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Massage Therapy: What Research Tells Us

The origin of massage stretches far back into history. Early civilizations had their own traditions and beliefs pertaining to massage, and even up until today, it is viewed as one of the safest, most natural and least harmful way to treat certain body conditions. Therapeutic massage may have evolved through time with the introduction of other complementary massage types, such as Swedish and Thai, but its effect on our bodies remains to be further explored for scientific and research use.

This article shall, therefore, discuss the special conditions for which massage therapy can be used. It is a compilation of academic research studies that may strongly prove the effectiveness of massage.

Stress and Anxiety

Stress is a mental state that occurs under unfavorable circumstances. A sudden change in mood, attitude, and, perhaps, drowning yourself in cigarettes and alcohol are just some of the general signals in this kind of state. In 1996, Field et. al explored the effects of massage therapy as a workplace intervention. The results showed positive effects in reducing the blood pressure readings of patients, thus promoting relaxation. Another experiment in 2000 by Zeitlin et. al was completed using nine medically fit students as subjects. This study also sought to understand the effects of massage, as well. The preliminary findings in battling stress and anxiety were deemed to be significant, thus recommending the topic be studied further.

Arthritis

A study in 2013 by Arthritis Research UK suggests that rheumatoid arthritis is a condition that could benefit from massage therapy. This is good news, particularly for older adults who are more prone to experience arthritis due to age-related conditions. The results showed that with the right massage program, yoga and self-massage applications, pain and stress brought about by arthritis can be reduced significantly.

Pain Management

Elderly individuals often complain of muscle pain, back pain and even neck numbness. While these may be symptoms of other underlying causes, pain is common, particularly at an advanced age, due to less mobilization and flexibility. Griffith was able to publish a website article showing the positive effects of massage in relieving pain for those who suffered chronic low back pain, were in the process cancer recovery, experienced tension headaches or were recovering from multiple incisions.

Coping with Sedentary Lifestyle

Too much sitting in the workplace contributes to a sedentary lifestyle. That’s why people exposed to clerical work are more prone to suffer pain, stress and anxiety. Deep tissue massage therapy is found to be a solution for soreness caused by lactic acid build-up and muscular imbalance. The benefits gained from massage can truly help people whose jobs require them to spend a great deal of time sitting down.

Autism

Autism is a special in-born condition affecting the nervous system of a child. Though the cause of this special condition is still not well-established, professionals have begun putting greater emphasis on managing it. Inn 2005, Whitely was able to prove massage therapy as an innovative treatment for parents to promote a safe, nurturing touch to their children who suffered from autism.