aromatherapy massage using a blend of lavender and almond oils Decreases - positive effect in reducing pain scores Human
burn patients Massage for half an hour using a blend of lavender and almond oils. Comparing the effects of aromatherapy massage and inhalation aromatherapy on anxiety and pain in burn patients: A single-blind randomized clinical trial. massage chair Increases - is a promising treatment for pain control Human
— Not specified Clinical outcomes and cost-effectiveness of massage chair therapy versus basic physiotherapy in lower back pain patients: A randomized controlled trial. massage chair Decreases - were both effective for pain control as assessed with the VAS Human
participants Not specified Clinical outcomes and cost-effectiveness of massage chair therapy versus basic physiotherapy in lower back pain patients: A randomized controlled trial. light pressure stroking massage with topical sesame oil Decreases - was associated with significant reduction pain severity Human
patients with limbs trauma 5-minute massage twice daily with either sesame oil or liquid paraffin (placebo). Effect of light pressure stroking massage with sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) oil on alleviating acute traumatic limbs pain: A triple-blind controlled trial in emergency department. light pressure stroking massage with topical sesame oil Decreases - Mean changes of pain severity between two groups was significant pain severity Human
patients with upper or lower extremities trauma 5-minute massage twice daily with either sesame oil or liquid paraffin (placebo). Effect of light pressure stroking massage with sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) oil on alleviating acute traumatic limbs pain: A triple-blind controlled trial in emergency department. light pressure stroking massage with topical sesame oil Decreases - Mean changes of pain severity between two groups was significant pain severity Human
patients with upper or lower extremities trauma 5-minute massage twice daily with either sesame oil or liquid paraffin (placebo). Effect of light pressure stroking massage with sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) oil on alleviating acute traumatic limbs pain: A triple-blind controlled trial in emergency department. abdominal massage Decreases - decrease the severity of abdominal pain Human
patients Not specified Experiences of abdominal massage for constipation. abdominal massage No effect - No statistically significant intergroup difference was noted maximal pain Human
patients scheduled to undergo intestinal resection and follow an ERAS protocol Not specified Abdominal massage to prevent ileus after colorectal surgery. A single-center, prospective, randomized clinical trial: the MATRAC Trial. abdominal massage No effect - had no effect pain Human
patients with malignant ascites 15-minute gentle abdominal massage, twice daily. The effect of abdominal massage in reducing malignant ascites symptoms. abdominal massage Decreases - reducing pain Human
patients who underwent colonoscopy Not specified The effect of position change and abdominal massage on anxiety, pain and distension after colonoscopy: A randomized clinical trial. abdominal massage Decreases - decreased the most VAS pain scores Human
patients who underwent colonoscopy Not specified The effect of position change and abdominal massage on anxiety, pain and distension after colonoscopy: A randomized clinical trial. abdominal massage No effect - determine the effect severity of pain Human
university students Not specified The effect of abdominal massage and stretching exercise on pain and dysmenorrhea symptoms in female university students: A single-blind randomized-controlled clinical trial. abdominal massage Decreases - decrease the feelings of discomfort and pain that accompany it Human
constipated patients Not specified The use of abdominal massage to treat chronic constipation. perineal massage during the second stage of labour Decreases - significantly lower mean perineal pain score at 24 h postpartum Human
nulliparous women undergoing vaginal delivery Perineal massage during the second stage of labour (specific frequency/duration not detailed). Effectiveness of Intrapartum Perineal Massage in Preventing Perineal Trauma in Nulliparous Women During the Second Stage of Labour: A Randomised Controlled Trial. perineal massage during the second stage of labour Decreases - significantly lower mean perineal pain score at 4 h postpartum Human
nulliparous women undergoing vaginal delivery Perineal massage during the second stage of labour (specific frequency/duration not detailed). Effectiveness of Intrapartum Perineal Massage in Preventing Perineal Trauma in Nulliparous Women During the Second Stage of Labour: A Randomised Controlled Trial. massage gun Decreases - reducing pressure pain threshold Human
patients with pain and latent trigger points at the calf muscle 12 sessions of either massage gun or myofascial release, with 20 minutes of ice once a week for 12 weeks. Effectiveness of Massage Gun Versus Myofascial Release Technique for Releasing Latent Trigger Points of the Calf Muscle: A Protocol for Randomized Clinical Trial. massage gun Decreases - reducing subjective pain Human
patients with pain and latent trigger points at the calf muscle 12 sessions of either massage gun or myofascial release, with 20 minutes of ice once a week for 12 weeks. Effectiveness of Massage Gun Versus Myofascial Release Technique for Releasing Latent Trigger Points of the Calf Muscle: A Protocol for Randomized Clinical Trial. massage gun No effect - effectiveness on subjective pain, pain pressure threshold and ankle ROM Human
people with pain and latent trigger points in the calf muscles 12 sessions of either massage gun or myofascial release, with 20 minutes of ice once a week for 12 weeks. Effectiveness of Massage Gun Versus Myofascial Release Technique for Releasing Latent Trigger Points of the Calf Muscle: A Protocol for Randomized Clinical Trial. massage of both the quadriceps and hamstrings Decreases - specifically when both the quadriceps and hamstrings were massaged pain reduction and range of motion increase Human
elderly with knee osteoarthritis Moderate pressure massage targeting both quadriceps and hamstrings (specific frequency and duration not detailed). Knee osteoarthritis pain in the elderly can be reduced by massage therapy, yoga and tai chi: A review. massage therapy protocols Decreases - effective in not only reducing pain but also in increasing range of motion pain Human
elderly with knee osteoarthritis Moderate pressure massage targeting both quadriceps and hamstrings (specific frequency and duration not detailed). Knee osteoarthritis pain in the elderly can be reduced by massage therapy, yoga and tai chi: A review. moderate pressure massage Decreases - specifically when moderate pressure massage was used pain reduction and range of motion increase Human
elderly with knee osteoarthritis Moderate pressure massage targeting both quadriceps and hamstrings (specific frequency and duration not detailed). Knee osteoarthritis pain in the elderly can be reduced by massage therapy, yoga and tai chi: A review. Fateh massage Decreases - comparable to those of acupuncture and physiotherapy in reducing pain and disability Human
patients with CLBP 10 sessions of therapy (specific frequency not detailed). Comparison of an Iranian Traditional Massage (Fateh Method) with Physiotherapy and Acupuncture for Patients with Chronic Low Back Pain: a Randomized Controlled Trial. postoperative massage Decreases - significantly improved patients' perception of pain Human
patients undergoing abdominal colorectal surgery 20-minute massage on postoperative days 2 and 3. Effect of massage therapy on pain, anxiety, relaxation, and tension after colorectal surgery: A randomized study. regional massage performed before blood collection Decreases - reduced pain Human
term newborns 2 minutes of massage on the blood collection region. The effect of regional massage performed before blood collection on pain and vital signs in newborns. regional massage performed before blood collection Decreases - lower pain levels Human
term newborns 2 minutes of massage on the blood collection region. The effect of regional massage performed before blood collection on pain and vital signs in newborns. classical foot massage Decreases - effective in reducing pain level Human
people with colorectal cancer who received chemoradiotherapy Twice a week for both classical massage and reflexology. Effects of foot massage applied in two different methods on symptom control in colorectal cancer patients: Randomised control trial. Classical foot massage Decreases - reduces pain levels Human
patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma 3 sessions per week, each lasting 20 minutes. The Effect of Foot Massage on Peripheral Neuropathy-Related Pain and Sleep Quality in Patients With Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. interferential current electro-massage Decreases - achieved a significantly greater improvement pain Human
individuals with chronic non-specific low back pain 20 sessions (twice a week) of massage with interferential current. Short-term effects of interferential current electro-massage in adults with chronic non-specific low back pain: a randomized controlled trial. mobilization, manipulation, and clinical massage Decreases - are effective interventions for the management of neck pain neck pain Human
— Not specified Are manual therapies, passive physical modalities, or acupuncture effective for the management of patients with whiplash-associated disorders or neck pain and associated disorders? An update of the Bone and Joint Decade Task Force on Neck Pain and Its Associated Disorders by the OPTIMa collaboration. trigger point (TrP) release massage Increases - interaction effect was significant pressure-pain threshold (PPT) Human
Adults with episodic or chronic tension-type headache and an active MTrP in the upper trapezius muscle Single trigger point release massage session. Increase in Lactate Without Change in Nutritive Blood Flow or Glucose at Active Trigger Points Following Massage: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Massage and human interaction Decreases - did demonstrate efficacy in reducing BPSD and pain Human
