Systematic Reviews of Massage Therapy

/

A Summary of Current Systematic Reviews of Massage Therapy (October 2022)

Systematic reviews are used as part of an evidence-based model of care to help identify and evaluate existing research for a specific topic. Conducting a systematic review is a complex process. This specific type of research requires multiple research experts each with their own specialized background to collaborate and analyze all the existing research available for one specific topic.

Evaluating research involves ranking studies based on their methods. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials sit at the top of the pyramid, followed by randomized control trials and observational studies. Fundamental studies and case reports ​are ranked at the bottom.

First researchers will pick a topic - for example we could say, ‘the use of massage therapy for low back pain’. Then the researchers comb through research databases to find studies from around the world carried out on that specific topic. After the search is completed the articles are evaluated based on a predefined inclusion criteria. Then articles are separated by those that meet the predefined criteria and those that do not meet the predefined criteria.

The research articles that meet the predefined criteria are then individually screened for potential biases. There are several ways that biases sneak into research, for massage therapy one of the primary sources of bias is due to therapist and patient blinding (this is hard to control for). In addition to evaluating studies for potential biases, researchers are looking for potential harms, and treatment effect size. Essentially, does this treatment work, and how does it compare to a placebo/sham intervention?

Systematic Reviews of Massage Therapy

Twenty years ago, there was a limited number of systematic reviews of massage therapy, since 2005 there has been a steady increase in the quality and number of systematic reviews of massage therapy.

Graphical representation of the steady increase in number of systematic reviews.

Improvement in Quality & Quantity

Based on these systematic reviews massage therapy has a growing body of evidence supporting its effectiveness in reducing pain and improving health-related quality of life in a variety of health conditions and rehabilitation, including but not limited to:

Depending on the person’s needs and goals massage therapists are able to incorporate a number of rehabilitation strategies based on patient-specific assessment findings.

References and Sources

Angelopoulou, E., Anagnostouli, M., Chrousos, G. P., & Bougea, A. (2020). Massage therapy as a complementary treatment for Parkinson's disease: A Systematic Literature Review. Complementary therapies in medicine, 49, 102340. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2020.102340

Armstrong, M., Flemming, K., Kupeli, N., Stone, P., Wilkinson, S., & Candy, B. (2019). Aromatherapy, massage and reflexology: A systematic review and thematic synthesis of the perspectives from people with palliative care needs. Palliative medicine, 33(7), 757–769. https://doi.org/10.1177/0269216319846440

Asquini, G., Pitance, L., Michelotti, A., & Falla, D. (2022). Effectiveness of manual therapy applied to craniomandibular structures in temporomandibular disorders: A systematic review. Journal of oral rehabilitation, 49(4), 442–455. https://doi.org/10.1111/joor.13299

Atchison, K., Watt, J. A., Ewert, D., Toohey, A. M., Ismail, Z., & Goodarzi, Z. (2022). Non-pharmacologic and pharmacologic treatments for anxiety in long-term care: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Age and ageing, 51(9), afac195. https://doi.org/10.1093/ageing/afac195

Ault, P., Plaza, A., & Paratz, J. (2018). Scar massage for hypertrophic burns scarring-A systematic review. Burns: journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries, 44(1), 24–38. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.burns.2017.05.006

Brignardello-Petersen, R., Carrasco-Labra, A., & Guyatt, G. H. (2021). How to Interpret and Use a Clinical Practice Guideline or Recommendation: Users' Guides to the Medical Literature. JAMA, 326(15), 1516–1523. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2021.15319

Busse, J. W., Craigie, S., Juurlink, D. N., Buckley, D. N., Wang, L., Couban, R. J., ... Guyatt, G. H. (2017). Guideline for opioid therapy and chronic noncancer pain. CMAJ : Canadian Medical Association journal = journal de l'Association medicale canadienne, 189(18), E659–E666. https://doi.org/10.1503/cmaj.170363

