaseologicum MVZ Berlin, Germany
,
K. Körber
1   Hämostaseologicum MVZ Berlin, Germany
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Received: 21 August 2013

Accepted: 15 January 2014

Publication Date:
04 January 2018 (online)

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Summary

This open-label, post-marketing surveillance study examined 208 patients over 4 weeks to establish whether combination of a massage roller and calf massage lotion can reduce the number of calf muscle and foot cramps. As prevention, the massage roller was rolled over the affected muscles for at least 5 minutes daily, starting at the big toe and progressing to the groin, using moderate to medium pressure. Marked improvement was reported in 151 patients in whom the frequency of calf muscle cramps either fell by more than half or in whom no further calf muscle cramps occurred. Cramp duration was also reduced when the massage roller was used to treat an acute calf muscle cramp. The frequency and intensity were documented in a questionnaire. Pregnant women, younger patients, patients with venous disease, men of all ages and middle-aged women benefited most from using the massage roller.