— Not specified Using Complementary and Alternative Medicine to Treat Pain and Agitation in Dementia: A Review of Randomized Controlled Trials from Long-Term Care with Potential Use in Critical Care. massage interventions Decreases - are effective for relieving immediate post-treatment neck pain symptoms Human
adults (>18 years) suffering from sub-acute and chronic neck pain Not specified Ottawa Panel evidence-based clinical practice guidelines on therapeutic massage for neck pain. massage Decreases - can decrease pain Human
adults (>18 years) suffering from sub-acute and chronic neck pain Not specified Ottawa Panel evidence-based clinical practice guidelines on therapeutic massage for neck pain. massage interventions No effect - had no significant differences in perceived pain Human
— Not specified Examination of Self-Myofascial Release vs. Instrument-Assisted Soft-Tissue Mobilization Techniques on Vertical and Horizontal Power in Recreational Athletes. conventional massage therapy Decreases - yielded significant decreases habitual pain intensity Human
patients with chronic back pain Not specified Visually induced analgesia during massage treatment in chronic back pain patients. inducing visual induced analgesia during massage treatment Decreases - can be helpful in alleviating chronic pain Human
— Not specified Visually induced analgesia during massage treatment in chronic back pain patients. massage therapy applied with lavender oil Decreases - were milder labor pain perceived Human
primiparous women 2 drops of lavender oil per application (inhalation for 3 minutes, massage for 15 minutes). Determining the effect of inhalation and lavender essential oil massage therapy on the severity of perceived labor pain in primiparous women: A randomized controlled trial. massage therapy with lavender oil Decreases - was more effective labor pain Human
primiparous women 2 drops of lavender oil per application (inhalation for 3 minutes, massage for 15 minutes). Determining the effect of inhalation and lavender essential oil massage therapy on the severity of perceived labor pain in primiparous women: A randomized controlled trial. inhalation and massage therapy applied using lavender essential oil Decreases - contributed to the alleviation perceived labor pain Human
primiparous women 2 drops of lavender oil per application (inhalation for 3 minutes, massage for 15 minutes). Determining the effect of inhalation and lavender essential oil massage therapy on the severity of perceived labor pain in primiparous women: A randomized controlled trial. Increased massage treatment Decreases - more effective at alleviating pain pain Human
early post-TKA patients Not specified Massage for rehabilitation after total knee arthroplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. massage Decreases - more significant pain relief postoperative pain Human
postoperative TKA rehabilitation patients Not specified Massage for rehabilitation after total knee arthroplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. TENS with BMWs plus massage No effect - no significant differences pain intensity (NRS) Human
patients with chronic back pain Not specified Pain relief by transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation with bidirectional modulated sine waves in patients with chronic back pain: a randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled study. weekly repeated treatments using massage and TENS with BMWs Decreases - resulted in a decrease pain intensity (NRS) Human
patients with chronic back pain Not specified Pain relief by transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation with bidirectional modulated sine waves in patients with chronic back pain: a randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled study. traditional Thai massage (TTM) Decreases - reduce pain Human
patients with upper back pain associated with myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) One 30-minute session of TTM. Short-term effects of traditional Thai massage on electromyogram, muscle tension and pain among patients with upper back pain associated with myofascial trigger points. traditional Thai massage (TTM) Decreases - significant decreases pain intensity Human
patients with upper back pain associated with myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) One 30-minute session of TTM. Short-term effects of traditional Thai massage on electromyogram, muscle tension and pain among patients with upper back pain associated with myofascial trigger points. traditional Thai massage (TTM) Decreases - significant decreases pain intensity Human
patients with scapulocostal syndrome (SCS) 30-minute session. Acute effects of traditional Thai massage on electroencephalogram in patients with scapulocostal syndrome. traditional Thai massage (TTM) Decreases - significantly greater reduction pain intensity Human
patients with scapulocostal syndrome (SCS) 30-minute session. Acute effects of traditional Thai massage on electroencephalogram in patients with scapulocostal syndrome. traditional Thai massage (TTM) Decreases - decrease pain intensity Human
patients with scapulocostal syndrome (SCS) 30-minute session. Acute effects of traditional Thai massage on electroencephalogram in patients with scapulocostal syndrome. traditional Thai massage (TTM) Decreases - significantly greater improvement pain intensity Human
young patients with latent myofascial trigger points in the wrist extensor muscles Three 20-minute sessions per week for 9 sessions. The beneficial effects of traditional Thai massage on young patients with latent myofascial trigger points in the wrist extensor muscles: A randomized controlled trial. traditional Thai massage (TTM) Decreases - significant improvement pain intensity Human
young patients with latent myofascial trigger points in the wrist extensor muscles Three 20-minute sessions per week for 9 sessions. The beneficial effects of traditional Thai massage on young patients with latent myofascial trigger points in the wrist extensor muscles: A randomized controlled trial. traditional Thai massage (TTM) Increases - significant improvement pressure pain threshold (PPT) Human
young patients with latent myofascial trigger points in the wrist extensor muscles Three 20-minute sessions per week for 9 sessions. The beneficial effects of traditional Thai massage on young patients with latent myofascial trigger points in the wrist extensor muscles: A randomized controlled trial. traditional Thai massage (TTM) Increases - significantly greater improvement pressure pain threshold (PPT) Human
young patients with latent myofascial trigger points in the wrist extensor muscles Three 20-minute sessions per week for 9 sessions. The beneficial effects of traditional Thai massage on young patients with latent myofascial trigger points in the wrist extensor muscles: A randomized controlled trial. traditional Thai massage (TTM) Decreases - showed a significant improvement pain intensity Human
patients with scapulocostal syndrome (SCS) 30-minute sessions, 9 sessions over 3 weeks. Therapeutic effects of traditional Thai massage on pain, muscle tension and anxiety in patients with scapulocostal syndrome: a randomized single-blinded pilot study. traditional Thai massage (TTM) Decreases - were significantly lower pain intensity Human
patients with scapulocostal syndrome (SCS) 30-minute sessions, 9 sessions over 3 weeks. Therapeutic effects of traditional Thai massage on pain, muscle tension and anxiety in patients with scapulocostal syndrome: a randomized single-blinded pilot study. traditional Thai massage (TTM) Increases - showed a significant improvement pressure pain threshold (PPT) Human
patients with scapulocostal syndrome (SCS) 30-minute sessions, 9 sessions over 3 weeks. Therapeutic effects of traditional Thai massage on pain, muscle tension and anxiety in patients with scapulocostal syndrome: a randomized single-blinded pilot study. traditional Thai massage (TTM) Increases - were significantly higher pressure pain threshold (PPT) Human
patients with scapulocostal syndrome (SCS) 30-minute sessions, 9 sessions over 3 weeks. Therapeutic effects of traditional Thai massage on pain, muscle tension and anxiety in patients with scapulocostal syndrome: a randomized single-blinded pilot study. traditional Thai massage (TTM) Decreases - led to significant improvements pain intensity Human
older adults with chronic low back pain 30-minute sessions twice a week for five weeks. The effectiveness of Swedish massage with aromatic ginger oil in treating chronic low back pain in older adults: a randomized controlled trial. Swedish massage with aromatic ginger oil (SMGO) Decreases - was more effective than TTM in reducing pain Human
older adults with chronic low back pain 30-minute sessions twice a week for five weeks. The effectiveness of Swedish massage with aromatic ginger oil in treating chronic low back pain in older adults: a randomized controlled trial. Swedish massage with aromatic ginger oil (SMGO) Decreases - led to significant improvements pain intensity Human
older adults with chronic low back pain 30-minute sessions twice a week for five weeks. The effectiveness of Swedish massage with aromatic ginger oil in treating chronic low back pain in older adults: a randomized controlled trial. Traditional Thai massage (TTM) Decreases - found a pre- to post-treatment pain reductions pain intensity Human
individuals with chronic pain Not specified. The efficacy of traditional Thai massage for the treatment of chronic pain: A systematic review. Traditional Thai massage (TTM) Decreases - benefits of pain reduction appear to maintain for pain reduction Human
— Not specified. The efficacy of traditional Thai massage for the treatment of chronic pain: A systematic review. Traditional Thai massage (TM) Decreases - resulted in a significant improvement pain intensity (PI) Human
patients with chronic neck pain associated with myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) Eight treatment sessions over two weeks. A comparative study of Thai massage and muscle energy technique for chronic neck pain: A single-blinded randomized clinical trial. Traditional Thai massage (TM) Increases - resulted in a significant improvement pressure pain threshold (PPT) Human
