Massage Therapy

Acupressure

Chair Massage

Manual Lymph Drainage

Reiki

Massage Therapy

Cambron, Jerrilyn A., Jennifer Dexheimer, and Patricia Coe. “Changes in Blood Pressure After Various Forms of Therapeutic Massage: A Preliminary Study.” The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine 12.1. (2006): 65-70.

The effect of different types of massage therapy on blood pressure was studied. The researchers found that the main factor affecting a change in blood pressure was the type of massage therapy used. Modalities that can cause pain such as trigger point therapy and sports massage increased systolic blood pressure. Swedish massage decreased blood pressure, but not by a statistically significant amount.

Cherkin, Daniel C., et al. “A Review of the Evidence for the Effectiveness, Safety, and Cost of Acupuncture, Massage Therapy, and Spinal Manipulation for Back Pain.” Annals of Internal Medicine 138.11. (3 Jun. 2003): 898-906.

In this review article, the authors evaluated the evidence concerning the safety, cost and effectiveness of acupuncture, massage therapy and spinal manipulation in the treatment of back pain. It was found that massage is effective for persistent back pain and may reduce costs of care after an initial course of therapy.

Cole, Charles.“Does Acupuncture or Massage Work in People with Persistent Back Pain?” The Journal of Family Practice 50.9. (Sept. 2001): 799.

Cole reports on the results of the Cherkin, Eisenberg, Sherman (2001) study that showed massage therapy to be more effective in treating low back pain than acupuncture or self care.

Delaney, Joseph P.A., King Sun Leong, Alan Watkins, and David Brodie. “The Short-Term Effects of Myofascial Trigger Point Massage Therapy on Cardiac Autonomic Tone in Healthy Subjects.” Journal of Advanced Nursing 37.4. (2002): 364-371.

This study found that following myofascial trigger-point therapy to the head, neck and shoulder areas, healthy subjects had a significant decrease in heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

Diego, Miguel A., et al. “Massage Therapy of Moderate and Light Pressure and Vibrator Effects on EEG and Heart Rate.” International Journal of Neuroscience 114. (2004): 31-45.

Three groups of participants received moderate massage, light massage, or vibratory stimulation. Anxiety scores decreased for all three groups but the moderate pressure massage group reported the greatest decrease in stress, and also experienced a decrease in heart rate, lower arousal and a relaxation response. The light massage and vibratory stimulation groups experienced increased arousal.

Dommerholt, Jan, Carel Bron, and Jo Franssen. “Myofascial Trigger Points: An Evidence-Informed Review.” The Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy 14.4. (2006): 203-221.

The authors review the current scientific understanding of myofascial trigger points and conclude that a working knowledge of them should be incorporated into physical therapy practice.

Back to Top

Escalona, Angelica, et al. “Brief Report: Improvements in the Behavior of Children with Autism Following Massage Therapy.” Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders 31.5. (2001): 513-516.

Results of this study suggested that children diagnosed with autism who were massaged by their parents for 15 minutes prior to bedtime every night for one month exhibited less stereotypic behavior and showed more on-task and social relatedness behavior during play observations, and fewer sleep problems.

Field, Tiffany, et al. “Lower Back Pain and Sleep Disturbance Are Reduced Following Massage Therapy.” Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies 11. (2007): 141-145.

In this study, adults who were experiencing chronic low back pain who received 30-minute massages twice a week for five weeks reported experiencing less pain, depression, anxiety and sleep problems than adults receiving 30-minute relaxation therapy sessions.

Field, Tiffany. “Massage Therapy Facilitates Weight Gain in Preterm Infants.” Current Directions in Psychological Science 10.2. (Apr. 2001): 51-54.

Field reports that studies from several labs have documented a 31% to 47% greater weight gain in preterm newborns receiving three 15-minute sessions of massage therapy for 5-10 days, compared with standard medical treatment. Research is being conducted to determine the cause of this difference.

Gecsedi, Renee A. “Massage Therapy for Patients with Cancer.” Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing 6.1. (Jan./Feb. 2002): 52-54.

