Along with herbal treatment, touch-based therapy is undoubtedly one of the most ancient forms of medical care. We instinctively stroke and rub areas of our body that hurt; massage therapy develops this instinct into a professional treatment. There is no doubt that massage relieves pain and induces relaxation at least temporarily; besides that, it feels good!
Although the evidence is far from complete, it does appear that massage may offer benefits for low back pain.3 However, these benefits may last for only a short amount of time.
There are many theories about how massage might work. Little doubt exists that massage temporarily increases blood circulation in the massaged area, but it is not clear whether or not this makes any lasting difference. Some massage therapists and massage therapy schools promote the notion that massage breaks up calcium deposits in the muscle, but there is no objective substantiation for this claim. A completely different explanation is that massage promotes healing in a more general way, by reducing stress and inducing relaxation. Massage also satisfies the basic human need to be touched.
Regardless, if receiving massage therapy helps to mitigate some of the symptoms of low back pain and sciatica, it can be an extremely useful treatment for these conditions.
One study compared massage to fake laser therapy in 107 people with low-back pain. The results indicate that massage is more effective than fake laser therapy for relieving low back pain, and that massage therapy combined with exercise and posture training is even more effective.4
Another study compared acupuncture, massage, and self-care education in 262 people with persistent back pain.5 By the end of the 10-week treatment period, massage had shown itself more effective than self-care (or acupuncture). However, at a 1-year follow-up, there was no difference in symptoms between the massage group and the self-care group.
In another study, acupressure-style massage was more effective than Swedish massage for the treatment of low back pain.6
In a review of 13 randomized trials, researchers concluded that massage may be effective for nonspecific low back pain, and the beneficial effects can last for up to 1 year in patients suffering from chronic pain.48 They also noted that exercise and education appear to enhance the effectiveness of massage.
In a review of 13 randomized trials, researchers concluded that massage may be effective for nonspecific low back pain, and the beneficial effects can last for up to 1 year in patients suffering from chronic pain.77 They also noted that exercise and education appear to enhance the effectiveness of massage. See the article on Massage for more details.
Although the evidence is far from complete, it does appear that massage may offer benefits for low back pain.3 However, these benefits may last for only a short amount of time.
One study compared massage to fake laser therapy in 107 people with low-back pain. The results indicate that massage is more effective than fake laser therapy for relieving low back pain, and that massage therapy combined with exercise and posture training is even more effective.4
Another study compared acupuncture, massage, and self-care education in 262 people with persistent back pain.5 By the end of the 10-week treatment period, massage had shown itself more effective than self-care (or acupuncture). However, at a 1-year follow-up, there was no difference in symptoms between the massage group and the self-care group.
In another study, acupressure-style massage was more effective than Swedish massage for the treatment of low back pain.6
In a review of 13 randomized trials, researchers concluded that massage may be effective for nonspecific low back pain, and the beneficial effects can last for up to 1 year in patients suffering from chronic pain.48 They also noted that exercise and education appear to enhance the effectiveness of massage.
There are many theories about how massage might work. Little doubt exists that massage temporarily increases blood circulation in the massaged area, but it is not clear whether or not this makes any lasting difference. Some massage therapists and massage therapy schools promote the notion that massage breaks up calcium deposits in the muscle, but there is no objective substantiation for this claim. A completely different explanation is that massage promotes healing in a more general way, by reducing stress and inducing relaxation. Massage also satisfies the basic human need to be touched.
Regardless, if receiving massage therapy helps to mitigate some of the symptoms of low back pain and sciatica, it can be an extremely useful treatment for these conditions.
Although the evidence is far from complete, it does appear that massage may offer benefits for low back pain.3 However, these benefits may last for only a short amount of time.
There are many theories about how massage might work. Little doubt exists that massage temporarily increases blood circulation in the massaged area, but it is not clear whether or not this makes any lasting difference. Some massage therapists and massage therapy schools promote the notion that massage breaks up calcium deposits in the muscle, but there is no objective substantiation for this claim. A completely different explanation is that massage promotes healing in a more general way, by reducing stress and inducing relaxation. Massage also satisfies the basic human need to be touched.
Regardless, if receiving massage therapy helps to mitigate some of the symptoms of low back pain and sciatica, it can be an extremely useful treatment for these conditions.
One study compared massage to fake laser therapy in 107 people with low-back pain. The results indicate that massage is more effective than fake laser therapy for relieving low back pain, and that massage therapy combined with exercise and posture training is even more effective.4
Another study compared acupuncture, massage, and self-care education in 262 people with persistent back pain.5 By the end of the 10-week treatment period, massage had shown itself more effective than self-care (or acupuncture). However, at a 1-year follow-up, there was no difference in symptoms between the massage group and the self-care group.
In another study, acupressure-style massage was more effective than Swedish massage for the treatment of low back pain.6
In a review of 13 randomized trials, researchers concluded that massage may be effective for nonspecific low back pain, and the beneficial effects can last for up to 1 year in patients suffering from chronic pain.48 They also noted that exercise and education appear to enhance the effectiveness of massage.
In a review of 13 randomized trials, researchers concluded that massage may be effective for nonspecific low back pain, and the beneficial effects can last for up to 1 year in patients suffering from chronic pain.77 They also noted that exercise and education appear to enhance the effectiveness of massage. See the article on Massage for more details.
Although the evidence is far from complete, it does appear that massage may offer benefits for low back pain.3 However, these benefits may last for only a short amount of time.