patients with chronic neck pain associated with myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) Eight treatment sessions over two weeks. A comparative study of Thai massage and muscle energy technique for chronic neck pain: A single-blinded randomized clinical trial. traditional Thai massage (TTM) Decreases - significantly better scores pain intensity Human
patients with SCS Four-week intervention (specific frequency not detailed). A randomized comparative study of traditional Thai massage and Thai boxing exercise on clinical-based outcomes in patients with scapulocostal syndrome. traditional Thai massage (TTM) Decreases - superior effects pain intensity Human
patients with SCS Four-week intervention (specific frequency not detailed). A randomized comparative study of traditional Thai massage and Thai boxing exercise on clinical-based outcomes in patients with scapulocostal syndrome. traditional Thai massage (TTM) Decreases - Significant improvements pain intensity Human
patients with SCS Four-week intervention (specific frequency not detailed). A randomized comparative study of traditional Thai massage and Thai boxing exercise on clinical-based outcomes in patients with scapulocostal syndrome. traditional Thai massage (TTM) Increases - superior effects pressure pain threshold (PPT) Human
patients with SCS Four-week intervention (specific frequency not detailed). A randomized comparative study of traditional Thai massage and Thai boxing exercise on clinical-based outcomes in patients with scapulocostal syndrome. traditional Thai massage (TTM) Increases - Significant improvements pressure pain threshold (PPT) Human
patients with SCS Four-week intervention (specific frequency not detailed). A randomized comparative study of traditional Thai massage and Thai boxing exercise on clinical-based outcomes in patients with scapulocostal syndrome. traditional Thai massage (TTM) Increases - significantly better scores pressure pain threshold (PPT) Human
patients with SCS Four-week intervention (specific frequency not detailed). A randomized comparative study of traditional Thai massage and Thai boxing exercise on clinical-based outcomes in patients with scapulocostal syndrome. Traditional Thai Massage (TTM) Decreases - showed a significant reduction pain intensity Human
PHP patients with a Myofascial Trigger Point (MTrP) present in the calf A single 40-minute treatment session. Randomised control trial to compare the efficacy of traditional Thai massage and ultrasound therapy for treating plantar heel pain. Traditional Thai Massage (TTM) Decreases - effective pain relief Human
patients with PHP A single 40-minute treatment session. Randomised control trial to compare the efficacy of traditional Thai massage and ultrasound therapy for treating plantar heel pain. Traditional Thai Massage (TTM) Increases - showed a significant increase Pressure Pain Threshold (PPT) of the heel Human
PHP patients with a Myofascial Trigger Point (MTrP) present in the calf A single 40-minute treatment session. Randomised control trial to compare the efficacy of traditional Thai massage and ultrasound therapy for treating plantar heel pain. therapeutic breast massage in lactation (TBML) Decreases - helpful for the reduction acute breast pain associated with milk stasis Human
breastfeeding women Not specified Therapeutic Breast Massage in Lactation for the Management of Engorgement, Plugged Ducts, and Mastitis. therapeutic breast massage in lactation (TBML) Decreases - significant improvement breast pain Human
breastfeeding women presenting with engorgement, plugged ducts, or mastitis Not specified Therapeutic Breast Massage in Lactation for the Management of Engorgement, Plugged Ducts, and Mastitis. therapeutic breast massage in lactation (TBML) Decreases - significant improvement nipple pain Human
breastfeeding women presenting with engorgement, plugged ducts, or mastitis Not specified Therapeutic Breast Massage in Lactation for the Management of Engorgement, Plugged Ducts, and Mastitis. therapeutic breast massage in lactation (TBML) Decreases - immediate improvement pain level Human
breastfeeding women presenting with engorgement, plugged ducts, or mastitis Not specified Therapeutic Breast Massage in Lactation for the Management of Engorgement, Plugged Ducts, and Mastitis. standard care plus daily massage of the trauma site with sesame oil Decreases - favourable consequence acute traumatic limb pain Human
clients who received standard care plus daily massage of the trauma site with sesame oil Daily massage of the trauma site with sesame oil (specific amount not provided) Alleviating severity of limb trauma pain with coadministration of topical sesame oil and standard treatments: A GRADE-assessed systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. exercise therapy plus massage therapy No effect - determine the effect subacute and long-lasting neck pain Human
study participants with subacute or long-lasting nonspecific neck pain Not specified The effect of massage therapy and/or exercise therapy on subacute or long-lasting neck pain--the Stockholm neck trial (STONE): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. massage therapy No effect - determine the effect subacute and long-lasting neck pain Human
study participants with subacute or long-lasting nonspecific neck pain Not specified The effect of massage therapy and/or exercise therapy on subacute or long-lasting neck pain--the Stockholm neck trial (STONE): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. music-plus-massage Decreases - showed a decrease pain intensity Human
burn patients Swedish massage for 20 minutes once a day. The effects of massage and music on pain, anxiety and relaxation in burn patients: Randomized controlled clinical trial. music-plus-massage Decreases - were effective on reducing pain intensity Human
burn patients Swedish massage for 20 minutes once a day. The effects of massage and music on pain, anxiety and relaxation in burn patients: Randomized controlled clinical trial. massage Decreases - showed a decrease pain intensity Human
burn patients Swedish massage for 20 minutes once a day. The effects of massage and music on pain, anxiety and relaxation in burn patients: Randomized controlled clinical trial. massage Decreases - were effective on reducing pain intensity Human
burn patients Swedish massage for 20 minutes once a day. The effects of massage and music on pain, anxiety and relaxation in burn patients: Randomized controlled clinical trial. Swedish massage Decreases - reduced lower-back pain Human
nurses Not specified Swedish Massage: A Systematic Review of its Physical and Psychological Benefits. Swedish massage (SM) Decreases - significantly lower mean pain Human
primiparous women Two massage techniques (effleurage and petrissage) applied at cervical dilatation of 4 and 8-10 cm. Comparison the effect of Swedish massage and interferential electrical stimulation on labor pain and childbirth experience in primiparous women: a randomized controlled clinical trial. Swedish massage Decreases - decreased mean scores of pain Human
rheumatoid arthritis patients 30-minute Swedish massage sessions, twice a week for the first four weeks and three times a week for the last four weeks. The effect of Swedish massage on pain in rheumatoid arthritis patients: A randomized controlled trial. Swedish massage Decreases - significant differences between the two groups' mean scores pain Human
rheumatoid arthritis patients 30-minute Swedish massage sessions, twice a week for the first four weeks and three times a week for the last four weeks. The effect of Swedish massage on pain in rheumatoid arthritis patients: A randomized controlled trial. Swedish massage Decreases - Absolute change in pain pain Human
women of occupation age Eight 30-minute treatments over 4 weeks. Experimental integrative muscular movement technique enhances cervical range of motion in patients with chronic neck pain: a pilot study. Swedish massage Increases - best improved pain Human
people with MS Not specified Massage therapy as a complementary and alternative approach for people with multiple sclerosis: a systematic review. Swedish massage Decreases - demonstrated significantly more pain relief pain Human
patients with knee OA 20-30 minutes per session, 12 sessions. Effects of Swedish massage on gait spatiotemporal parameters in adult women with medial knee osteoarthritis: A randomized controlled trial. Swedish massage No effect - no consistent focal areas of improvement pain on modified Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) Human
women with fibromyalgia 90 minutes weekly for four weeks. A pilot study of myofascial release therapy compared to Swedish massage in fibromyalgia. tuina massage therapy No effect - change from baseline back pain and function Human
CLBP patients Tuina group: 20-minute sessions, 4-step protocol, 20 sessions over 4 weeks; Drug group: specific daily dose of ibuprofen (exact dosage not specified). Effectiveness of Chinese massage therapy (Tui Na) for chronic low back pain: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. tuina massage therapy No effect - evaluate the comparative effectiveness chronic low back pain (CLBP) Human
CLBP patients Tuina group: 20-minute sessions, 4-step protocol, 20 sessions over 4 weeks; Drug group: specific daily dose of ibuprofen (exact dosage not specified). Effectiveness of Chinese massage therapy (Tui Na) for chronic low back pain: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. tuina massage therapy No effect - secondary outcome measures include McGill pain questionnaire Human
CLBP patients Tuina group: 20-minute sessions, 4-step protocol, 20 sessions over 4 weeks; Drug group: specific daily dose of ibuprofen (exact dosage not specified). Effectiveness of Chinese massage therapy (Tui Na) for chronic low back pain: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation combined with thermotherapy and effleurage massage Decreases - stands out for its effects intensity and duration of pain Human