Gecsedi describes the history of massage therapy, its benefits, and its use as an adjunct treatment by cancer patients. She reports that a study by Ferrell-Torry and Glick in 1993 showed that massage therapy reduced cancer pain perception by an average of 60% and decreased anxiety by 24% while enhancing relaxation by 58%. Gecsedi contends that cancer patients should be encouraged to receive massage therapy from a qualified therapist.

Hart, Sybil, et al. “Anorexia Nervosa Symptoms Are Reduced by Massage Therapy.” Eating Disorders 9. (2001): 289-299.

In this study, it was shown that women diagnosed with anorexia nervosa who received massage therapy twice a week for five weeks experienced lower stress and anxiety levels and had lower cortisol hormone levels following massage. Over the course of treatment, they also reported decreases in body dissatisfaction and showed an increase in dopamine and norepinephrine levels.

Back to Top

Henrickson, M. “Clinical Outcomes and Patient Perceptions of Acupuncture and/or Massage Therapies in HIV-infected Individuals.” AIDS Care 13.6. (2001): 743-748.

Patients diagnosed with AIDS who experienced massage, acupuncture or both experienced increased CD4 counts and subjects reported a very positive experience, when compared with a group of subjects who received none of these treatments.

Hernandez-Reif, Maria, et al. “Lower Back Pain Is Reduced and Range of Motion Increased After Massage Therapy.” International Journal of Neuroscience 106. (2001): 131-145.

The researchers found that chronic back pain sufferers experiencing 30-minute massage therapy sessions twice a week for five weeks reported less pain, depression, anxiety and improved sleep, compared with adults receiving progressive muscle relaxation therapy over the same period.

Hernandez-Reif, Maria. “Migraine Headaches Are Reduced by Massage Therapy.” International Journal of Neuroscience 96. (1998): 1-11.

In this study, adults with migraine headaches who received two half-hour massage therapy sessions per week for five consecutive weeks reported fewer distress symptoms, less pain, more days without headaches, fewer sleep disturbances, and increased serotonin levels, compared with a control group.

Hilton, Lisette. “Massage Therapy: Complementary Treatment Reduces AD Symptoms.” Dermatology Times Apr. 2003: 58-59.

Hilton reports that massage therapy is effective as an adjunct therapy to reduce symptoms of atopic dermatitis and side effects from treatment medications.

Khilnani, Sonya, et al. “Massage Therapy Improves Mood and Behavior of Students with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.” Adolescence 38.152. (2003): 623-638.

In this study, 30 students diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder received either a massage group or a control group. The massage group received massage therapy for 20 minutes twice a week for a period of a month. Results indicated that massage therapy improved short-term mood state and longer-term classroom behavior in students with ADHD.

Back to Top

Preyde, Michele. “Effectiveness of Massage Therapy for Subacute Low-Back Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial.” Canadian Medical Association Journal 162.13. (27 Jun. 2000): 1815-1820.

This study showed that adults with subacute low-back pain benefited from massage therapy. Those subjects who received comprehensive massage therapy had improved function, less intense pain and a decrease in the quality of pain, compared with those subjects receiving soft tissue manipulation only, remedial exercise, or a placebo therapy.

Quinn, Christopher, Clint Chandler and Albert Moraska. “Massage Therapy and Frequency of Chronic Tension Headaches.” American Journal of Public Health 92.10. (Oct. 2002): 1657-1661.

This study investigated the effect of massage therapy on chronic nonmigraine headaches. It was found that massage reduced headache frequency in the first week and the reduction continued for the duration of the study. Duration of headaches decreased as well. Headache intensity was unaffected.

Quittan, M. “Management of Back Pain.” Disability and Rehabilitation. 24.8. (2002): 423-434.

According to Quittan, low back pain is prevalent in 25% to 30% in an adult lifetime span and has an incidence of about 5% per year. The study shows that for chronic low back pain, exercise as well as combined treatment with several modalities appear to be superior to conventional medical care. In a study in 2000 by M. Preyde, entitled “Effectiveness of Massage Therapy for Subacute Low-Back Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial,” Quittan reports that massage had favorable effects when compared with soft tissue manipulation, remedial exercise with postural education, or a placebo. The massage therapy group showed less intense pain, a decrease in the quality of the pain, and improved function compared to the other groups.

