Top Ten Open Access Papers for Massage Therapists

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open access resources for massage therapists

The primary goal of this blog is to provide massage therapists with resources to improve your practice. In this post I have broken down a list of 10 open access articles that massage therapists may find useful. 

Top Ten Open Access Papers for Massage Therapists

This is an overview of the science behind massage therapy.

Bialosky, J. E., Bishop, M. D., Price, D. D., Robinson, M. E., & George, S. Z. (2009). The mechanisms of manual therapy in the treatment of musculoskeletal pain: A comprehensive model. Manual Therapy.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19027342

This is an article that provides an in-depth look into the neuroscience of touch.

Ellingsen, D., Leknes, S., Løseth, G., Wessberg, J., & Olausson, H. (2016). The Neurobiology Shaping Affective Touch: Expectation, Motivation, and Meaning in the Multisensory Context. Frontiers in Psychology.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26779092

This provides an overview of massage therapy as part of a rehabilitation strategy. 

Laumonier, T., & Menetrey, J. (2016). Muscle injuries and strategies for improving their repair. Journal of Experimental Orthopaedics.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27447481

This paper provides therapists with an overview of the Endocannadinoid system and how it may be relevant to the treatment outcomes.

Mcpartland, J. M., Guy, G. W., & Marzo, V. D. (2014). Care and Feeding of the Endocannabinoid System: A Systematic Review of Potential Clinical Interventions that Upregulate the Endocannabinoid System. PLoS ONE.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24622769

This is a paper that will help therapists develop their understanding of neuroplasticity as it applies to pain.

Pelletier, R., Higgins, J., & Bourbonnais, D. (2015). Is neuroplasticity in the central nervous system the missing link to our understanding of chronic musculoskeletal disorders? BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25887644

This paper looks at the effects of massage on the HPA axis and immune function.

Rapaport, M.H., Schettler, P., Bresee, C. (2012). A preliminary study of the effects of repeated massage on hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal and immune function in healthy individuals: a study of mechanisms of action and dosage. J Altern Complement Med. 
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22775448

This is a recent narrative review of myofascial triggerpoints.

Shah, J., Thaker, N., Heimur, J., Aredo, J., Sikdar, S., & Gerber, L. (2015). Myofascial Trigger Points Then and Now: A Historical and Scientific Perspective. PM&R.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25724849

This paper provides therapists with an overview of mechanotherapy and how it relates to rehabilitation.

Thompson, W. R., Scott, A., Loghmani, M. T., Ward, S. R., & Warden, S. J. (2016). Understanding Mechanobiology: Physical Therapists as a Force in Mechanotherapy and Musculoskeletal Regenerative Rehabilitation. Physical Therapy.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26637643

This is a review article that talks about the pain modulatory effects of manual therapy.

Vigotsky, A., & Bruhns R. (2015). The Role of Descending Modulation in Manual Therapy and Its Analgesic Implications: A Narrative Review. Pain Research and Treatment.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26788367

This is paper proposes potential immunomodulatory effects of massage.

Waters-Banker, C., Dupont-Versteegden, E. E., Kitzman, P. H., & Butterfield, T. A. (2014). Investigating the Mechanisms of Massage Efficacy: The Role of Mechanical Immunomodulation. Journal of Athletic Training.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24641083