Bussières, A., Cancelliere, C., Ammendolia, C., Comer, C. M., Zoubi, F. A., Châtillon, C. E., Chernish, G., Cox, J. M., Gliedt, J. A., Haskett, D., Jensen, R. K., Marchand, A. A., Tomkins-Lane, C., O'Shaughnessy, J., Passmore, S., Schneider, M. J., Shipka, P., Stewart, G., Stuber, K., Yee, A., … Ornelas, J. (2021). Non-Surgical Interventions for Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Leading To Neurogenic Claudication: A Clinical Practice Guideline. The journal of pain, 22(9), 1015–1039. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpain.2021.03.147

Castellini, G., Pillastrini, P., Vanti, C., Bargeri, S., Giagio, S., Bordignon, E., Fasciani, F., Marzioni, F., Innocenti, T., Chiarotto, A., Gianola, S., & Bertozzi, L. (2022). Some conservative interventions are more effective than others for people with chronic non-specific neck pain: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. Journal of physiotherapy, S1836-9553(22)00086-8. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jphys.2022.09.007

Chou, R., Deyo, R., Friedly, J., Skelly, A., Hashimoto, R., Weimer, M., Fu, R., Dana, T., Kraegel, P., Griffin, J., Grusing, S., & Brodt, E. D. (2017). Nonpharmacologic Therapies for Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review for an American College of Physicians Clinical Practice Guideline. Annals of internal medicine, 166(7), 493–505. https://doi.org/10.7326/M16-2459

Chou, R., Côté, P., Randhawa, K., Torres, P., Yu, H., Nordin, M., Hurwitz, E. L., Haldeman, S., & Cedraschi, C. (2018). The Global Spine Care Initiative: applying evidence-based guidelines on the non-invasive management of back and neck pain to low- and middle-income communities. European spine journal: official publication of the European Spine Society, the European Spinal Deformity Society, and the European Section of the Cervical Spine Research Society, 27(Suppl 6), 851–860. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-017-5433-8

Cibulka, M. T., Bloom, N. J., Enseki, K. R., Macdonald, C. W., Woehrle, J., & McDonough, C. M. (2017). Hip Pain and Mobility Deficits-Hip Osteoarthritis: Revision 2017. The Journal of orthopaedic and sports physical therapy, 47(6), A1–A37. https://doi.org/10.2519/jospt.2017.0301

Côté, P., Wong, J. J., Sutton, D., Shearer, H. M., Mior, S., Randhawa, K., … Salhany, R. (2016). Management of neck pain and associated disorders: A clinical practice guideline from the Ontario Protocol for Traffic Injury Management (OPTIMa) Collaboration. European spine journal: official publication of the European Spine Society, the European Spinal Deformity Society, and the European Section of the Cervical Spine Research Society, 25(7), 2000–2022. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-016-4467-7

Côté, P., Yu, H., Shearer, H. M., Randhawa, K., Wong, J. J., Mior, S., … Lacerte, M. (2019). Non-pharmacological management of persistent headaches associated with neck pain: A clinical practice guideline from the Ontario protocol for traffic injury management (OPTIMa) collaboration. European journal of pain (London, England), 23(6), 1051–1070. https://doi.org/10.1002/ejp.1374

Davis, H. L., Alabed, S., & Chico, T. (2020). Effect of sports massage on performance and recovery: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ open sport & exercise medicine, 6(1), e000614. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjsem-2019-000614

de Ruvo, R., Russo, G., Lena, F., Giovannico, G., Neville, C., Turolla, A., Torre, M., & Pellicciari, L. (2022). The Effect of Manual Therapy Plus Exercise in Patients with Lateral Ankle Sprains: A Critically Appraised Topic with a Meta-Analysis. Journal of clinical medicine, 11(16), 4925. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm11164925

Doosti-Irani, A., Nazemipour, M., & Mansournia, M. A. (2020). What are network meta-analyses (NMAs)? A primer with four tips for clinicians who read NMAs and who perform them (methods matter series). British journal of sports medicine, bjsports-2020-102872. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2020-102872