Sharpe, P. A., H. G. Williams, M. L. Granner, and J. R. Hussey. "A Randomized Study of the Effects of Massage Therapy Compared to Guided Relaxation on Well-Being and Stress Perception Among Older Adults." Complementary Therapies in Medicine 15.3. (Sept. 2007): 157-163.

Adults ages 60 and older received 50 minute massages twice a week or guided relaxation sessions for 4 weeks. The massages were comprised of Swedish, neuromuscular and myofascial modalities. The study found that the adults who received the massages experienced significant improvements in anxiety, depression, general health, vitality and positive well-being, when compared to guided relaxation. It was concluded that massage therapy enhances positive well-being and reduces perceived levels of stress among older adults.

Walach, Harald, Corina Guthlin, and Miriam Konig. “Efficacy of Massage Therapy in Chronic Pain: A Pragmatic Randomized Trial.” The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine 9.6. (2003): 837-846.

This study showed that massage can be at least as effective as standard medical care in chronic pain conditions of the back, neck, shoulders, head and limbs. In the study massage decreased pain, depression and anxiety, and the effects lasted longer than for standard medical care.

Weerapong, Porratshanee, Patria A. Hume, and Gregory S. Kolt. “The Mechanisms of Massage and Effects on Performance, Muscle Recovery and Injury Prevention.” Sports Medicine 35.3. (2005): 235-256.

This review article discusses how sports massage may work and studies of massage effects on sports performance, recovery, and soft tissue injury prevention. The authors determined that more research is needed to provide evidence of the benefits of sports massage.

Back to Top

Acupressure

Agarwal, A., et al. “Acupressure for Prevention of Pre-Operative Anxiety: A Prospective, Randomised, Placebo Controlled Study.” Anesthesia 60. (2005): 978-981.

Anxiety prior to surgery can lead to an increased need for anesthesia and pain medication, postoperative pain and a longer stay in the hospital. This study showed that acupressure was effective in decreasing both pre-operative anxiety and bispectral index, which measures the level of consciousness while under anesthesia.

Chen, Huei-Mein, and Chung-Hey Chen. “Effects of Acupressure at the Sanyinjiao Point on Primary Dysmenorrhoea.” Journal of Advanced Nursing 48.4. (2004): 380-387.

The effects of acupressure at the Sanyinjiao (SP6) point on symptoms of primary dysmenorrhea (menstrual pain) among healthy teenage girls were studied. The study’s findings suggest that acupressure at this point can be effective for reducing pain and anxiety. When used in self care, it is also shown to reduce pain, so its use is recommended as a cost-free, effective self-care treatment.

Cho, Yi-Ching, and Shiow-Luan Tsay. “The Effect of Acupressure with Massage on Fatigue and Depression in Patients with End-Stage Renal Disease.” Journal of Nursing Research 12.1. (2004): 51-58.

The most significant symptoms experienced by patients with end-stage renal disease are fatigue and depression. Among patients receiving acupoint massage for 12 minutes a day, three days a week for four weeks, acupressure was shown to be effective in improving mood and fatigue, compared with the control group.

Chung, Ue-Lin, et al. “Effects of LI4 and BL 67 Acupressure on Labor Pain and Uterine Contractions in the First Stage of Labor.” Journal of Nursing Research 11.4. (2003): 251-259.

Among women undergoing the active phase of the first stage of labor, acupressure on the LI 4 and BL 67 points was shown to be effective in lessening labor pain. Effects on uterine contractions were not verified.

Collins, Kimberly B., and Debera J. Thomas. “Acupuncture and Acupressure for the Management of Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting.” Journal of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners 16.2. (Feb. 2004): 76-80.

This study shows that acupuncture and acupressure is safe and effective for the treatment of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.

Back to Top

Lee, Mi Kyeong, Soon Bok Chang, and Duck-Hee Kang. “Effects of SP6 Acupressure on Labor Pain and Length of Delivery Time in Women During Labor.” The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine 10.6. (2004): 959-965.

Women receiving 30-minute acupressure on the SP6 acupoint experienced decreased labor pain and the length of delivery time was significantly shortened, compared to a control group.

Lee, Tse-Yan Alexander. “Chinese Way of Easing Pain – Acupressure.” Internet Journal of Alternative Medicine 1.1. (2002): 1-12.