women with primary dysmenorrhea Not specified (few sessions mentioned for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation combined with thermotherapy and effleurage massage). Treatment of Women With Primary Dysmenorrhea With Manual Therapy and Electrotherapy Techniques: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Post-operative massage intervention Decreases - can reduce pain Human
patients after caesarean delivery 20-minute foot massage post-surgery. Postoperative Foot Massage for Patients after Caesarean Delivery. foot massage Decreases - significantly lower pain intensity score obtained 60 min after the massage Human
patients after caesarean delivery 20-minute foot massage post-surgery. Postoperative Foot Massage for Patients after Caesarean Delivery. massage with olive oil Decreases - potentially effective in reducing pain severity Human
patients with trauma to the extremities 10 drops of olive oil or placebo (liquid paraffin) applied during a 5-minute massage, twice daily. Effects of light stroking massage with olive oil on acute pain severity and number of taken non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs among outpatients with extremities trauma: A double-blind, placebo-controlled superiority trial. light stroking massage with olive oil Decreases - significant decrease in the pain severity was found in two groups pain severity Human
outpatients who suffered from superficial injury in upper or lower extremities 10 drops of olive oil or placebo (liquid paraffin) applied during a 5-minute massage, twice daily. Effects of light stroking massage with olive oil on acute pain severity and number of taken non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs among outpatients with extremities trauma: A double-blind, placebo-controlled superiority trial. soft and prolonged massage with roghan-i-suranjan Decreases - found effective in reducing the pain pain Human
patients of low back pain Soft and prolonged massage with roghan-i-suranjan (specific dosage not detailed). Effect of soft and prolonged Graeco-Arabic massage in low back pain - A randomized controlled clinical trial. massage combine with combined with cactus and aloe cold compress Decreases - reduced to greater extents pain Human
— Not specified Effects of massage treatment combined with topical cactus and aloe on puerperal milk stasis. massage treatment with topical cactus and aloe topical Decreases - effectively improved pain status Human
— Not specified Effects of massage treatment combined with topical cactus and aloe on puerperal milk stasis. back massage Decreases - may be a more effective pain management approach than pain during the first stage of labor Human
— Not specified (intervention performed at three points). Effect of Change in Position and Back Massage on Pain Perception during First Stage of Labor. back massage Decreases - may be effective in reducing pain during the first stage of labor Human
women Not specified (intervention performed at three points). Effect of Change in Position and Back Massage on Pain Perception during First Stage of Labor. back massage No effect - had pain scores pain perception Human
20 women (Group B) Not specified (intervention performed at three points). Effect of Change in Position and Back Massage on Pain Perception during First Stage of Labor. eye massage only Decreases - significantly decreased pain Human
children receiving dental anesthesia for the first time Not specified Reducing children's anxiety and pain in dental environment using an eye massage device combined with natural sounds-a randomized controlled trial. eye massage only No effect - no significant difference was noted pain after anesthesia using the WBS Human
children receiving dental anesthesia for the first time Not specified Reducing children's anxiety and pain in dental environment using an eye massage device combined with natural sounds-a randomized controlled trial. eye massage with natural sounds Decreases - showed a greater decrease objective pain assessed during injection via the FLACC scale Human
children receiving dental anesthesia for the first time Not specified Reducing children's anxiety and pain in dental environment using an eye massage device combined with natural sounds-a randomized controlled trial. eye massage with natural sounds Decreases - significantly decreased pain Human
children receiving dental anesthesia for the first time Not specified Reducing children's anxiety and pain in dental environment using an eye massage device combined with natural sounds-a randomized controlled trial. eye massage with natural sounds No effect - no significant difference was noted pain after anesthesia using the WBS Human
children receiving dental anesthesia for the first time Not specified Reducing children's anxiety and pain in dental environment using an eye massage device combined with natural sounds-a randomized controlled trial. eye massage with natural sounds Decreases - reduce pain related to anesthesia Human
children Not specified Reducing children's anxiety and pain in dental environment using an eye massage device combined with natural sounds-a randomized controlled trial. needle warming moxibustion (NWM) combined with trigger point massage Decreases - reduced pain Human
elderly patients with frozen shoulder (FS) Not specified Impact of needle warming moxibustion combined with trigger point massage on shoulder function and stress responses in elderly patients with frozen shoulder. needle warming moxibustion (NWM) combined with trigger point massage Decreases - shorter time to achieve no self-perceived pain Human
elderly patients with frozen shoulder (FS) Not specified Impact of needle warming moxibustion combined with trigger point massage on shoulder function and stress responses in elderly patients with frozen shoulder. lumbar massage No effect - did not differ significantly other pain-related outcome measures Human
women pregnant at ≥ 37 weeks gestation with a single fetus, with spontaneous onset of labour, 4-5cm of cervical dilation, intact ovular membranes, and no use of medication after admission to hospital 30-minute lumbar massage session. Massage reduced severity of pain during labour: a randomised trial. lumbar massage Decreases - significantly different pain severity Human
women pregnant at ≥ 37 weeks gestation with a single fetus, with spontaneous onset of labour, 4-5cm of cervical dilation, intact ovular membranes, and no use of medication after admission to hospital 30-minute lumbar massage session. Massage reduced severity of pain during labour: a randomised trial. Clinical Pilates exercises and connective tissue massage (CTM) Decreases - significant difference was observed Pain Location Inventory (PLI) Human
women with Fibromyalgia (FM) CTM + Clinical Pilates exercises 3 times a week. Is connective tissue massage effective in individuals with fibromyalgia? Clinical Pilates exercises and connective tissue massage (CTM) Decreases - the difference was determined only in the PLI in favor of the intervention group Pain Location Inventory (PLI) Human
women with Fibromyalgia (FM) CTM + Clinical Pilates exercises 3 times a week. Is connective tissue massage effective in individuals with fibromyalgia? reflexology massage and passive music therapy before burn dressing Decreases - reduced pain and anxiety level Human
burn patients 40-minute sessions before dressing changes for three consecutive days. The effect of reflexology massage and passive music therapy intervention before burn dressing on pain, anxiety level and sleep quality. reflexology massage and passive music therapy Decreases - showed a significant difference mean pain scores Human
patients hospitalized in the Burn Center 40-minute sessions before dressing changes for three consecutive days. The effect of reflexology massage and passive music therapy intervention before burn dressing on pain, anxiety level and sleep quality. connective tissue massage (CTM) Decreases - less frequent low back pain Human
women with primary dysmenorrhea (PD) Massage applied 5 days a week. Comparison of Connective Tissue Massage and Classic Massage in Women With Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Randomized Clinical Trial. connective tissue massage (CTM) Decreases - decreased menstrual pain intensity Human
women with primary dysmenorrhea (PD) Massage applied 5 days a week. Comparison of Connective Tissue Massage and Classic Massage in Women With Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Randomized Clinical Trial. connective tissue massage (CTM) Decreases - decreased pain duration Human
women with primary dysmenorrhea (PD) Massage applied 5 days a week. Comparison of Connective Tissue Massage and Classic Massage in Women With Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Randomized Clinical Trial. connective tissue massage (CTM) Decreases - decreased more pain duration Human
women with primary dysmenorrhea (PD) Massage applied 5 days a week. Comparison of Connective Tissue Massage and Classic Massage in Women With Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Randomized Clinical Trial. connective tissue massage (CTM) Decreases - superior in improving pain duration Human
women with primary dysmenorrhea (PD) Massage applied 5 days a week. Comparison of Connective Tissue Massage and Classic Massage in Women With Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Randomized Clinical Trial. classic massage (CM) Decreases - decreased menstrual pain intensity Human
women with primary dysmenorrhea (PD) Massage applied 5 days a week. Comparison of Connective Tissue Massage and Classic Massage in Women With Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Randomized Clinical Trial. classic massage (CM) Decreases - decreased pain duration Human
women with primary dysmenorrhea (PD) Massage applied 5 days a week. Comparison of Connective Tissue Massage and Classic Massage in Women With Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Randomized Clinical Trial. connective tissue massage (CTM) Decreases - A significant improvement with very large effect size was found McGill Pain Questionnaire Human
patients with fibromyalgia CTM was applied 3 days a week, KT was applied 2 days a week, alongside electrotherapy (TENS and infrared treatment) 5 days a week. Effects of connective tissue massage and kinesiotaping in patients with fibromyalgia. connective tissue massage Decreases - decreased pain Human
