As with most "alternative" forms of health care, massage therapy is sometimes met with skepticism. People often assume that any positive health effects from therapeutic massage come from the so-called placebo effect (symptoms being effected by your perception of treatment). However, that simply isn't accurate. In addition to decades of anecdotal evidence regarding the effectiveness of Swedish massage (and other types of massage therapies) in promoting pain reduction and general well-being, recent research continues to show the distinct benefits of massage treatment.
Chronic pain can be debilitating, especially if there is no identified cause to target with medical treatment. However, a recent study has shown that therapeutic massage can provide short-term relief for chronic lower back pain, helping pave the way for long-term health. In a study authored by Cherkin DC, Sherman KJ, Kahn J, et al. in the 2011 Annals of Internal Medicine journal, subjects were found to have less pain in the short term when treated by various massage therapies than control subjects who only received medical treatment such as pain medication and physical therapy.
Another recent study, authored by Perlman AI, Ali A, Njike VY, et al. in the 2012 PLoS One journal, found 60 minutes of Swedish massage treatment to be an optimal pain-relieving dose for people suffering from osteoarthritis of the knee. Participating in one 60-minute session of Swedish massage therapy once per week was found to reduce both stiffness and pain for these patients.
As you can see, these studies, and many more like it, are finding strong connections between massage treatment and pain reduction, as well as other health benefits. It's also important not to discount the health benefits of relaxation, either. Today's research increasingly shows the dangers of stress for high blood pressure and heart problems, stroke, and other major health concerns. Because Swedish massage and other types of massage almost universally promote relaxation, in addition to their other pain-fighting benefits, this general stress reduction can contribute to your overall well-being.
If you've been a regular recipient of massage therapy, or you've been considering using a massage therapist for alternative treatment, it's a great choice for many health benefits. As both years of anecdotal understanding and cutting-edge research show, massage can reduce stress, increase relaxation, and treat pain. And, as compared with medications, surgery, and other types of traditional medical treatments, therapeutic massage is a non-invasive option with few side effects, making it a great choice for promoting whole-body wellness.
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