Dowell, D., Ragan, K. R., Jones, C. M., Baldwin, G. T., & Chou, R. (2022). CDC Clinical Practice Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Pain - United States, 2022. MMWR. Recommendations and reports : Morbidity and mortality weekly report. Recommendations and reports, 71(3), 1–95. https://doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.rr7103a1

Du, J., Yuan, Q., Wang, X. Y., Qian, J. H., An, J., Dai, Q., Yan, X. Y., Xu, B., Luo, J., & Wang, H. Z. (2022). Manual Therapy and Related Interventions for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Journal of integrative and complementary medicine, 10.1089/jicm.2022.0542. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1089/jicm.2022.0542

Dupuy, O., Douzi, W., Theurot, D., Bosquet, L., & Dugué, B. (2018). An Evidence-Based Approach for Choosing Post-exercise Recovery Techniques to Reduce Markers of Muscle Damage, Soreness, Fatigue, and Inflammation: A Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis. Frontiers in physiology, 9, 403. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2018.00403

Faltinsen, E. G., Storebø, O. J., Jakobsen, J. C., Boesen, K., Lange, T., & Gluud, C. (2018). Network meta-analysis: the highest level of medical evidence?. BMJ evidence-based medicine, 23(2), 56–59. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjebm-2017-110887

FitzGerald, C., & Hurst, S. (2017). Implicit bias in healthcare professionals: a systematic review. BMC medical ethics, 18(1), 19. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12910-017-0179-8

Fraser, J. J., Corbett, R., Donner, C., & Hertel, J. (2018). Does manual therapy improve pain and function in patients with plantar fasciitis? A systematic review. The Journal of manual & manipulative therapy, 26(2), 55–65. https://doi.org/10.1080/10669817.2017.1322736

Gaddi, D., Mosca, A., Piatti, M., Munegato, D., Catalano, M., Di Lorenzo, G., Turati, M., Zanchi, N., Piscitelli, D., Chui, K., Zatti, G., & Bigoni, M. (2022). Acute Ankle Sprain Management: An Umbrella Review of Systematic Reviews. Frontiers in medicine, 9, 868474. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmed.2022.868474

George, S. Z., Fritz, J. M., Silfies, S. P., Schneider, M. J., Beneciuk, J. M., Lentz, T. A., Gilliam, J. R., Hendren, S., & Norman, K. S. (2021). Interventions for the Management of Acute and Chronic Low Back Pain: Revision 2021. The Journal of orthopaedic and sports physical therapy, 51(11), CPG1–CPG60. https://doi.org/10.2519/jospt.2021.0304

Guo, J., Li, L., Gong, Y., Zhu, R., Xu, J., Zou, J., & Chen, X. (2017). Massage Alleviates Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness after Strenuous Exercise: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Frontiers in physiology, 8, 747. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2017.00747

Guyatt, G., Cairns, J., Churchill, D., Cook, D., Haynes, B., Hirsh, J., ... & Sackett, D. (1992). Evidence-based medicine: a new approach to teaching the practice of medicine. JAMA, 268(17), 2420-2425. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.1992.03490170092032

Hall, H. G., Cant, R., Munk, N., Carr, B., Tremayne, A., Weller, C., Fogarty, S., & Lauche, R. (2020). The effectiveness of massage for reducing pregnant women's anxiety and depression; systematic review and meta-analysis. Midwifery, 90, 102818. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.midw.2020.102818

Heidari, Z., Shahrbanian, S., & Chiu, C. (2021). Massage therapy as a complementary and alternative approach for people with multiple sclerosis: a systematic review. Disability and rehabilitation, 1–12. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2021.1949051

Hilfiker, R., Meichtry, A., Eicher, M., Nilsson Balfe, L., Knols, R. H., Verra, M. L., & Taeymans, J. (2018). Exercise and other non-pharmaceutical interventions for cancer-related fatigue in patients during or after cancer treatment: a systematic review incorporating an indirect-comparisons meta-analysis. British journal of sports medicine, 52(10), 651–658. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2016-096422