There are many theories about how massage might work. Little doubt exists that massage temporarily increases blood circulation in the massaged area, but it is not clear whether or not this makes any lasting difference. Some massage therapists and massage therapy schools promote the notion that massage breaks up calcium deposits in the muscle, but there is no objective substantiation for this claim. A completely different explanation is that massage promotes healing in a more general way, by reducing stress and inducing relaxation. Massage also satisfies the basic human need to be touched.
Regardless, if receiving massage therapy helps to mitigate some of the symptoms of low back pain and sciatica, it can be an extremely useful treatment for these conditions.
Massage has been used for centuries to help relax the body and (subsequently) the mind. Because anxiety symptoms often exhibit a chicken-and-the-egg scenario where the body and the mind are both tense and aggravating one another, massage can help to relax both body and mind. (Massage is often done with essential oils - check out the article on [panic disorder and aromatherapy][2].)
There is evidence that massage (either alone or combined with aromatherapy) can be helpful in treating the anxiety that is present in people with panic disorder.11,37
In one specific study, a randomized trial involving 68 patients with generalized anxiety disorder, ten sessions of therapeutic massage, thermotherapy (application of heat), or relaxation were all found to be beneficial at reducing anxiety, though none was superior to the others.67
Massage has been used for centuries to help relax the body and (subsequently) the mind. Because anxiety symptoms often exhibit a chicken-and-the-egg scenario where the body and the mind are both tense and aggravating one another, massage can help to relax both body and mind. (Massage is often done with essential oils - check out the article on panic disorder and aromatherapy.)
There is evidence that massage (either alone or combined with aromatherapy) can be helpful in treating the anxiety that is present in people with panic disorder.11,37
In one specific study, a randomized trial involving 68 patients with generalized anxiety disorder, ten sessions of therapeutic massage, thermotherapy (application of heat), or relaxation were all found to be beneficial at reducing anxiety, though none was superior to the others.67
Massage has been used for centuries to help relax the body and (subsequently) the mind. Because anxiety symptoms often exhibit a chicken-and-the-egg scenario where the body and the mind are both tense and aggravating one another, massage can help to relax both body and mind. (Massage is often done with essential oils - check out the article on panic disorder and aromatherapy.)
Massage refers to the manipulation of bodily muscles, tendons, connective tissue, ligaments, and even organs to help promote health often primarily through relaxation.
It is documented that ancient civilizations have used massage for centuries and it is still used in modern day times the world over. Though there are hundreds of types of massage, some of the most common include Acupressure, Ayurvedic, deep tissue, Esalen, medical, reflexology, Shiatsu, stone, Swedish, Thai, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Trigger Point and Visceral.
Massage has been used for centuries to help relax the body and (subsequently) the mind. Because anxiety symptoms often exhibit a chicken-and-the-egg scenario where the body and the mind are both tense and aggravating one another, massage can help to relax both body and mind. (Massage is often done with essential oils - check out the article on [panic disorder and aromatherapy][1].s )
Massage has been used for centuries to help relax the body and (subsequently) the mind. Because anxiety symptoms often exhibit a chicken-and-the-egg scenario where the body and the mind are both tense and aggravating one another, massage can help to relax both body and mind. (Massage is often done with essential oils - check out the article on panic disorder and aromatherapy.)
Massage has been used for centuries to help relax the body and (subsequently) the mind. Because anxiety symptoms often exhibit a chicken-and-the-egg scenario where the body and the mind are both tense and aggravating one another, massage can help to relax both body and mind. (Massage is often done with essential oils - check out the article on generalized anxiety disorder and aromatherapy.)
Massage refers to the manipulation of bodily muscles, tendons, connective tissue, ligaments, and even organs to help promote health often primarily through relaxation.
It is documented that ancient civilizations have used massage for centuries and it is still used in modern day times the world over. Though there are hundreds of types of massage, some of the most common include Acupressure, Ayurvedic, deep tissue, Esalen, medical, reflexology, Shiatsu, stone, Swedish, Thai, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Trigger Point and Visceral.
Several studies indicate that massage combined with aromatherapy may be helpful for relieving anxiety.36
One study evaluated this combination therapy for treating anxiety and/or depression in people undergoing treatment for cancer.40 The treatment did appear to provide some short-term benefits.
In a 2008 review of 27 studies, for example, researchers concluded that relaxation therapies (including Jacobson's progressive relaxation, autogenic training, applied relaxation, and meditation) were effective against anxiety. (Although, not all of the studies were randomized, controlled trials.)66
In a randomized trial involving 68 patients with generalized anxiety disorder, ten sessions of therapeutic massage, thermotherapy (application of heat), or relaxation were all found to be beneficial at reducing anxiety, though none was superior to the others.67
Pretty much any time I am working to treat my back pain (which usually includes me seeing an acupuncturist and doing some psychotherapy), I occasionally get a massage as well. I especially find massage to be helpful when I go to a practitioner who practices some-sort of holistic massage... what I mean by that is someone who uses their massage skills to redirect energy, actually loosen my muscles, and can talk with me about how to stretch and self-massage to help my pain. Going to just any CMT doesn't always help - having someone rub on your back can be great, but only those who have a real sense of the body and how to help it can really help treat the cause of the pain...at least that's my opinion.
Pretty much any time I am working to treat my back pain (which usually includes me seeing an acupuncturist and doing some psychotherapy), I occasionally get a massage as well. I especially find...
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