Research: Effectiveness of Massage for Sub-Acute Low-Back Pain

Another great piece showing the benefits of comprehensive massage for low-back pain. As I've mentioned before, most of my clients complain about back pain, and many of them complain about their lower back.  Excellent study with 4 control groups.

(Get access to the full study at http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10906914)

CMAJ. 2000 Jun 27;162(13):1815-20.

Effectiveness of massage therapy for subacute low-back pain: a randomized controlled trial.

Preyde M., Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Ont. preyde.shafir@sympatico.ca

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The effectiveness of massage therapy for low-back pain has not been documented. This randomized controlled trial compared comprehensive massage therapy (soft-tissue manipulation, remedial exercise and posture education), 2 components of massage therapy and placebo in the treatment of subacute (between 1 week and 8 months) low-back pain.

METHODS: Subjects with subacute low-back pain were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 groups: comprehensive massage therapy (n = 25), soft-tissue manipulation only (n = 25), remedial exercise with posture education only (n = 22) or a placebo of sham laser therapy (n = 26). Each subject received 6 treatments within approximately 1 month. Outcome measures obtained at baseline, after treatment and at 1-month follow-up consisted of the Roland Disability Questionnaire (RDQ), the McGill Pain Questionnaire (PPI and PRI), the State Anxiety Index and the Modified Schober test (lumbar range of motion).

RESULTS: Of the 107 subjects who passed screening, 98 (92%) completed post-treatment tests and 91 (85%) completed follow-up tests. Statistically significant differences were noted after treatment and at follow-up. The comprehensive massage therapy group had improved function (mean RDQ score 1.54 v. 2.86-6.5, p < 0.001), less intense pain (mean PPI score 0.42 v. 1.18-1.75, p < 0.001) and a decrease in the quality of pain (mean PRI score 2.29 v. 4.55-7.71, p = 0.006) compared with the other 3 groups. Clinical significance was evident for the comprehensive massage therapy group and the soft-tissue manipulation group on the measure of function. At 1-month follow-up 63% of subjects in the comprehensive massage therapy group reported no pain as compared with 27% of the soft-tissue manipulation group, 14% of the remedial exercise group and 0% of the sham laser therapy group.

INTERPRETATION: Patients with subacute low-back pain were shown to benefit from massage therapy, as regulated by the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario and delivered by experienced massage therapists.

Research: Back Pain & Massage

99% of my clients complain of back pain, either lower or upper. It's not surprising: our back forms the structural center of our body. No wonder people need their backs massaged.


I recently read a study referenced on The Touch Research Institute website.  The study showed massage's efficacy in reducing back pain:

Massage therapy was compared to relaxation for chronic low back pain. By the end of the study, the massage therapy group, as compared to the relaxation group, reported less pain, depression and anxiety and improved sleep. They also showed improved trunk and pain flexion performance, and their serotonin and dopamine levels were higher.  (Hernandez-Reif, M., Field, T., Krasnegor, J., & Theakston, H. (2001). Lower back pain is reduced and range of motion increased after massage therapy. International Journal of Neuroscience, 106, 131-145.)

Of course, we probably didn't need this study to tell us that massaging the back feels good.  But it's good to know for sure that it truly helps!

Benefits of Massage

I've discovered a great site for men looking for information and products for the good things in life (grooming, massage, etc.), and this blog posting is about the benefits of massage. Thanks, Carolyn, for supporting the cause!

The Benefits of Massage – Not Just an Indulgence
I just read an article in Men’s Health Magazine that spoke in very clear terms about the benefits of massage. They cited the normal things you would think of like neck pain, lower back pain, high blood pressure and stress. But they also talked about things you wouldn’t necessarily think of like athletic performance, depression and constipation. Read the rest here.

http://sensualsideofmen.com