International Journal of Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (IJTMB)
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Combined Efficacy of Foot Reflexology and Back Massage on Pain and Fatigue in Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis
No full textBackground: Multiple treatment modalities have been used to treat complications such as pain and fatigue in patients undergoing hemodialysis. However, the combined effectiveness of reflexology and back massage (BM) in relieving pain and fatigue in patients undergoing hemodialysis is limited and this study aims to fill this research gap.
Materials and methods: A pre- and post-test experimental study design was adopted in which 60 patients (n = 60) undergoing dialysis were randomized into two groups of 30 each using a simple randomization technique. The subjects of experimental group I received foot reflexology (FR) and BM, while experimental group II received only BM. The intervention lasted 2 days per week for 4 weeks. To examine the effectiveness of the treatment both before the intervention and at the end of the fourth week, two variables were evaluated: (i) pain intensity, which was measured using the visual analogue scale (VAS) and (ii) fatigue experienced by patients, which was measured using the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS).
Results: Subjects treated with FR and BM showed better reduction in VAS (mean difference: 1.06, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.299–1.834, p < 0.05) and FSS (mean difference: 6.61, 95% CI: 0.230–11.90, p < 0.05) than the subjects exposed to BM only, with a significance level of 0.05.
Conclusion: The combination of FR and BM has been found to be significantly more effective than BM alone in managing the health risks of pain and fatigue in hemodialysis patients
Strengthening the Peer Review Process: A Guide to Resources and Best Practices for IJTMB Reviewers
No full textPeer review is a vital component of scholarly publishing, ensuring that research adheres to the highest standards of rigor, relevance, and integrity. For the International Journal of Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork (IJTMB), peer reviewers play a critical role in advancing the field by providing constructive feedback and supporting the development of impactful research. This editorial outlines the expectations for IJTMB reviewers, emphasizing objectivity, inclusivity, cultural competence, and timeliness. Practical guidelines for conducting a thorough review are provided. Additionally, the editorial highlights key resources available to reviewers. By working together, reviewers, editors, and authors can strengthen evidence-based practice in therapeutic massage and bodywork
Therapeutic Massage and Homecare to Reduce Dissociation in Post-traumatic Stress Disorder: A Case Report
No full textIntroduction: Dissociation is a transdiagnostic phenomenon common among trauma survivors. Key characteristics include depersonalization, derealization, absorption, and amnesia. Chronic dissociation is correlated with autonomic nervous system hypoarousal and other neurophysiological adaptations that impact survivors’ ability to make gains in conventional psychotherapy. Therapeutic massage has demonstrated stimulatory effects on cortical regions that exhibit functional dysregulation in dissociation and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This case study explored whether therapeutic massage and homecare could reduce persistent dissociation in a client with PTSD.
Case presentation: The study participant was a 35-year-old Indigenous female who was diagnosed with PTSD at age 18. Intake assessment via the Dissociative Experiences Scale-II (DES-II) confirmed pathological levels of dissociation consistent with PTSD. Intervention comprised 10 sessions conducted by a massage therapy student over a period of 12 weeks. Each session included an initial interview, therapeutic massage, homecare prescription, and closing interview. Manual techniques were selected to promote parasympathetic tone while providing tactile stimuli; homecare techniques were selected to promote conscious proprioception. Dissociative progress was evaluated using four discrete DES-II samples, while somatic awareness was assessed during structured, 15-min massage periods in each session. Both tracked indicators showed improvement with intervention, with DES-II scores decreasing by 53.7% from initial baseline, and real-time awareness of somatic stimuli improving by 78%. These improvements were consistent with the participant’s subjective reports of increased somatosensory awareness.
Discussion: As a low-risk intervention, therapeutic massage shows promise as an adjunct therapy in PTSD recovery. While the participant demonstrated improvements in tracked indicators, further research is needed to isolate the effects of massage from those of homecare exercises and the data collection process itself. Collaboration with psychiatry would enhance future study rigor by incorporating diagnostic assessments beyond the scope of massage therapy
Mental Health and Massage Therapy for Refugees, Immigrants, and Asylum Seekers
No full textThis article focuses on the use of massage therapy for mental health in refugees, immigrants, and asylum seekers. First, the article reviews data and definitions concerning this population in the United States. Next, the article reviews data and evidence concerning the mental health challenges experienced by this population. Finally, the article summarizes data and evidence on the effects of massage therapy for mental health issues. Particular attention is devoted to clinical considerations that are unique or special regarding massage therapy for this population, including cultural concerns and trauma-informed care. Suggestions for future research are noted
A Qualitative Scoping Review of Massage and Massage Therapy on the Mental Health and Well-being of Individuals Living with a Serious and Potentially Life-limiting Physical Illness
No full textBackground: Serious illness “is a health condition that carries a high risk of mortality and either negatively impacts a person’s daily function or quality of life or excessively strains their caregivers.”
Purpose: The aim of this review was to explore the contribution of massage and massage therapy to the mental health and well-being of individuals living with a serious and potentially life-limiting illness.