Huisstede, B. M., van den Brink, J., Randsdorp, M. S., Geelen, S. J., & Koes, B. W. (2018). Effectiveness of Surgical and Postsurgical Interventions for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome-A Systematic Review. Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation, 99(8), 1660–1680.e21. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apmr.2017.04.024

Ioannidis, J. P. (2005). Why most published research findings are false. PLoS medicine, 2(8), e124. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.0020124

Jiménez-Del-Barrio, S., Cadellans-Arróniz, A., Ceballos-Laita, L., Estébanez-de-Miguel, E., López-de-Celis, C., Bueno-Gracia, E., & Pérez-Bellmunt, A. (2022). The effectiveness of manual therapy on pain, physical function, and nerve conduction studies in carpal tunnel syndrome patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis. International orthopaedics, 46(2), 301–312. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00264-021-05272-2

Kang, Z., Xing, H., Lin, Q., Meng, F., & Gong, L. (2022). Effectiveness of therapeutic massage for improving motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Frontiers in neurology, 13, 915232. https://doi.org/10.3389/fneur.2022.915232

Kundakci, B., Kaur, J., Goh, S. L., Hall, M., Doherty, M., Zhang, W., & Abhishek, A. (2022). Efficacy of nonpharmacological interventions for individual features of fibromyalgia: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Pain, 163(8), 1432–1445. https://doi.org/10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002500

Lafrance, S., Charron, M., Roy, J. S., Dyer, J. O., Frémont, P., Dionne, C. E., Macdermid, J. C., Tousignant, M., Rochette, A., Doiron-Cadrin, P., Lowry, V., Bureau, N., Lamontagne, M., Sandman, E., Coutu, M. F., Lavigne, P., & Desmeules, F. (2022). Diagnosing, Managing, and Supporting Return to Work of Adults With Rotator Cuff Disorders: A Clinical Practice Guideline. The Journal of orthopaedic and sports physical therapy, 52(10), 647–664. https://doi.org/10.2519/jospt.2022.11306

Leng, M., Zhao, Y., & Wang, Z. (2020). Comparative efficacy of non-pharmacological interventions on agitation in people with dementia: A systematic review and Bayesian network meta-analysis. International journal of nursing studies, 102, 103489. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2019.103489

Lin, T. R., Chou, F. H., Wang, H. H., & Wang, R. H. (2022). Effects of scar massage on burn scars: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of clinical nursing, 10.1111/jocn.16420. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocn.16420

Liu, C., Wu, S., & Chen, X. (2022). The Effect of Massage Therapy on Pain after Surgery: A Comprehensive Meta-analysis. Complementary therapies in medicine, 102892. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2022.102892

Margenfeld, F., Klocke, C., & Joos, S. (2019). Manual massage for persons living with dementia: A systematic review and meta-analysis. International journal of nursing studies, 96, 132–142. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijnurstu.2018.12.012

Mao, J. J., Ismaila, N., Bao, T., Barton, D., Ben-Arye, E., Garland, E. L., Greenlee, H., ... Bruera, E. (2022). Integrative Medicine for Pain Management in Oncology: Society for Integrative Oncology-ASCO Guideline. Journal of clinical oncology: official journal of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, JCO2201357. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1200/JCO.22.01357

Martin, R. L., Davenport, T. E., Fraser, J. J., Sawdon-Bea, J., Carcia, C. R., Carroll, L. A., Kivlan, B. R., & Carreira, D. (2021). Ankle Stability and Movement Coordination Impairments: Lateral Ankle Ligament Sprains Revision 2021. The Journal of orthopaedic and sports physical therapy, 51(4), CPG1–CPG80. https://doi.org/10.2519/jospt.2021.0302

Martins, W. R., Blasczyk, J. C., Aparecida Furlan de Oliveira, M., Lagôa Gonçalves, K. F., Bonini-Rocha, A. C., Dugailly, P. M., & de Oliveira, R. J. (2016). Efficacy of musculoskeletal manual approach in the treatment of temporomandibular joint disorder: A systematic review with meta-analysis. Manual therapy, 21, 10–17. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.math.2015.06.009