primiparous women after unplanned cesarean birth 20-minute massage session. Effects of Connective Tissue Massage on Pain in Primiparous Women After Cesarean Birth. connective tissue massage (CTM) Decreases - showed a significant change in pain Human
women with migraine 12 sessions of CTM over 4 weeks. An investigation of the effects of connective tissue massage in women with migraine: A controlled clinical trial. connective tissue massage (CTM) Decreases - was superior for reducing pain characteristics Human
women with migraine 12 sessions of CTM over 4 weeks. An investigation of the effects of connective tissue massage in women with migraine: A controlled clinical trial. connective tissue massage (CTM) Decreases - were the lowest pain intensity Human
TLH-CTM group CTM was applied twice postoperatively at the third hour and after 24 hours. Short-Term Effects of Connective Tissue Massage After Hysterectomy: A Randomized Controlled Study. connective tissue massage (CTM) Decreases - reduced postoperative pain severity Human
patients after TAH or TLH CTM was applied twice postoperatively at the third hour and after 24 hours. Short-Term Effects of Connective Tissue Massage After Hysterectomy: A Randomized Controlled Study. connective tissue massage (CTM) Decreases - decreased pain intensity Human
patients with chronic mechanical low back pain 20 sessions over 4 weeks (frequency not specified). A comparison of the effects of connective tissue massage and classical massage on chronic mechanical low back pain. classical massage (CM) Decreases - decreased pain intensity Human
patients with chronic mechanical low back pain 20 sessions over 4 weeks (frequency not specified). A comparison of the effects of connective tissue massage and classical massage on chronic mechanical low back pain. classical massage (CM) Decreases - was more effective than CTM pain intensity Human
patients with chronic mechanical low back pain 20 sessions over 4 weeks (frequency not specified). A comparison of the effects of connective tissue massage and classical massage on chronic mechanical low back pain. connective tissue massage (CTM) Decreases - significant improvements were found pain intensity; pain-pressure threshold; and tolerance, anxiety, progress, and health-related quality of life Human
females with fibromyalgia Three times per week for 4 weeks. Effects of active/passive interventions on pain, anxiety, and quality of life in women with fibromyalgia: Randomized controlled pilot trial. connective tissue massage Decreases - improved pain-related outcomes Human
40 female patients with a neurologist-confirmed diagnosis of chronic migraine with non-aura, aged between 18 and 65 Interventions were performed 3 times a week for approximately 20 minutes per session. Physiotherapy Management of Migraine Pain: Facial Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Technique Versus Connective Tissue Massage. pelvic floor training programme that included: daily perineal massage and pelvic floor exercises Decreases - less postpartum perineal pain Human
women (n=466) who were 32 weeks pregnant, having a singleton pregnancy and anticipating a normal birth Daily perineal massage and pelvic floor exercises. Influence of a pelvic floor training programme to prevent perineal trauma: A quasi-randomised controlled trial. Stretching exercises and massage applied to the SCM-muscle, together with conventional physiotherapy Decreases - can reduce pain Human
individuals with CNP Treatment sessions were administered three times per week (specific massage duration not detailed). The effects of combined sternocleidomastoid muscle stretching and massage on pain, disability, endurance, kinesiophobia, and range of motion in individuals with chronic neck pain: A randomized, single-blind study. SCM stretching and massage Decreases - Improvements in pain were found to be greater in the SCM-Group compared to the CG pain Human
individuals with CNP Treatment sessions were administered three times per week (specific massage duration not detailed). The effects of combined sternocleidomastoid muscle stretching and massage on pain, disability, endurance, kinesiophobia, and range of motion in individuals with chronic neck pain: A randomized, single-blind study. Western massage therapies No effect - were not superior to other active therapies neck pain Human
— Not specified. Western Massage Therapies in the Management of Neck Pain: A Systematic Review. connective tissue massage with exercise Decreases - improved pain intensity Human
— Not specified. Western Massage Therapies in the Management of Neck Pain: A Systematic Review. connective tissue massage with exercise Increases - improved pain threshold Human
— Not specified. Western Massage Therapies in the Management of Neck Pain: A Systematic Review. slow-stroke back massage Decreases - were more effective than the controls hemiplegic shoulder pain Human
patients with hemiplegic shoulder pain Not specified Interventions for hemiplegic shoulder pain: systematic review of randomised controlled trials. slow-stroke back massage (SSBM) Decreases - significantly reduced pain Human
acute leukemia adult patients undergoing chemotherapy 10 minutes of SSBM, 3 times a week (every other day). Effects of Slow-Stroke Back Massage on Symptom Cluster in Adult Patients With Acute Leukemia: Supportive Care in Cancer Nursing. Oncology Massage (OM) No effect - was not more effective in yielding clinically significant pain reduction Human
patients with severe pretherapy pain Single session of either HT or OM. Cancer Pain Relief After Healing Touch and Massage. Oncology Massage (OM) Decreases - provided immediate pain relief Human
cancer outpatients Single session of either HT or OM. Cancer Pain Relief After Healing Touch and Massage. Oncology Massage (OM) Decreases - significantly reduced pain Human
cancer outpatients Single session of either HT or OM. Cancer Pain Relief After Healing Touch and Massage. Oncology Massage (OM) Increases - was associated with increased odds of pain improvement Human
cancer outpatients Single session of either HT or OM. Cancer Pain Relief After Healing Touch and Massage. polyherbal gel applied with massage Decreases - reduced pain pain (NPRS, WOMAC and Global pain relief scales) Human
musculoskeletal injury patients Not specified. Evaluation of polyherbal gel for musculoskeletal injuries in industrial workers. simple massage Decreases - showed a significant effect pain Human
children with thalassemia Not specified Impact of Foot Reflexology Versus Simple Massage on Vital Signs, Anxiety, and Pain During Blood Transfusion Among Children With Thalassemia. simple massage Decreases - demonstrated a significant impact pain Human
children with thalassemia Not specified Impact of Foot Reflexology Versus Simple Massage on Vital Signs, Anxiety, and Pain During Blood Transfusion Among Children With Thalassemia. massage with sesame oil Decreases - effective in reducing pain severity Human
patients with chemotherapy-induced phlebitis 10 drops of sesame oil applied twice daily during a 5-minute massage. Effects of topical sesame (Sesamum indicum) oil on the pain severity of chemotherapy-induced phlebitis in patients with colorectal cancer: A randomized controlled trial. soft tissue massage Increases - was effective for producing moderate improvements active flexion and abduction range of motion, pain and functional scores Human
participants with non-specific shoulder problems Not specified Effectiveness of soft tissue massage and exercise for the treatment of non-specific shoulder pain: a systematic review with meta-analysis. soft tissue massage Decreases - appear to have a positive effect chronic low back pain (CLBP) Human
— Not specified Physiotherapy and lumbar facet joint injections as a combination treatment for chronic low back pain. A narrative review of lumbar facet joint injections, lumbar spinal mobilizations, soft tissue massage and lower back mobility exercises. Soft Tissue Massage (STM) Decreases - a significant reduction Hemiplegic Shoulder pain (HSP) Human
stroke patients with HSP 16 sessions administered on subscapularis, supraspinatus, and posterior deltoid muscles (specific TENS parameters not detailed). Comparative Efficacy of Soft Tissue Massage and Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation in the Management of Hemiplegic Shoulder Pain. soft tissue massage No effect - do not offer shoulder pain of any duration Human
adults with shoulder pain Not specified Noninvasive management of soft tissue disorders of the shoulder: A clinical practice guideline from the Ontario Protocol for Traffic Injury Management (OPTIMa) collaboration. stripping massage (SM) of myofascial trigger points in the lower rhomboid muscle Decreases - could alleviate chest pain Human
patients following thoracoscopic surgery SM twice daily Stripping Massage and Literature Review in Post-Thoracoscopic Chest Pain Management. physiotherapy intervention consisting of several massage techniques, mobilizations, and local and global exercises Decreases - greater improvements BPI pain right now Human
patients with terminal cancer Six sessions of 30-35 minutes over 2 weeks. Effects of physical therapy on pain and mood in patients with terminal cancer: a pilot randomized clinical trial. physiotherapy intervention consisting of several massage techniques, mobilizations, and local and global exercises Decreases - greater improvements BPI worst pain Human
patients with terminal cancer Six sessions of 30-35 minutes over 2 weeks. Effects of physical therapy on pain and mood in patients with terminal cancer: a pilot randomized clinical trial. physiotherapy intervention consisting of several massage techniques, mobilizations, and local and global exercises No effect - no greater least pain Human
patients with terminal cancer Six sessions of 30-35 minutes over 2 weeks. Effects of physical therapy on pain and mood in patients with terminal cancer: a pilot randomized clinical trial. combination of massage and exercises Decreases - can reduce pain Human
patients with terminal cancer Six sessions of 30-35 minutes over 2 weeks. Effects of physical therapy on pain and mood in patients with terminal cancer: a pilot randomized clinical trial. massage plus topical analgesic Decreases - greater decrease hand pain Human
