edited by katie barnes. email:
katiebarnes@leisuremedia.com research round-up
touch point R
Researchers in Australia highlight the many benefi ts of massage in a new study based on 740 existing papers
esearch released in November* proves that having a massage at your local health club can be so
much more than just a nice treat – it can actually be used to treat a myriad of ailments safely and effectively. In fact, it is suggested that health
professionals such as GPs and nurses should be more active in including massages as part of treatment plans for illnesses ranging from back pain to stress and chronic conditions. Indeed, the report encourages clinicians to collaborate with professional massage practitioners.
multiple benefits The study, commissioned by the Australian Association of Massage Therapy (AAMT) and conducted by the country’s RMIT University, is a review of 740 existing academic research papers focused on the therapeutic benefi ts of massage. The mix of Australian and international papers, published between 1978 and 2008, included systematic reviews, randomised controlled trials, comparative studies, case-series/studies and cross-sectional studies. A number of massage disciplines were
covered, including acupressure, Bowen therapy, lymphatic drainage, myofascial release, refl exology, rolfi ng, Swedish massage, sports massage, infant massage, tui na and trigger point therapies. The review found that there was
moderate to strong evidence to support massage therapy for six out of the 28 conditions investigated: nausea and vomiting, anxiety, chronic disease management – especially lower back pain – delayed onset muscle soreness and pulmonary function. Indeed, six systematic reviews found strong evidence that acupressure was
HEALTH CLUB SPA
Massage can alleviate conditions such as nausea, anxiety and back pain
effective in managing nausea and vomiting in patient groups such as oncology and post-surgery, while seven studies suggested that massage could offer comparable benefi ts to spinal manipulative therapy for chronic lower back pain. Lead researcher Dr Kenny Ng says
massage was also particularly helpful in managing anxiety/stress and aiding relaxation among healthy adults and those in intensive care, as well as supporting “the wellbeing of patients with chronic and terminal diseases such as cancer”.
what’s next? Tricia Hughes, chief executive of AAMT, says: “There is a growing body of
research supporting massage therapy as being an evidence-based therapeutic modality. We certainly hope that this report leads the way for future research in the fi eld of massage therapy. “This groundwork provides remedial
massage therapists, complementary and alternative medicine practitioners and the broader allied health community with a basis to pursue evidence-based practice.” The benefi ts of massage for infants and
people with specifi c health conditions – depression, labour pain, fi bromyalgia, osteoarthritis in the knee etc – were highlighted as areas to further explore through additional research.
* Dr Ng, K & Professor Cohen, M. The Effectiveness of Massage Therapy: A Summary of Evidence-Based Research. RMIT University Australia, November 2011 february 2012 © cybertrek 2012 Read Health Club Management online
healthclubmanagement.co.uk/digital 49
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