Massage Research

What does research show about massage? Massage research conducted by the Touch Research Institute (TRI), which is associated with the University of Miami School of Medicine, has resulted in more than 50 published studies. Tiffany Field, founder of TRI has written a book about massage research.

One landmark massage therapy research study, published in 1986, showed that premature babies who received massage gained 47% more weight, became more responsive, and were discharged from the hospital six days earlier at a cost savings of $10,000 per infant. Eight months later the massaged infants were still showing an advantage on weight and mental and motor development.

TRI has done many research studies on how massage affects children with various medical conditions, including asthma, diabetes, cystic fibrosis, attention deficit disorder, and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. All the studies have shown positive results.

Here are a few adult massage research study results:

Chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia: Massage recipients showed improved sleep patterns, decreased pain and depression, and reduced levels of anxiety and cortisol stress hormones.

Migraine Headaches: Massage therapy decreased the occurrence of headaches, sleep disturbances, and distress symptoms.

Multiple Sclerosis: Massage therapy decreased anxiety and depression, and improved self-esteem, body image, and social functioning.

HIV Positive Adults: Massage therapy significantly reduced anxiety, stress, and cortisol levels. Natural killer cells and natural killer cell activity increased, suggesting positive effects on the immune system.

Premenstrual Symptoms: Massage improved mood, lessened anxiety, and decreased pain and water retention symptoms.

Pregnancy: Massage during pregnancy resulted in decreased anxiety and stress hormones and fewer obstetric and postnatal complications, including lower prematurity rates.

Job Performance/Stress: Massaged subjects showed decreased EEG alpha and beta waves and increased delta activity consistent with enhanced alertness. They also completed math problems in about half the time with approximately 50% fewer errors after the massage. Their anxiety and job stress levels were lower at the end of the one-month massage period.

It’s important to remember that you don’t get these results from one massage. Consistent, regular massage is necessary.

Note: It is always important to discuss any medical condition with your massage therapist. Occasionally, massage is not recommended for certain medical conditions.

Massage Research about Lower Back Pain

The results of this massage research study showed a decrease in stress and long-term pain plus less pain directly after the session, fewer depressive symptoms, better sleep, improved range of motion, and an increase in serotonin and catecholamine dopamine biochemical levels.

Touch Research Institute, reported in International Journal of Neuroscience, 2001, Vol. 106, pp. 131-145.

Researchers compared the effects of acupuncture, massage, and self-care education on chronic low back pain on 262 adults. Massage was found to be the most helpful therapy at the end of the 10-week treatment period. After one year, the massage group still reported the greatest benefit.

Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound Center for Health Studies, published in Archives of Internal Medicine, 4/23/2001, Vol. 161, No.8.

The results of this research study showed massage improves function, reduces pain and anxiety associated with subacute low back pain.

College of Massage Therapists of Ontario, published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, 2000, Vol. 162, pp. 1815-1820.

The Massage Therapy Foundation advances the knowledge and practice of massage therapy by supporting scientific research, education, and community service.