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 list of research papers currently being discussed as being important in oncology massage therapy, and also massage therapy generally.
- Alves, M., de Agrela Gonçalves Jardim, M.H. and Gomes, B.P. (2017) Effect of Massage Therapy in Cancer Patients. International Journal of Clinical Medicine, 8, 111-121. http://file.scirp.org/pdf/IJCM_2017022314535877.pdf Conclusion: This systematic review of literature from 1990-2015 finds that some effects of massage therapy are confirmed; pain relief, improved well-being, decreased anxiety, depression, and nausea. More consistent methods are needed for studies to be more conclusive.
- Collinge, W., MacDonald, G., and Walton, T. (2012). Massage in supportive cancer care. Seminars in Oncology Nursing, 28, 45-54. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22281309 Conclusion: This systematic review suggests that massage “remains one of the most popular and comforting forms of supportive care in cancer” and ” There is now significant recognition of the potential contributions of massage in supportive care, as well as a greater understanding of the modifications needed in offering massage to cancer patients.
- Corbin, L. (2005). Safety and efficacy of massage therapy for patients with cancer. Cancer Control: Journal of the Moffitt Cancer Center, 12, 158-164. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16062163 Conclusion: This systematic review suggests that massage therapy can safely be used with people with cancer, but massage therapists need to be qualified to adapt massage. It also suggests that the strongest evidence supports improvement of stress and anxiety.
- Lee, S.H., Kim, J. Y., Yeo, S., Kim, S.H., Lim, S. (2015). Meta-analysis of massage therapy on cancer pain. Integrative Cancer Therapies, 14, 297-304. Conclusion: This meta-analysis concludes that “massage therapy significantly reduced cancer pain compared with no massage treatment or conventional care” and “Massage is effective for the relief of cancer pain.”
- Myers, C., Walton, T., and Small, B.(2008). The value of massage therapy in cancer care. Hematology/Oncology Clinics of North America, 22, 649-660. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18638693 Conclusion: Data supports the view that modified massage could benefit patients with anxiety, pain, and other symptoms. Larger studies with more rigorous design is needed.