The Evidence for Massage Therapy: A Summary of Current Research (Spring 2025)

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Twenty years ago, there was a limited number of researchers looking at massage therapy. Since 2005 there has been a steady improvement in the quality and quantity of massage therapy research.

The Evidence for Massage Therapy: A Summary of Current Research

With over 15 years of clinical experience and extensive study of massage therapy research, I'm committed to creating resources that foster the professional development of massage therapists globally. The following list highlights a substantial body of evidence supporting the use of massage therapy in alleviating pain and enhancing quality of life across a range of health issues, 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

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Heidari, Z., Shahrbanian, S., & Chiu, C. (2022). Massage therapy as a complementary and alternative approach for people with multiple sclerosis: a systematic review. Disability and rehabilitation, 44(20), 5758–5769. https://doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2021.1949051

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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

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