Acupressure use in pain management is simple and does not have adverse side effects, compared to many drugs. Lee discusses the efficiency of acupressure, which can easily be practiced by nurses, in pain management.

Maa, Suh-Hwa, et al. “Effect of Acupuncture or Acupressure on Quality of Life of Patients with Chronic Obstructive Asthma: A Pilot Study.” The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine 9.5. (2003): 659-670.

In this study, patients with chronic obstructive asthma received 8 weeks of either acupuncture and standard care, acupressure and standard care, or standard care alone. It was shown that patients experienced clinically significant improvements in their quality of life when standard care was supplemented with either acupuncture or acupressure treatment. For purposes of this study, quality of life was assessed by measuring the distress caused by the respiratory symptoms, the extend to which symptoms limited daily activities, and the disruption of patients’ social and emotional lives.

Norheim, Arne Johan, et al. “Acupressure Treatment of Morning Sickness in Pregnancy: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.” Scandinavian Journal of Primary Health Care 19. (2001): 43-47.

The acupoint used most often to alleviate symptoms of nausea and vomiting is the Pericardium point 6, located on the wrist. This study found that acupressure may be an alternative therapy for morning sickness in early pregnancy, especially before drugs are considered.

Robertshaw, Penny. “Acupressure and Lavender Essential Oil Are Effective for Short Term Relief of Neck Pain.” Journal of the Australian Traditional-Medicine Society 12.3. (Sept. 2006): 147.

A group of adults receiving 30-minute acupressure treatments with lavender oil over a 3-week period in addition to conventional treatment was found to have a significant reduction in neck pain, stiffness, stress, and range of motion in the neck by a one-month follow-up visit, compared to a control group.

Back to Top

Tokumaru, Osamu and J. D. Z. Chen. “Effects of Acupressure on Gastric Myoelectrical Activity in Healthy Humans.” Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology 40. (2005): 319-325.

The most commonly used acupressure points for gastrointestinal symptoms are the Neiguan (P6) and the Zusanli (ST36) points. Some studies have reported a reduction in both nausea and vomiting with acupressure at P6, which is located on the wrist. This study found that acupressure at P6 increased the percentage of normal 3 cycles per minute slow wave of gastric myoelectrical activity. This result suggests acupressure may have a normalizing effect on gastric myoelectrical activity in patients with gastrointestinal symptoms.

Tsay, Shiow-Luan, et al. “Effects of Acupressure Therapy for Patients Having Prolonged Mechanical Ventilation Support.” Journal of Advanced Nursing 52.2. (2005): 142-150.

The effects of acupressure therapy on shortness of breath, anxiety, heart rate and respiratory rate among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease having mechanical ventilation support were studied. Results suggest that acupressure therapy may decrease a stress response and improve perceived symptoms of shortness of breath and anxiety in these patients.

Turgut, S., et al. “Acupressure for Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting in Gynaecological Patients Receiving Patient-Controlled Analgesia.” European Journal of Anaesthesiology 24. (2007): 87-91.

This study showed that nausea, vomiting and antiemetic medication use were significantly lower for patients receiving acupressure at the P6 meridian point after gynecological surgery than for those patients in the control group.

Chair Massage

Shulman, Karen R, and Gwen E. Jones. “The Effectiveness of Massage Therapy Intervention on Reducing Anxiety in the Workplace.” Journal of Applied Behavioral Science 32.2. (1996): 160-173.

The effectiveness of an on-site chair massage therapy program in reducing anxiety levels of employees was evaluated. The study found significant reductions in anxiety levels among employees receiving 15-minute weekly massages for 6 weeks. A control group of employees, who received a 15-minute break weekly, experienced no such effect.

Back to Top

Manual Lymph Drainage

Franzeck, U. K., et al. “Combined Physical Therapy for Lymphedema Evaluated by Fluorescence Microlymphography and Lymph Capillary Pressure Measurements.” Journal of Vascular Research 34. (1997): 306-311.

In this study, 12 patients with primary and secondary lymphedema received two weeks of manual lymph drainage and compression bandaging to treat leg swelling. After the two week period, microlymphatic hypertension was significantly reduced and the effect was still significantly reduced more than 3 months later, following continued compression lymph capillary pressure. The study concluded that combined decongestive physical therapy is an effective treatment for lymphedema.