Neal, B. S., Bartholomew, C., Barton, C. J., Morrissey, D., & Lack, S. D. (2022). Six treatments have positive effects at three-months for people with patellofemoral pain: a systematic review with meta-analysis. The Journal of orthopaedic and sports physical therapy, 1–52. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.2519/jospt.2022.11359

Nelson, N. L., & Churilla, J. R. (2017). Massage Therapy for Pain and Function in Patients With Arthritis: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials. American journal of physical medicine & rehabilitation, 96(9), 665–672. https://doi.org/10.1097/PHM.0000000000000712

Newberry, S.J., FitzGerald, J., SooHoo, N.F., Booth, M., Marks, J., ... Shekelle, P. (2017). Treatment of Osteoarthritis of the Knee: An Update Review. Rockville (MD): Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (US). DOI: https://doi.org/10.23970/AHRQEPCCER190

Owais, S., Chow, C., Furtado, M., Frey, B. N., & Van Lieshout, R. J. (2018). Non-pharmacological interventions for improving postpartum maternal sleep: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Sleep medicine reviews, 41, 87–100. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.smrv.2018.01.005

Powden, C. J., Hoch, J. M., & Hoch, M. C. (2017). Rehabilitation and Improvement of Health-Related Quality-of-Life Detriments in Individuals With Chronic Ankle Instability: A Meta-Analysis. Journal of athletic training, 52(8), 753–765. https://doi.org/10.4085/1062-6050-52.5.01

Qaseem, A., Wilt, T. J., McLean, R. M., Forciea, M. A., Clinical Guidelines Committee of the American College of Physicians, Denberg, T. D., Barry, M. J., Boyd, C., Chow, R. D., Fitterman, N., Harris, R. P., Humphrey, L. L., & Vijan, S. (2017). Noninvasive Treatments for Acute, Subacute, and Chronic Low Back Pain: A Clinical Practice Guideline From the American College of Physicians. Annals of internal medicine, 166(7), 514–530. https://doi.org/10.7326/M16-2367

Qureshi, A. R., Jamal, M. K., Rahman, E., Paul, D. A., Oghli, Y. S., Mulaffer, M. T., Qureshi, D., Danish, M. A., & Rana, A. Q. (2021). Non-pharmacological therapies for pain management in Parkinson's disease: A systematic review. Acta neurologica Scandinavica, 144(2), 115–131. https://doi.org/10.1111/ane.13435

Randhawa, K., Bohay, R., Côté, P., van der Velde, G., Sutton, D., Wong, J. J., Yu, H., Southerst, D., Varatharajan, S., Mior, S., Stupar, M., Shearer, H. M., Jacobs, C., & Taylor-Vaisey, A. (2016). The Effectiveness of Noninvasive Interventions for Temporomandibular Disorders: A Systematic Review by the Ontario Protocol for Traffic Injury Management (OPTIMa) Collaboration. The Clinical journal of pain, 32(3), 260–278. https://doi.org/10.1097/AJP.0000000000000247

Ruiz-Sánchez, F. J., Ruiz-Muñoz, M., Martín-Martín, J., Coheña-Jimenez, M., Perez-Belloso, A. J., Pilar Romero-Galisteo, R., & Gónzalez-Sánchez, M. (2022). Management and treatment of ankle sprain according to clinical practice guidelines: A PRISMA systematic review. Medicine, 101(42), e31087. https://doi.org/10.1097/MD.0000000000031087

Runge, N., Aina, A., & May, S. (2022). The Benefits of Adding Manual Therapy to Exercise Therapy for Improving Pain and Function in Patients With Knee or Hip Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review With Meta-analysis. The Journal of orthopaedic and sports physical therapy, 52(10), 675–A13. https://doi.org/10.2519/jospt.2022.11062

Sackett, D. L., Rosenberg, W. M., Gray, J. A., Haynes, R. B., & Richardson, W. S. (1996). Evidence based medicine: what it is and what it isn't. BMJ (Clinical research ed.), 312(7023), 71–72. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.312.7023.71

