Latest findings on Massage Therapy: Major studies and highlights

Did you know that Hippocrates, the "father of medicine," used a friction-based massage technique in the 5th Century BCE to treat physical injuries?

Massage therapy has been around since ancient times, with evidence of reflexology practiced more than 3,000 years ago in India, which later traveled to China and as far as Egypt, Greece, and Rome. Modern massage therapies have evolved to cater to various ailments by incorporating new scientific methods with traditional practices. Without this evolution, we would not have Swedish, sports, deep tissue, or prenatal massage.

Recent studies on massage therapy have shed light on its efficacy in pain management and recovery, including post-cancer treatment and post-surgery recovery. However, the evidence produced has mixed results.

Let us find out what different research institutions say about massage therapy. 

From Ancient to Contemporary: How Massage Therapy Has Evolved?

The earliest mention of a holistic healing system called "abhyanga" dates back to 3,000 BCE. Ayurveda, popular in the Indian subcontinent, introduced an oil massage technique, Abhyanga, to stimulate the body's energy points and lymphatic system.

Soon, mainland China followed up with its unique range of massage and manipulation techniques called Tuina or Tui Na, which incorporated kneading, pressing, and stretching the body to relieve pain.

The ancient Egyptian kingdom introduced reflexology around 2500 BCE, a therapy involving applying pressure to specific points on the feet or hands to promote overall wellness.

Later, Hippocrates visited Egypt to study medicine and introduced "rubbing" to loosen joints and improve circulation in Greece.

However, in the Renaissance or early 19th Century, physicians like Per Henrik Ling popularized massage, which continued throughout the 20th Century with the introduction of trigger point therapy, sports massage, deep tissue massage, and myofascial.

In contemporary times, massage therapy incorporates both ancient and evidence-based practices to treat various ailments, mainly as a standalone and sometimes complementary treatment.

Nonetheless, all massages are targeted for somewhat similar benefits.

1. Boost recovery time after injury
2. Prevent future injuries, especially in sports
3. Reduce chronic physical and mental stress
4. Reduce chronic pain and inflammation
5. Improve blood and lymphatic-fluid circulation
6. Improve muscular strength to withstand physical activity
7. Improve sleep quality for a sound daily function

Latest Findings on Massage Therapy in the US

Did you know the average cost of a massage therapy session in the United States is approximately $60 per hour?

Massage therapy is sometimes covered by health insurance, depending on your state of residence, requiring a doctor’s prescription beforehand.

About the number of massage therapists, approximately 321.5 thousand licensed massage therapists are working in the country, meaning there is a single massage therapist per 1,041 clients in 2023 (U.S. Population 334.9 mil).

However, only about 11.1% of adult Americans took massage therapy in 2022, which accounts for approximately 36 million customers (U.S. Population 333.3 mil).

Massage therapy plays an integral part in the post-flight rehabilitation of NASA astronauts. The therapists in the Astronaut Strength, Conditioning, and Rehabilitation (ASCR) group adopted physical therapy to help astronauts treat inflammation, reduce stress, and break up scar tissues that can form after an injury.

Interestingly, NASA even advocates for employees to take regular breaks to treat themselves with a 15-minute 90-minute massage at their Starport studio.

The Arthritis organization has shed light on the benefit of massage for sore joints and muscles, including conducting four to five-week massages to significantly improve pain relief related to Knee osteoarthritis, hand arthritis, fibromyalgia, and back pain.

A recent study by German researchers suggested that just ten minutes of massage therapy can significantly increase heart rate variability. The parasympathetic nervous system is active during relaxation, improving HRV. People with higher HRV may experience less stress and higher efficiency.

Another similar study indicated that one month of daily 20-minute massage can excessively increase low dopamine levels.

What Does the Future of Massage Therapy Beholds?

The future of massage therapy foresees increased funding and research on the promotion of evidence-based practices to help validate the efficacy of massage on conditions like chronic pain, such as post-surgery pain relief, anxiety, and stress.

More and more health institutes, sporting agencies, and rehab centers will combine massage with complementary therapies like acupuncture, post-surgery pain therapy, sports injury management, etc.

However, one does not need to experience pain to enjoy massage therapy. You can visit a spa occasionally and enjoy a relaxing Swedish massage to avoid the risk of ailments.

Massage therapy will prepare your body to remove strains, stress, knots, and fatigue before you may require any significant medical intervention.

Contact the professional massage therapists from LemonMassage Therapy in West Des Moines, Iowa, to schedule your subsequent therapy.