Methods: A scoping review was conducted following Arksey and O’Malley’s six-step scoping review framework and the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. The electronic databases PubMed, CINAHL, MEDLINE (OVID), PsychINFO, CENTRAL, Web of Science, PROQUEST Dissertations and Theses, and Scopus were searched to identify qualitative or mixed-methods studies. The qualitative data were coded from the studies and themes emerged. For the final stage of analysis, a thematic synthesis was utilized.
Findings: Sixteen papers were included from eight countries. The overarching theme was “the effable and ineffable impacts of massage” informed by the following themes: massage as a transcendent experience, existential respite, massage helping to preserve dignity, increased inner resources, well-being and relaxation as part of the individualized and personalized vocabulary for massage for the seriously ill, and varied outcomes of the effect of massage on physical symptoms.
Conclusion: Good mental health and well-being are important aspects of living well with serious illness. The review found there is a considerable body of research which points to the value and impact of massage on outcomes of well-being and mental health and, broadly, on patient experience
The Effects of Massage Therapy on Post-traumatic Stress Disorder: A Case Report
No full textObjective: To observe the effects of massage on generalized anxiety stemming from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The patient was seeking massage for relief from the symptoms of PTSD with the primary symptom to be addressed in treatment being anxiety.
Methods: The client was a 25-year-old female who experienced PTSD from domestic abuse. The Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item assessment was used to measure anxiety throughout the study at the beginning of each session. The patient received six sessions of massage using several different massage modalities based on education requirements and to explore the most efficacious treatment techniques for the client. The different massage modalities that were used were neuromuscular therapy, myofascial release, cupping, craniosacral, and hot rocks.
Results: The client’s presenting concerns included anxiety, pounding heart, shortness of breath, nausea and abdominal discomfort, and sweating. The client experienced a decrease in anxiety which meet the criteria for a minimal clinically important difference. The client experienced a small reduction in PTSD symptoms over the course of the six sessions. The client’s preferred massage modalities were craniosacral and hot rocks as she perceived the most benefit from these massage modalities.
Conclusion: Massage is a treatment option for individuals with anxiety and symptoms related to PTSD and different massage techniques, while all appearing to be helpful, should be utilized as per the client’s preference
A Resilience Framework for Research in Oncology Massage Therapy
No full textPain and anxiety affect nearly half of patients with cancer, and high symptom burden causes stress during treatment. Both massage therapy and interventions focused on resilience building have been reported to ease symptoms. Resilience theory explains how a patient’s resilience can help them navigate stressful events and return to health. Resilience at the family and health system level also affects a patient’s ability to cope, recover, and rehabilitate after illness. Massage therapy is reported to reduce pain and anxiety, but its effect on resilience has not been studied. The purpose of this paper is to propose resilience theory as a framework for the role of massage therapy, symptom burden, and resilience, and how these might interact in patients with cancer
Special Issue on Massage Therapy and Mental Health
No full textThis special issue of the International Journal of Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork focuses on the intersection of massage therapy and mental health, highlighting the growing body of research exploring its role in psychological well-being. With contributions from leading researchers and practitioners, this issue examines the mechanisms, applications, and outcomes of massage therapy in supporting mental health across diverse populations. Through the collaborative efforts of authors, reviewers, and guest editors Dr. Cynthia Price and Dr. Sarah Fogarty, this collection of work aims to deepen our understanding of how massage therapy can be integrated into mental health care and broader health-care systems
Deep Tissue Massage Therapy: Effects on Muscle Recovery and Performance in Athletes
No full textBackground: Deep tissue massage has been used in sports for improving performance and recovery on deep muscle layers. This study looks at its effectiveness across different sports, performance, and recovery.
Purpose: To assess the effect of deep tissue massage on muscle recovery and performance improvement across different sports, teams, strength, endurance, and individual sports.
Methods: A randomized controlled trial design was used, and 150 athletes aged 18–45 years received bi-weekly 40-min deep tissue massage for 8 weeks. Performance improvement, muscle recovery, and flexibility were measured with objective and subjective assessments. Chi-square tests, analysis of variance, and Tukey’s post hoc tests were used for statistical analysis.
Results: Team and strength athletes in this study showed the greatest performance improvement, in contrast to individual and endurance athletes (F = 6.61, p = 0.004). Bi-weekly massage sessions showed better recovery outcomes (χ2 = 9.41, p = 0.0243). Longer massage sessions showed increased flexibility (χ2 = 19.77, p < 0.001). Gender differences were found in perceived effectiveness of massage (χ2 = 9.46, p = 0.024). Also, the intervention showed improvement in muscle strength and flexibility, especially in the lumbar region, knee, and shoulder, focusing on the effects of the massage protocol in joint mobility and muscle function.
Conclusion: Deep tissue massage therapy improves athletic performance and muscle recovery, especially for team and strength sports. With regular and continuous massage sessions, flexibility and recovery are improved among athletes
