Massage therapy is now being recognised as an evidence-based therapeutic modality effective in treating non-acute low back pain and improving well being for people with chronic illnesses, according to the ‘Effectiveness of Massage Therapy’ report released recently.

The report, commissioned by AAMT, comprises a review of 740 Australian and international evidence-based academic research papers, published between 1978 and 2008.

Effectiveness of Massage Therapy Highlights:

• Seven studies were in unison concluding that massage therapy for subacute and chronic low back pain to be more effective than placebo.
• Multiple studies provided good evidence supporting the effectiveness of massage therapy in managing anxiety, stress and promoting relaxation.
• Positive outcomes reported following massage therapy include pain reduction, better quality of life, improved sleep and function as well as reduced depressive symptoms.
• Studies into the benefits of massage therapy for maternal and infant care reported a reduction in infant distress, significant newborn growth and development, improved mother-infant interaction and reduced symptoms of post-natal depression.

View Full Research Report – The Effectiveness of Massage Therapy.