From the Guidelines
Massage therapy falls under complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) as well as integrative healthcare practices. It is a form of manual therapy that involves manipulating soft tissues of the body including muscles, connective tissues, tendons, ligaments, and skin. Massage therapy is regulated as a healthcare profession in many jurisdictions, requiring practitioners to complete formal education and obtain licensure or certification. The practice encompasses various techniques such as Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, sports massage, trigger point therapy, and myofascial release. These techniques work by improving circulation, reducing muscle tension, promoting relaxation, and stimulating the body's natural healing processes. Massage therapy is often used to address conditions like chronic pain, stress, anxiety, sports injuries, and musculoskeletal disorders. While it can be used as a standalone treatment, massage therapy is frequently incorporated into broader treatment plans alongside conventional medical care, physical therapy, and other health interventions.
Key Points
- Massage therapy is a non-invasive therapy with limited adverse effects, as noted in a study published in Ca-A Cancer Journal for Clinicians 1.
- The practice of massage therapy requires trained professionals, and its effects on anxiety and depression have been studied in various populations, including breast cancer patients 1.
- A systematic review and meta-analysis published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that the strength of evidence for massage therapy in reducing anxiety symptoms in patients with cancer was rated as very low 1.
- Another study published in Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases found that massage was not associated with a significant improvement in pain in patients with fibromyalgia 1.
- Despite the limited evidence, massage therapy is suggested as part of a multi-modality cancer supportive care program for patients with lung cancer whose anxiety or pain is not adequately controlled by usual care, as recommended by the American College of Chest Physicians 1.
Recommendations
- Massage therapy should be considered as a complementary therapy for patients with cancer, particularly those experiencing anxiety or pain, under the guidance of a trained professional 1.
- Patients should be informed about the potential benefits and limitations of massage therapy, as well as the importance of working with a licensed and experienced massage therapist 1.
- Further research is needed to fully understand the effects of massage therapy on anxiety, depression, and pain in patients with cancer, as noted in a study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology 1.
From the Research
Classification of Massage Therapy
- Massage therapy can be classified as a form of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) [ 2 ]
- It is often used as a self-management strategy for musculoskeletal pain and chronic conditions [ 3 ]
- Massage therapy can also be used as a stand-alone treatment or in conjunction with other therapies, such as physiotherapy [ 4 ]
Applications of Massage Therapy
- Massage therapy is commonly used to treat various types of pain, including:
- Massage therapy has also been used to improve function and reduce symptoms in people with musculoskeletal disorders [ 4 ]
Evidence for Massage Therapy
- There is low-to-moderate-level evidence that massage therapy reduces pain and improves function in people with musculoskeletal disorders [ 4 ]
- High-quality systematic reviews have concluded that there is low strength of evidence for the benefits of massage therapy for various pain indications [ 5, 6 ]
- Further research is needed to fully understand the effects of massage therapy and to identify the most effective types and durations of massage for specific conditions [ 3, 5, 6 ]