20 adults Weekly therapist-administered massage and daily self-massage. Massage therapy plus topical analgesic is more effective than massage alone for hand arthritis pain. massage therapy Decreases - has been effective lower back pain Human
— Weekly therapist-administered massage and daily self-massage. Massage therapy plus topical analgesic is more effective than massage alone for hand arthritis pain. massage therapy Decreases - has been effective neck and shoulder pain Human
— Weekly therapist-administered massage and daily self-massage. Massage therapy plus topical analgesic is more effective than massage alone for hand arthritis pain. massage therapy Decreases - has been effective pain related to upper limb arthritis Human
— Weekly therapist-administered massage and daily self-massage. Massage therapy plus topical analgesic is more effective than massage alone for hand arthritis pain. massage therapy Decreases - has been effective pain syndromes including migraine headaches Human
— Weekly therapist-administered massage and daily self-massage. Massage therapy plus topical analgesic is more effective than massage alone for hand arthritis pain. classical massage therapy No effect - is not significantly inferior reduction in pain Human
patients with chronic back pain Not specified. Classical Massage and Acupuncture in Chronic Back Pain - Non-Inferiority Randomised Trial. Chinese massage alone Increases - recurred nonspecific low back pain Human
participants with nonspecific low back pain Not specified Chinese massage combined with core stability exercises for nonspecific low back pain: a randomized controlled trial. Chinese massage alone Increases - has a significantly higher recurrence rate nonspecific low back pain Human
participants with nonspecific low back pain Not specified Chinese massage combined with core stability exercises for nonspecific low back pain: a randomized controlled trial. Chinese massage combined with core stability exercises Increases - recurred nonspecific low back pain Human
participants with nonspecific low back pain Not specified Chinese massage combined with core stability exercises for nonspecific low back pain: a randomized controlled trial. high-dose massage Decreases - suggest offering persistent (>3 months) neck pain Human
patients with grades I-II NAD High-dose massage (specific amount and frequency not detailed). The Treatment of Neck Pain-Associated Disorders and Whiplash-Associated Disorders: A Clinical Practice Guideline. classical massage and neuromuscular exercises Decreases - significantly improved pain (visual analogue scale-VAS) Human
patients with mechanical neck pain and accompanying forward head posture (FHP) Eight treatment sessions (frequency not specified). Combining targeted instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization applications and neuromuscular exercises can correct forward head posture and improve the functionality of patients with mechanical neck pain: a randomized control study. classical massage and neuromuscular exercises Decreases - significantly improved pain (visual analogue scale-VAS) Human
patients with mechanical neck pain and accompanying forward head posture (FHP) Eight treatment sessions (frequency not specified). Combining targeted instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization applications and neuromuscular exercises can correct forward head posture and improve the functionality of patients with mechanical neck pain: a randomized control study. 6-week Swedish massage Decreases - had lower levels pain Human
MS patients Two 50-minute sessions of whole-body Swedish massage per week. Can a six-week Swedish massage reduce mood disorders and enhance the quality of life in individuals with Multiple Sclerosis? A randomized control clinical trial. Massage of the perineum No effect - likely results in little to no difference perineal pain Human
women in the second stage of labour Not specified Perineal techniques during the second stage of labour for reducing perineal trauma and postpartum complications. classic (Swedish) massage Decreases - Pain decreased Pain Human
subjects with chronic shoulder pain symptoms 10 sessions over 2 weeks, each session lasting 20 minutes. Comparison of massage based on the tensegrity principle and classic massage in treating chronic shoulder pain. classic (Swedish) massage Decreases - demonstrated improvement pain outcomes Human
classic and tensegrity massage groups 10 sessions over 2 weeks, each session lasting 20 minutes. Comparison of massage based on the tensegrity principle and classic massage in treating chronic shoulder pain. massage based on the tensegrity principle Decreases - Pain decreased Pain Human
subjects with chronic shoulder pain symptoms 10 sessions over 2 weeks, each session lasting 20 minutes. Comparison of massage based on the tensegrity principle and classic massage in treating chronic shoulder pain. massage based on the tensegrity principle Decreases - demonstrated improvement pain outcomes Human
classic and tensegrity massage groups 10 sessions over 2 weeks, each session lasting 20 minutes. Comparison of massage based on the tensegrity principle and classic massage in treating chronic shoulder pain. classic massage (CM) Increases - significantly different Pressure pain threshold of the sternocleidomastoid muscle Human
women with chronic neck pain 1 session of CM or CTM applied to the thoracic spine and neck. Short term effects of classic massage compared to connective tissue massage on pressure pain threshold and muscle relaxation response in women with chronic neck pain: a preliminary study. Percussion massage therapy (PMT) added to a structured exercise program Decreases - showed superior results compared to the SEG group pain Human
individuals who underwent surgery after an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury Not specified (only mentions "PMT" as an adjunct to structured exercise). Investigating the effects of percussion massage therapy on pain, functionality, muscle diameter, and proprioception in ındividuals with ACL reconstruction: a randomized controlled trial. Friction massage (FM) Decreases - could significantly improve pain intensity Human
individuals with MTrPs Not specified The effect of friction massage on pain intensity, PPT, and ROM in individuals with myofascial trigger points: a systematic review. Friction massage (FM) No effect - no significant superiority for improving pain intensity Human
individuals with MTrPs Not specified The effect of friction massage on pain intensity, PPT, and ROM in individuals with myofascial trigger points: a systematic review. Friction massage (FM) Increases - could significantly improve pressure pain threshold (PPT) Human
individuals with MTrPs Not specified The effect of friction massage on pain intensity, PPT, and ROM in individuals with myofascial trigger points: a systematic review. Friction massage (FM) No effect - no significant superiority for improving pressure pain threshold (PPT) Human
individuals with MTrPs Not specified The effect of friction massage on pain intensity, PPT, and ROM in individuals with myofascial trigger points: a systematic review. friction massage Increases - increased pain threshold at the trigger points Human
patients with TTH 3 sessions during 1 week. Dry needling versus friction massage to treat tension type headache: A randomized clinical trial. cervical and scapulothoracic stabilization exercise treatment without connective tissue massage (CTM) Decreases - decrease pain intensity Human
patients with chronic mechanical neck pain (MNP) 12 sessions, 3 days/week. Cervical and scapulothoracic stabilization exercises with and without connective tissue massage for chronic mechanical neck pain: A prospective, randomised controlled trial. cervical and scapulothoracic stabilization exercise treatment with connective tissue massage (CTM) Decreases - decrease pain intensity Human
patients with chronic mechanical neck pain (MNP) 12 sessions, 3 days/week. Cervical and scapulothoracic stabilization exercises with and without connective tissue massage for chronic mechanical neck pain: A prospective, randomised controlled trial. cervical and scapulothoracic stabilization exercise treatment with connective tissue massage (CTM) Decreases - superior in improving pain intensity at night Human
patients with chronic mechanical neck pain (MNP) 12 sessions, 3 days/week. Cervical and scapulothoracic stabilization exercises with and without connective tissue massage for chronic mechanical neck pain: A prospective, randomised controlled trial. cervical and scapulothoracic stabilization exercise treatment with connective tissue massage (CTM) Increases - increase pressure pain threshold Human
patients with chronic mechanical neck pain (MNP) 12 sessions, 3 days/week. Cervical and scapulothoracic stabilization exercises with and without connective tissue massage for chronic mechanical neck pain: A prospective, randomised controlled trial. cervical and scapulothoracic stabilization exercise treatment with connective tissue massage (CTM) Increases - superior in improving pressure pain threshold Human
patients with chronic mechanical neck pain (MNP) 12 sessions, 3 days/week. Cervical and scapulothoracic stabilization exercises with and without connective tissue massage for chronic mechanical neck pain: A prospective, randomised controlled trial. massage therapy treatment Decreases - decreased pain Human
participants who visited the Filipino squatter community clinic Two massage therapy sessions (specific duration/frequency not detailed). The sustainable training, treatment, employment program model: effects of manual therapy on musculoskeletal pain and limitation in a Filipino squatter community. combined massage-exercise therapy Decreases - significantly larger improvement in pain reduction pain Human
patients with multiple sclerosis 15 sessions over five weeks (standard Swedish massage for the massage group, combined strength, stretch, endurance, and balance exercises for the exercise group). Massage therapy and exercise therapy in patients with multiple sclerosis: a randomized controlled pilot study. massage therapy Decreases - significantly larger improvement in pain reduction pain Human