Haren, Kathrin, Clas Backman, and Mikael Wiberg. “Effect of Manual Lymph Drainage as Described by Vodder on Oedema of the Hand after Fracture of the Distal Radius: A Prospective Clinical Study.” Scandinavian Journal of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and Hand Surgery 34. (2000): 367-372.

The effectiveness of manual lymph drainage in reducing edema in the hand after a traumatic injury was studied. The group of subjects receiving manual lymph drainage experienced a significant decrease in edema in the injured hand, compared with the control group.

Williams, A. F., et al. “A Randomized Controlled Crossover Study of Manual Lymphatic Drainage Therapy in Women with Breast Cancer-related Lymphoedema.” European Journal of Cancer Care 11. (2002): 254-261.

In this study, manual lymph drainage was found to be an effective treatment in reducing edema in the arm and skin thickness and improving quality of life for women with breast cancer-related lymphedema. Quality of life was measured as improvements relating to emotional function, shortness of breath, and sleep disturbance.

Reiki

Alandydy, Patricia, and Kristen Alandydy. “Performance Brief: Using Reiki to Support Surgical Patients.” Journal of Nursing Care Quality 13.4. (1999): 89-91.

At Columbia/HCS’s Portsmouth Regional Hospital, Reiki is being offered to patients as a supplemental treatment during preoperative care. The hospital has anecdotally noted lower use of pain medication, shorter lengths of stay and increased patient satisfaction as a result of Reiki treatment prior to surgery.

Crawford, Stephen E., V. Wayne Leaver, and Sandra D. Mahoney. “Using Reiki to Decrease Memory and Behavior Problems in Mild Cognitive Impairment and Mild Alzheimer’s Disease.” The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine 12.9. (2006): 911-913.

In this study, patients diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment or mild Alzheimer’s disease who underwent Reiki treatment experienced improvements in behavior and a decrease in memory problems, compared with a control group.

Gulmen, Funda M. “Energy Medicine.” The American Journal of Chinese Medicine 32.5. (2004): 651-658.

Gulmen provides a definition of energy medicine, describes its relationship with physical medicine, and how energy medicine is used in therapeutic treatment. Modalities discussed include acupuncture, qigong, and Reiki.

Back to Top

LaTorre, Mary Ann. “The Use of Reiki in Psychotherapy.” Perspectives in Psychiatric Care 41.4. (Oct.-Dec. 2005): 184-187.

LaTorre explores the concepts of Reiki, its uses in psychiatric care, and illustrates its power and effects using a clinical example of a 35-year old woman experiencing difficulty communicating with her spouse. Reiki was found to be a supportive supplement to psychiatric care and assisted in helping the patient feel empowered and responsible during the treatment process.

Pierce, Beverly. “The Use of Biofield Therapies in Cancer Care.” Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing 11.2. (Apr. 2007): 253-258.

Pierce identifies core concepts in the following biofield therapies: Therapeutic Touch, Healing Touch, Polarity Therapy, Reik, and Qigong. She also reviews controlled studies of their use and effectiveness with patients with cancer and describes the use of these therapies in one cancer center. They have been shown to be effective in fostering well-being in cancer patients and alleviating physical, mental and emotional symptoms.

Potter, Pamela. “What Are the Distinctions between Reiki and Therapeutic Touch?” Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing 7.1. (Jan.-Feb. 2003): 1-3.

Reiki and Therapeutic Touch, two bodywork modalities that involve the transfer of energy via the practitioner’s hands, are described and compared. Potter concludes that while the outcomes of a Reiki or Therapeutic Touch session are similar, from her personal experience Reiki energy was more easily felt, both in giving and receiving.

Wardell, Diane Wind, and Joan Engebretson. “Biological Correlates of Reiki Touch ^sm Healing.” Journal of Advanced Nursing 33.4. (2001): 439-445.

The effect of Reiki treatment on relaxation and stress reduction was studied. Findings suggest that subjects receiving a single Reiki treatment experienced decreased anxiety, increased relaxation and increased immune system functioning.

To search for additional clinical studies, visit the National Institutes of Health's PubMed database.

Back to Top