Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/1128556
Ta k e 5 a n d t r y t h e A B M P F i v e - M i n u t e M u s c l e s a t w w w. a b m p . c o m / f i v e - m i n u t e - m u s c l e s . 71 led to longer-lasting relief for the participants, 14 and a small systematic review found support for soft tissue mobilization to help patients with plantar fasciitis. 15 Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). A systematic review combining findings from dozens of studies found that massage therapy was helpful for CTS symptoms. 16 This supports similar conclusions of studies that found patients with CTS who received massage had significant decreases in symptom severity and improvements in strength and function of their hands and wrists— especially in comparison with other interventions. 17 Massage Benefits for People with Cancer Pain Relief, Less Anxiety, Better Sleep, and Much More We used to think that because many types of massage claim to boost circulation (this is not strongly supported by research, by the way), and because cancer uses the blood and lymphatic systems to spread (it does, but it is an extremely complicated and multifactorial process), then massage therapy must be dangerous for any and all cancer patients. Research has revealed that carefully applied, highly skilled massage therapy for people with cancer may offer many benefits, including: • Improved sleep, reduced fatigue 18 • Reduced stress, anxiety, and depression 19 • Less nausea and constipation 20 • Improved immune system function 21 • Improved quality of life 22 The benefits of massage therapy are so well demonstrated in the research that massage and manual lymphatic drainage are recommended in clinical practice guidelines, specifically for women in treatment for breast cancer. 23 Massage Benefits for People with Musculoskeletal Injuries Noninvasive Options, Long-Lasting Results Muscular aches and pains drive many clients to seek massage. Here is a synopsis of what the most current research says about this intervention: Muscle and tendon injuries. Muscle and tendon injuries are usually related to overuse. Research has revealed that when these injuries persist, traditional anti-inflammatories are not effective, and physicians are encouraged to explore noninvasive options before recommending surgical repair. Fortunately, these injuries often respond well to manual therapies. Studies of tendon injuries in a violinist 8 at the elbow, 9 Achilles tendon, 10 and knee 11 show that skilled massage therapy can be a helpful contributor to successful muscle and tendon recovery. Sprains. Sprains (torn ligaments) often respond well to massage therapy along with some movement therapy. Research has shown that stimulating nerves in the area of sprains can improve balance and stability, especially around the ankle. 12 Plantar fasciitis. Many physicians recommend massage therapy, especially to the muscles of the lower leg, as part of treatment for plantar fasciitis. 13 However, relatively little research has been done on this topic. One study compared massage and exercise to ultrasound and exercise, and found that massage