patients with multiple sclerosis 15 sessions over five weeks (standard Swedish massage for the massage group, combined strength, stretch, endurance, and balance exercises for the exercise group). Massage therapy and exercise therapy in patients with multiple sclerosis: a randomized controlled pilot study. aromatherapy massage with frankincense and myyrh essential oils Decreases - decrease in Aberdeen Low Back Pain Scale scores was found to be statistically higher than the other two groups Aberdeen Low Back Pain Scale scores Human
patients with chronic low back pain Two sessions of low back massage per week using frankincense and myyrh essential oils. The effects of massage with frankincense and myrrh oil in chronic low back pain: A three-arm randomised controlled trial. aromatherapy massage with frankincense and myyrh essential oils Decreases - can be integrated to medical treatments to relieve pain pain Human
patients with chronic low back pain Two sessions of low back massage per week using frankincense and myyrh essential oils. The effects of massage with frankincense and myrrh oil in chronic low back pain: A three-arm randomised controlled trial. aromatherapy massage applied in 12 sessions over 4 weeks Decreases - decreased pain intensity Human
hemodialysis patients 12 sessions over 4 weeks (frequency not specified). The Effect of Aromatherapy Massage on Cramp Frequency, Pain Intensity, and Quality of Life in Hemodialysis Patients With Muscle Cramps: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Mixed Study. aromatherapy massage applied in 12 sessions over 4 weeks Decreases - decreased pain intensity Human
hemodialysis patients 12 sessions over 4 weeks (frequency not specified). The Effect of Aromatherapy Massage on Cramp Frequency, Pain Intensity, and Quality of Life in Hemodialysis Patients With Muscle Cramps: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Mixed Study. foot and lower leg massage with baby oil Decreases - decreased pain intensity Human
hemodialysis patients 12 sessions over 4 weeks (frequency not specified). The Effect of Aromatherapy Massage on Cramp Frequency, Pain Intensity, and Quality of Life in Hemodialysis Patients With Muscle Cramps: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Mixed Study. foot and lower leg massage with baby oil Decreases - decreased pain intensity Human
hemodialysis patients 12 sessions over 4 weeks (frequency not specified). The Effect of Aromatherapy Massage on Cramp Frequency, Pain Intensity, and Quality of Life in Hemodialysis Patients With Muscle Cramps: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Mixed Study. combined breathing exercises, foot reflexology, and massage (BRM) interventions Decreases - lowered labor pain intensity at 60 minutes after intervention after contraction Human
primigravidae aged 20 to 35 years without any medical complications Not specified Effectiveness of Breathing Exercises, Foot Reflexology and Massage (BRM) on Maternal and Newborn Outcomes Among Primigravidae in Saudi Arabia: A Randomized Controlled Trial. combined breathing exercises, foot reflexology, and massage (BRM) interventions Decreases - lowered labor pain intensity at 60 minutes after intervention during contraction Human
primigravidae aged 20 to 35 years without any medical complications Not specified Effectiveness of Breathing Exercises, Foot Reflexology and Massage (BRM) on Maternal and Newborn Outcomes Among Primigravidae in Saudi Arabia: A Randomized Controlled Trial. meridian massage Decreases - can effectively relieve low back pain Human
patients with lumbar disc herniation Not specified (meridian massage applied based on routine treatment). [Study on the clinical effect of meridian massage in the treatment of lumbar disc herniation]. percussion massage therapy Increases - positive response pain and ROM Human
the majority of the field athletes Not specified (used Caresmith Massage Gun). The Immediate Effect of Percussive Massage Therapy on Iliotibial Band Tightness in Field Athletes. percussive massage therapy Decreases - significant decrease post-treatment pain Human
field athletes Not specified (used Caresmith Massage Gun). The Immediate Effect of Percussive Massage Therapy on Iliotibial Band Tightness in Field Athletes. Thai traditional massage (TTM) Increases - showed a significant increase pressure pain threshold (PPT) Human
patients with chronic tension-type and migraine headaches Nine sessions over 3 weeks. Effects of Thai traditional massage on pressure pain threshold and headache intensity in patients with chronic tension-type and migraine headaches. massage focused on MTrPs Decreases - greater reduction HA pain Human
patients with TTH 12 sessions over 6 weeks. Myofascial trigger point-focused head and neck massage for recurrent tension-type headache: a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial. massage focused on MTrPs Increases - improved pressure-pain threshold at MTrPs in the upper trapezius and suboccipital muscles Human
patients with TTH 12 sessions over 6 weeks. Myofascial trigger point-focused head and neck massage for recurrent tension-type headache: a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial. partner-delivered home-based cupping massage Decreases - showed significantly less pain current neck pain intensity Human
patients with chronic non-specific neck pain Twice weekly for 12 weeks. Effectiveness of home-based cupping massage compared to progressive muscle relaxation in patients with chronic neck pain--a randomized controlled trial. cupping massage No effect - no more effective than progressive muscle relaxation chronic non-specific neck pain Human
patients with chronic non-specific neck pain Twice weekly for 12 weeks. Effectiveness of home-based cupping massage compared to progressive muscle relaxation in patients with chronic neck pain--a randomized controlled trial. cupping massage Decreases - better than PMR in decreasing pressure pain sensitivity Human
patients with chronic non-specific neck pain Twice weekly for 12 weeks. Effectiveness of home-based cupping massage compared to progressive muscle relaxation in patients with chronic neck pain--a randomized controlled trial. cupping massage Increases - significant effects in favor pressure pain thresholds Human
patients with chronic non-specific neck pain Twice weekly for 12 weeks. Effectiveness of home-based cupping massage compared to progressive muscle relaxation in patients with chronic neck pain--a randomized controlled trial. prenatal perineal massage Decreases - can reduce the incidence long-term pain Human
— Not specified Effect of Prenatal Perineal Massage on Postpartum Perineal Injury and Postpartum Complications: A Meta-Analysis. oil massage without essential oil Decreases - revealed similar short-term pain reductions after intervention physical pain Human
patients under FDP 10 minutes of massage per session (frequency not specified). Effects of aromatherapy massage on face-down posture-related pain after vitrectomy: a randomized controlled trial. oil massage without essential oil No effect - neither group experienced significant effects until the second day physical pain Human
patients under FDP 10 minutes of massage per session (frequency not specified). Effects of aromatherapy massage on face-down posture-related pain after vitrectomy: a randomized controlled trial. oil massage without essential oil Decreases - simple oil massage is an effective strategy for immediate pain reduction physical pain Human
patients undergoing FDP 10 minutes of massage per session (frequency not specified). Effects of aromatherapy massage on face-down posture-related pain after vitrectomy: a randomized controlled trial. aromatherapy massage with essential oil Decreases - revealed similar short-term pain reductions after intervention physical pain Human
patients under FDP 10 minutes of massage per session (frequency not specified). Effects of aromatherapy massage on face-down posture-related pain after vitrectomy: a randomized controlled trial. aromatherapy massage with essential oil No effect - neither group experienced significant effects until the second day physical pain Human
patients under FDP 10 minutes of massage per session (frequency not specified). Effects of aromatherapy massage on face-down posture-related pain after vitrectomy: a randomized controlled trial. aromatherapy massage with essential oil Decreases - Significantly more pain reduction compared with usual care occurred on the third day, mainly in the AT group physical pain Human
patients under FDP 10 minutes of massage per session (frequency not specified). Effects of aromatherapy massage on face-down posture-related pain after vitrectomy: a randomized controlled trial. aromatherapy massage with essential oil Decreases - aromatherapy may have a long-term effect on pain reduction physical pain Human
patients undergoing FDP 10 minutes of massage per session (frequency not specified). Effects of aromatherapy massage on face-down posture-related pain after vitrectomy: a randomized controlled trial. sedative massage Decreases - reduced pain VAS score Human
subjects with chronic nonspecific neck pain Not specified (12 treatments total). Joint mobilization vs massage for chronic mechanical neck pain: a pilot study to assess recruitment strategies and estimate outcome measure variability. heavy rolling massage on the calf that exhibited the higher tenderness (Ipsi-R) Increases - demonstrated higher PPT values pressure pain threshold (PPT) Human
individuals with tender spots in their plantar flexor muscles Not specified (interventions included heavy rolling massage, light stroking, and manual massage). Pain pressure threshold of a muscle tender spot increases following local and non-local rolling massage. heavy rolling massage on the calf that exhibited the higher tenderness (Ipsi-R) Increases - PPT was higher pressure pain threshold (PPT) Human
individuals with tender spots in their plantar flexor muscles Not specified (interventions included heavy rolling massage, light stroking, and manual massage). Pain pressure threshold of a muscle tender spot increases following local and non-local rolling massage. manual massage on the calf that exhibited the higher tenderness (Ipsi-M) Increases - PPT was higher pressure pain threshold (PPT) Human