Skelly, A.C., Chou, R., Dettori, J.R., Turner, J.A., Friedly, J.L., Rundell, S.D., … Ferguson, A.J.R. (2020). Noninvasive Nonpharmacological Treatment for Chronic Pain: A Systematic Review Update. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (US). DOI: https://doi.org/10.23970/AHRQEPCCER227

Smith, C. A., Levett, K. M., Collins, C. T., Dahlen, H. G., Ee, C. C., & Suganuma, M. (2018). Massage, reflexology and other manual methods for pain management in labour. The Cochrane database of systematic reviews, 3(3), CD009290. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD009290.pub3

Smith, C. A., Shewamene, Z., Galbally, M., Schmied, V., & Dahlen, H. (2019). The effect of complementary medicines and therapies on maternal anxiety and depression in pregnancy: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of affective disorders, 245, 428–439. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2018.11.054

Sutton, D., Gross, D. P., Côté, P., Randhawa, K., Yu, H., Wong, J. J., Stern, P., Varatharajan, S., Southerst, D., Shearer, H. M., Stupar, M., Goldgrub, R., van der Velde, G., Nordin, M., Carroll, L. J., & Taylor-Vaisey, A. (2016). Multimodal care for the management of musculoskeletal disorders of the elbow, forearm, wrist and hand: a systematic review by the Ontario Protocol for Traffic Injury Management (OPTIMa) Collaboration. Chiropractic & manual therapies, 24, 8. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12998-016-0089-8

Thrane, S. E., Hsieh, K., Donahue, P., Tan, A., Exline, M. C., & Balas, M. C. (2019). Could complementary health approaches improve the symptom experience and outcomes of critically ill adults? A systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Complementary therapies in medicine, 47, 102166. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2019.07.025

Wang, T., Zhai, J., Liu, X. L., Yao, L. Q., & Tan, J. B. (2021). Massage Therapy for Fatigue Management in Breast Cancer Survivors: A Systematic Review and Descriptive Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine: eCAM, 2021, 9967574. https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/9967574

Wang, S. Q., Jiang, A. Y., & Gao, Q. (2022). Effect of manual soft tissue therapy on the pain in patients with chronic neck pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Complementary therapies in clinical practice, 49, 101619. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctcp.2022.101619

Watt, J. A., Goodarzi, Z., Veroniki, A. A., Nincic, V., Khan, P. A., Ghassemi, M., ... Straus, S. E. (2019). Comparative Efficacy of Interventions for Aggressive and Agitated Behaviors in Dementia: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis. Annals of internal medicine, 171(9), 633–642. https://doi.org/10.7326/M19-0993

Watt, J. A., Goodarzi, Z., Veroniki, A. A., Nincic, V., Khan, P. A., Ghassemi, M., Lai, Y., Treister, V., Thompson, Y., Schneider, R., Tricco, A. C., & Straus, S. E. (2021). Comparative efficacy of interventions for reducing symptoms of depression in people with dementia: systematic review and network meta-analysis. BMJ (Clinical research ed.), 372, n532. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.n532

Winters, M., de Vos, R. J., van Middelkoop, M., Rathleff, M. S., & Weir, A. (2020). Stay alive! What are living systematic reviews and what are their advantages and challenges?. British journal of sports medicine, bjsports-2020-103490. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2020-103490

Wu, Q., Zhao, J., & Guo, W. (2022). Efficacy of massage therapy in improving outcomes in knee osteoarthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Complementary therapies in clinical practice, 46, 101522. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctcp.2021.101522

Zeng, Y. S., Wang, C., Ward, K. E., & Hume, A. L. (2018). Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Hospice and Palliative Care: A Systematic Review. Journal of pain and symptom management, 56(5), 781–794.e4. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2018.07.016

Zhang, T., Yan, H. X., An, Y., Yin, L., Sun, P. P., Zhao, J. N., & Yan, J. T. (2022). The Efficacy and Safety of Manual Therapy for Symptoms Associated with Multiple Sclerosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Journal of integrative and complementary medicine, 10.1089/jicm.2021.0382. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1089/jicm.2021.0382