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Complementary Therapies in Clinical... Aug 2016In this review, massage therapy has been shown to have beneficial effects on varying conditions including prenatal depression, preterm infants, full-term infants,... (Review)
Review
In this review, massage therapy has been shown to have beneficial effects on varying conditions including prenatal depression, preterm infants, full-term infants, autism, skin conditions, pain syndromes including arthritis and fibromyalgia, hypertension, autoimmune conditions including asthma and multiple sclerosis, immune conditions including HIV and breast cancer and aging problems including Parkinson's and dementia. Although many of the studies have involved comparisons between massage therapy and standard treatment control groups, several have compared different forms of massage (e.g. Swedish versus Thai massage), and different active therapies such as massage versus exercise. Typically, the massage therapy groups have experienced more positive effects than the control or comparison groups. This may relate to the massage therapy providing more stimulation of pressure receptors, in turn enhancing vagal activity and reducing cortisol levels. Some of the researchers have assessed physical, physiological and biochemical effects, although most have relied exclusively on self-report measures. Despite these methodological problems and the dearth of research from the U.S., the massage therapy profession has grown significantly and massage therapy is increasingly practiced in traditional medical settings, highlighting the need for more rigorous research.
Topics: Humans; Massage; Outcome Assessment, Health Care
PubMed: 27502797
DOI: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2016.04.005 -
Complementary Therapies in Clinical... Nov 2014Moderate pressure massage has contributed to many positive effects including increased weight gain in preterm infants, reduced pain in different syndromes including... (Review)
Review
Moderate pressure massage has contributed to many positive effects including increased weight gain in preterm infants, reduced pain in different syndromes including fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis, enhanced attentiveness, reduced depression and enhanced immune function (increased natural killer cells and natural killer cell activity).Surprisingly, these recent studies have not been reviewed, highlighting the need for the current review. When moderate and light pressure massage have been compared in laboratory studies, moderate pressure massage reduced depression, anxiety and heart rate, and it altered EEG patterns, as in a relaxation response. Moderate pressure massage has also led to increased vagal activity and decreased cortisol levels. Functional magnetic resonance imaging data have suggested that moderate pressure massage was represented in several brain regions including the amygdala, the hypothalamus and the anterior cingulate cortex, all areas involved in stress and emotion regulation. Further research is needed to identify underlying neurophysiological and biochemical mechanisms associated with moderate pressure massage.
Topics: Adult; Attention; Child; Electroencephalography; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Premature; Massage; Pain Management
PubMed: 25172313
DOI: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2014.07.002 -
Integrative Cancer Therapies Jul 2015Cancer pain is the most common complaint among patients with cancer. Conventional treatment does not always relieve cancer pain satisfactorily. Therefore, many patients... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Cancer pain is the most common complaint among patients with cancer. Conventional treatment does not always relieve cancer pain satisfactorily. Therefore, many patients with cancer have turned to complementary therapies to help them with their physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Massage therapy is increasingly used for symptom relief in patients with cancer. The current study aimed to investigate by meta-analysis the effects of massage therapy for cancer patients experiencing pain. Nine electronic databases were systematically searched for studies published through August 2013 in English, Chinese, and Korean. Methodological quality was assessed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) and Cochrane risk-of-bias scales. Twelve studies, including 559 participants, were used in the meta-analysis. In 9 high-quality studies based on the PEDro scale (standardized mean difference, -1.24; 95% confidence interval, -1.72 to -0.75), we observed reduction in cancer pain after massage. Massage therapy significantly reduced cancer pain compared with no massage treatment or conventional care (standardized mean difference, -1.25; 95% confidence interval, -1.63 to -0.87). Our results indicate that massage is effective for the relief of cancer pain, especially for surgery-related pain. Among the various types of massage, foot reflexology appeared to be more effective than body or aroma massage. Our meta-analysis indicated a beneficial effect of massage for relief of cancer pain. Further well-designed, large studies with longer follow-up periods are needed to be able to draw firmer conclusions regarding the effectiveness.
Topics: Complementary Therapies; Humans; Massage; Neoplasms; Pain; Pain Management; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 25784669
DOI: 10.1177/1534735415572885 -
Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania) May 2019Manual massage therapy is a therapeutic option for the treatment of several pathological conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system. It has been pointed out that... (Review)
Review
Manual massage therapy is a therapeutic option for the treatment of several pathological conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system. It has been pointed out that massage might be beneficial for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients thanks to therapeutic effects primarily related to hyperemia (increased skin temperature and blood flow), and activation of the lymphatic system. The present study reports current evidence on the systemic effects of manual massage in patients with COPD. A scoping review was conducted on five major databases. The search went through all databases since their inception until December 2018. Seventy-eight citations were retrieved; after the selection process was completed, seven articles were considered eligible. In patients receiving manual massage, improvements were observed in Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 s, dyspnea perception, and in the 6-min walking test. To date, the use of manual massage in patients with COPD is not supported by substantial evidence in the literature: indeed, it is proposed as a therapeutic option in association with other interventions such as physical exercise.
