Massage Research and Resources
- Moyer, C.A., Rounds, J., & Hannum, J.W. (2004). A Meta-Analysis of Massage Therapy Research. Psychological Bulletin, 130(1), 3-18. https://the-intrepid-therapist.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/A-Meta-Analysis-of-Massage-Therapy-Research.pdf Conclusion: Massage therapy participants experienced a reduction in state anxiety in a single dose greater than 64% of comparison group participants, a reduction in blood pressure greater than 60% of comparison group participants, and reduction in heart rate for massage therapy participants was greater than 66% of comparison group participants. With multiple-dose effects, massage participants after a course of treatment experienced lowered pain, lower than 62% of comparison group participants. The average participant experienced a reduction in trait anxiety greater than 77% of comparison group participants, and a reduction depression greater than 73% of comparison group participants.
- https://www.tracywalton.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/5-Myths-and-Truths-about-Massage-Therapy_final-with-Page-Numers.pdf This is an e-book that discusses the difference between clinical and mechanical outcomes, and how several myths about massage that are mechanical in nature are not supported by research. It also lists several truths that are, and discusses how clients seek clinical outcomes. It also explains levels of scientific evidence in research.
- https://www.painscience.com/ A brilliant resource for not only pain, but for theory and myth. All of Paul Ingraham’s writing is backed in the articles by credible research.
- https://www.larsavemarie.com/ Lars Avemarie is a master of explanation and research.
- https://www.sandiegopainsummit.com/san-diego-conference This conference represents the best and latest in pain research and modern theory. For a flat rate you can join and watch all of the lectures, past and present, forever.
- International Massage Therapy Research Conference 2019, a free AMTA online course for members and non-members with video presentations by Robert D Kerns, PhD, Eric Schoomaker, Md, PhD, Lieutenant General, U.S. Army (RET) and Heather Tick, MD. This explores the opioid epidemic, including VA directional research exploring alternative therapies for pain, including massage therapy. https://my.amtamassage.org/courses/detail/120/imtrc-addressing-the-opioid-epidemic-with-massage-therapy?_ga=2.55759531.1471400518.1633959575-933459455.1633959574&_gac=1.83686500.1633959575.Cj0KCQjwwY-LBhD6ARIsACvT72NHziJI7VhOjmltDhdiYrpdfF28gpmKPH5EbGnndW8L8KY_CZ7vmwcaAjbaEALw_wcB
Oncology Massage Research
Current growing research suggests that providing compassionate, comforting, skilled touch to people with cancer can reduce anxiety, fatigue, nausea, pain, and depression. There are some promising clinical trials, and research evidence is moving toward a larger body of research supporting these effects. Below is a position statement from The Society for Oncology Massage, the professional organization for oncology massage therapy.