Topics: Humans; Massage; Physical Therapy Modalities; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive; Quality of Life
PubMed: 31108862
DOI: 10.3390/medicina55050151 -
Journal of Physiotherapy Jul 2015Is massage therapy effective for people with musculoskeletal disorders compared to any other treatment or no treatment? (Review)
Review
QUESTION
Is massage therapy effective for people with musculoskeletal disorders compared to any other treatment or no treatment?
DESIGN
Systematic review of randomised clinical trials.
PARTICIPANTS
People with musculoskeletal disorders.
INTERVENTIONS
Massage therapy (manual manipulation of the soft tissues) as a stand-alone intervention.
OUTCOME
The primary outcomes were pain and function.
RESULTS
The 26 eligible randomised trials involved 2565 participants. The mean sample size was 95 participants (range 16 to 579) per study; 10 studies were considered to be at low risk of bias. Overall, low-to-moderate-level evidence indicated that massage reduces pain in the short term compared to no treatment in people with shoulder pain and osteoarthritis of the knee, but not in those with low back pain or neck pain. Furthermore, low-to-moderate-level evidence indicated that massage improves function in the short term compared to no treatment in people with low back pain, knee arthritis or shoulder pain. Low-to-very-low-level evidence from single studies indicated no clear benefits of massage over acupuncture, joint mobilisation, manipulation or relaxation therapy in people with fibromyalgia, low back pain and general musculoskeletal pain.
CONCLUSIONS
Massage therapy, as a stand-alone treatment, reduces pain and improves function compared to no treatment in some musculoskeletal conditions. When massage is compared to another active treatment, no clear benefit was evident.
Topics: Humans; Massage; Musculoskeletal Diseases; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 26093806
DOI: 10.1016/j.jphys.2015.05.018 -
Journal of Bodywork and Movement... Apr 2012Eighty-four prenatally depressed women were randomly assigned to yoga, massage therapy or standard prenatal care control groups to determine the relative effects of yoga... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
Eighty-four prenatally depressed women were randomly assigned to yoga, massage therapy or standard prenatal care control groups to determine the relative effects of yoga and massage therapy on prenatal depression and neonatal outcomes. Following 12 weeks of twice weekly yoga or massage therapy sessions (20 min each) both therapy groups versus the control group had a greater decrease on depression, anxiety and back and leg pain scales and a greater increase on a relationship scale. In addition, the yoga and massage therapy groups did not differ on neonatal outcomes including gestational age and birthweight, and those groups, in turn, had greater gestational age and birthweight than the control group.
Topics: Adult; Anxiety; Birth Weight; Depressive Disorder; Female; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Male; Massage; Pain; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Outcome; Premature Birth; Prenatal Care; Stress, Psychological; Surveys and Questionnaires; Yoga
PubMed: 22464118
DOI: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2011.08.002 -
Pain Medicine (Malden, Mass.) Jun 2017We hypothesized that participants receiving Swedish massage would experience benefits such as stress reduction and enhanced quality of life, in addition to the... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
OBJECTIVE
We hypothesized that participants receiving Swedish massage would experience benefits such as stress reduction and enhanced quality of life, in addition to the osteoarthritis-specific effects assessed in a randomized controlled clinical trial.
DESIGN
Qualitative methods were used to explore a deeper contextual understanding of participants' experiences with massage and osteoarthritis, in addition to the quantitative data collected from primary and secondary outcome measures of the dose-finding study.
SETTING
Two community hospitals affiliated with academic health centers in Connecticut and New Jersey.
SUBJECTS
Eighteen adults who previously participated in a dose-finding clinical trial of massage therapy for osteoarthritis of the knee.
METHODS
Face-to-face and telephone interviews using a standardized interview guide. Triangulation of qualitative and quantitative data allowed for a more thorough understanding of the effects of massage therapy.
RESULTS
Three salient themes emerged from our analysis. Participants discussed 1) relaxation effects, 2) improved quality of life associated with receiving massage therapy, and 3) the accessibility of massage therapy in treating osteoarthritis.
CONCLUSIONS
Participant responses noted empowerment with an improved ability to perform activities of daily living after experiencing massage therapy. The majority of statements were consistent with their quantitative changes on standard osteoarthritis measures. Future research in pain conditions should include health-related quality of life assessments as well as outcomes related to perceived well-being, along with greater exploration of the concept of salutogenic side effects of an intervention in the context of complementary and integrative therapies.
Topics: Activities of Daily Living; Aged; Female; Humans; Male; Massage; Middle Aged; Osteoarthritis, Knee; Pain Measurement; Qualitative Research; Quality of Life
PubMed: 27590465
DOI: 10.1093/pm/pnw217 -
Medicine Jul 2023To critically evaluate the effects of massage therapy on cancer pain. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
To critically evaluate the effects of massage therapy on cancer pain.
METHODS
Nine Chinese and English databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, SCOPUS, Web of Science core, China Biomedical Literature Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang, and VIP) were systematically searched from the inception of databases to November 2022 for randomized controlled trials. According to Cochrane Collaboration, 2 reviewers independently assessed the risk of bias and extracted data from the included studies. All analyses were performed with Review Manager 5.4.
RESULTS
Thirteen randomized controlled trials were included in the meta-analysis, containing 1000 patients (498 in the massage therapy group and 502 in the control group). Massage therapy could significantly relieve cancer pain in patients (standardized mean difference = -1.16, 95% confidence interval [-1.39, -0.93], P < .00001), especially those in the perioperative period and those with hematological malignancies. Foot reflexology and hand acupressure had a moderate effect on cancer pain relief, with hand acupressure being more effective. Massage duration of 10 to 30 minutes and a program length of ≥1 week had a better effect and could significantly relieve pain. The occurrence of adverse events was reported in 4 of the 13 studies, all of which were no adverse events.
CONCLUSIONS
Massage therapy can be used as a complementary alternative therapy to relieve cancer pain in patients with hematological malignancies, breast cancer, and cancers of the digestive system. It is suggested that chemotherapy patients use foot reflexology, and perioperative period patients use hand acupressure. A massage duration of 10 to 30 minutes and a program length of ≥1 week is recommended to achieve better effects.
Topics: Humans; Female; Cancer Pain; Massage; Complementary Therapies; Breast Neoplasms; Hematologic Neoplasms
PubMed: 37417622
DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000033939 -
The Medical Clinics of North America Jan 2002The author and other investigators have documented improvement in several medical and psychiatric conditions after massage therapy, including growth in preterm infants,... (Review)
Review
The author and other investigators have documented improvement in several medical and psychiatric conditions after massage therapy, including growth in preterm infants, depression and addictive problems, pain syndromes, and immune and autoimmune conditions. Although some potential underlying mechanisms have been explored for the massage therapy-improved clinical condition relationship, including decreased stress (and decreased cortisol), improved sleep patterns, and enhanced immune function, further research is needed in this area.
Topics: Adult; Autoimmune Diseases; Child; Depression; Female; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Male; Massage; Pain; Pain Management; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 11795087
DOI: 10.1016/s0025-7125(03)00078-6 -
Supportive Care in Cancer : Official... Jul 2023This study was designed to investigate the effectiveness and safety of massage therapy in cancer-related fatigue (CRF) and to provide a reference for the future... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
PURPOSE
This study was designed to investigate the effectiveness and safety of massage therapy in cancer-related fatigue (CRF) and to provide a reference for the future management of CRF.
METHODS
Eight databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, Sinomed, Chinese Scientific Journal database (VIP), Wanfang, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI)) were systematically reviewed from inception to May 2022 for randomized controlled trials. Two reviewers critically and independently assessed the risk of bias using Cochrane Collaboration criteria and extracted correlated data using the designed form. The meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3 to calculate the pooled effect sizes and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Sensitivity analysis was performed to find the source of the heterogeneity. Publication bias was assessed via funnel plot analysis and the Egger test.
RESULT
A total of 11 qualified studies that included 789 patients (massage therapy group: 389; control group: 400) were included in the meta-analysis. Massage therapy had a marked effect on fatigue in cancer patients [standardized mean difference (SMD) = - 1.69, 95% CI (- 2.46, - 0.93), P < 0.01], especially in breast cancer [SMD = - 1.62, 95% CI (- 2.18, - 1.05), P < 0.01]. Reflexology [SMD = - 2.71, 95% CI (- 4.65, - 0.77), P < 0.01] and Chinese massage [SMD = - 1.14, 95% CI (- 1.95, - 0.33), P < 0.01] can have a more significant effect on fatigue. Massage time is 20 to 40 min [SMD = - 2.39, 95% CI (- 4.13, - 0.66), P < 0.01], twice a week [SMD = - 3.46, 95% CI (- 5.47, - 1.45), P < 0.01] for 3-5 weeks [SMD = - 2.36, 95% CI (- 3.53, - 1.19), P < 0.01], which is more effective in relieving fatigue in cancer patients. Five studies described the occurrence of adverse events and only two studies had adverse events.
CONCLUSION
Massage therapy can be effective in relieving fatigue in cancer patients. Current evidence suggests that reflexology is the most effective approach to relieve fatigue, particularly in the breast cancer patients. The optimal intervention frequency and cycle for massage therapy is twice a week for 3-5 weeks, and the optimal duration is 20-40 min.
Topics: Humans; Female; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Breast Neoplasms; Mind-Body Therapies; Fatigue; Massage
PubMed: 37452895
DOI: 10.1007/s00520-023-07926-w