individuals with tender spots in their plantar flexor muscles Not specified (interventions included heavy rolling massage, light stroking, and manual massage). Pain pressure threshold of a muscle tender spot increases following local and non-local rolling massage. heavy rolling massage on the contralateral calf (Contra-R) Increases - demonstrated higher PPT values pressure pain threshold (PPT) Human
individuals with tender spots in their plantar flexor muscles Not specified (interventions included heavy rolling massage, light stroking, and manual massage). Pain pressure threshold of a muscle tender spot increases following local and non-local rolling massage. heavy rolling massage on the contralateral calf (Contra-R) Increases - PPT was higher pressure pain threshold (PPT) Human
individuals with tender spots in their plantar flexor muscles Not specified (interventions included heavy rolling massage, light stroking, and manual massage). Pain pressure threshold of a muscle tender spot increases following local and non-local rolling massage. rolling massage over a tender spot Decreases - reduces pain perception Human
individuals with tender spots in their plantar flexor muscles Not specified (interventions included heavy rolling massage, light stroking, and manual massage). Pain pressure threshold of a muscle tender spot increases following local and non-local rolling massage. guided imagery and hand massage Decreases - had an immediate positive effect pain Human
palliative care patients One session of guided imagery and hand massage. The effects of guided imagery and hand massage on wellbeing and pain in palliative care: Evaluation of a pilot study. guided imagery and hand massage Decreases - elicited a statistically significant improvement self-reported levels of pain Human
adult palliative care patients One session of guided imagery and hand massage. The effects of guided imagery and hand massage on wellbeing and pain in palliative care: Evaluation of a pilot study. sacral massage Decreases - significantly decreased labor pain intensity Human
pregnant women during labor Not specified Effectiveness of sacral massage during labor in pregnant women: A systematic review and meta-analysis. sacral massage Decreases - significantly lower mean pain score Human
primiparous pregnant women (cervix dilated to 6-7 cm) Sacral massage applied at 4-5 cm, 6-7 cm, and 8-9 cm cervical dilation (specific duration/frequency not detailed). Massage and heat application on labor pain and comfort: A quasi-randomized controlled experimental study. heat application and massage Decreases - reduce perception of pain Human
pregnant women Sacral massage applied at 4-5 cm, 6-7 cm, and 8-9 cm cervical dilation (specific duration/frequency not detailed). Massage and heat application on labor pain and comfort: A quasi-randomized controlled experimental study. mechanical massage using an electric massage chair Decreases - significantly reduced labor pain scores (0-10 numerical rating scale) Human
nulliparous women in labor 30 minutes of mechanical massage followed by 30 minutes without (or vice versa). Electric massage chairs reduce labor pain in nulliparous patients: a randomized crossover trial. mechanical massage using an electric massage chair Decreases - a significant reduction labor pain scores Human
nulliparous women in labor 30 minutes of mechanical massage followed by 30 minutes without (or vice versa). Electric massage chairs reduce labor pain in nulliparous patients: a randomized crossover trial. Deep friction massage (DFM) Decreases - induces an immediate reduction pain intensity upon palpation Human
athletes with patellar tendinopathy DFM applied at mean pressure and mean pressure ± 25% (individualized for each participant). Deep Friction Massage in the Management of Patellar Tendinopathy in Athletes: Short-Term Clinical Outcomes. classical massage Decreases - successfully prevented chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathic pain Human
female breast cancer patients Applied before each paclitaxel infusion (frequency not specified). Prevention of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy with classical massage in breast cancer patients receiving paclitaxel: An assessor-blinded randomized controlled trial. classical massage Decreases - was lower peripheral neuropathic pain Human
female breast cancer patients Applied before each paclitaxel infusion (frequency not specified). Prevention of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy with classical massage in breast cancer patients receiving paclitaxel: An assessor-blinded randomized controlled trial. low back massage Decreases - has a significant impact on reducing labor pain Human
pregnant women Massage was applied at three phases during labor (cervical dilatation of 3-4 cm, 5-7 cm, and 8-10 cm). Effects of low back massage on perceived birth pain and satisfaction. self-knee massage with ginger oil Decreases - significantly lower VAS Pain scores Human
patients with knee osteoarthritis Self-knee massage with ginger oil twice a week. Effects of Self-Knee Massage With Ginger Oil in Patients With Osteoarthritis: An Experimental Study. aromatherapy massage Decreases - reduced knee pain scores Human
patients with osteoarthritis Not specified The Effect of Aromatherapy Massage on Knee Pain and Functional Status in Participants with Osteoarthritis. aromatherapy massage Decreases - significantly lower mean VAS pain scores Human
patients with arteriovenous fistulas undergoing hemodialysis 12 sessions (3 times per week for 4 weeks). Aromatherapy Massage for Pain and Xerosis After Repeated Needle Insertion Into a Fistula Arm in Hemodialysis. aromatherapy massage Decreases - significantly lower mean VAS scores for acute pain Human
patients with arteriovenous fistulas undergoing hemodialysis 12 sessions (3 times per week for 4 weeks). Aromatherapy Massage for Pain and Xerosis After Repeated Needle Insertion Into a Fistula Arm in Hemodialysis. olive-oil massage Decreases - significantly lower mean VAS scores for acute pain Human
patients with arteriovenous fistulas undergoing hemodialysis 12 sessions (3 times per week for 4 weeks). Aromatherapy Massage for Pain and Xerosis After Repeated Needle Insertion Into a Fistula Arm in Hemodialysis. aromatherapy massage Decreases - had an effect on migraine pain Human
patients diagnosed with migraine 15-minute massage with aromatic oil mixture applied to the temple and neck root, frequency not specified. The Effect of Aromatherapy Massage on the Pain Severity and Quality of Life in Acute Migraine Attacks: A Randomized Controlled Trial. aromatherapy massage Decreases - significantly decreased Neuropathic pain scores Human
patients suffering from painful diabetic neuropathy Not specified for chamomile individually (used in combination with rosemary, geranium, lavender, and eucalyptus). Aromatherapy Massage for Neuropathic Pain and Quality of Life in Diabetic Patients. aromatherapy massage No effect - had no significant effect pain Human
patients after colorectal cancer surgery Not specified (blend included sweet almond oil, lavender, chamomile, and ginger oil). The effects of aromatherapy massage given to patients after colorectal cancer surgery on symptom management: A randomized controlled study. aromatherapy massage Decreases - had significant effects on pain reduction pain Human
— Not specified. Effect of aromatherapy with Damask rose on alleviating adults' acute pain severity: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. aromatherapy massage No effect - no statistically significant differences were found pain levels Human
rheumatoid arthritis patients 5% compound essential oils, applied via self-aromatherapy hand massage for 10 minutes, 3 times a week. The Effects of Self-Aromatherapy Massage on Pain and Sleep Quality in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial. aromatherapy massage Decreases - significantly decreased pain scores Human
patients with rheumatoid arthritis Aromatherapy massage (30 minutes, both knees) and reflexology (40 minutes, both feet) administered weekly. The Effects of Aromatherapy Massage and Reflexology on Pain and Fatigue in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial. aromatherapy massage Decreases - significantly lower rate of neuropathic pain Human
patients receiving oxaliplatin 3 times a week for 6 weeks. Effect of Aromatherapy Massage on Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathic Pain and Fatigue in Patients Receiving Oxaliplatin: An Open Label Quasi-Randomized Controlled Pilot Study. deep transverse friction massage (DTFM) Increases - substantially improved pressure pain threshold (PPT) Human
men with active TrPs of upper trapezius muscle Not specified The immediate effects of deep transverse friction massage, high- power pain threshold ultrasound and whole body vibration on active myofascial trigger points. roller massage (RM) Increases - can be painful and induce muscle activity pain and muscle activity Human
— Four 30-second bouts of RM with 30-second rest intervals, applied at ~70% of maximum tolerable load. The Addition of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation with Roller Massage Alone or in Combination Did Not Increase Pain Tolerance or Range of Motion. roller massage (RM) Increases - Acute increases pain pressure threshold (PPT) and range of motion (ROM) Human
— Four 30-second bouts of RM with 30-second rest intervals, applied at ~70% of maximum tolerable load. The Addition of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation with Roller Massage Alone or in Combination Did Not Increase Pain Tolerance or Range of Motion. massage protocol Decreases - was only effective in reducing interference of pain in walking Human
children hospitalized with cancer Three sessions of 20-30 minutes on alternate days over one week. Massage in children with cancer: effectiveness of a protocol. massage protocol Decreases - contributed to relieve pain and its impact on the children's activities Human
children hospitalized with cancer Three sessions of 20-30 minutes on alternate days over one week. Massage in children with cancer: effectiveness of a protocol. massage session Decreases - decreased intensity of the pain experienced by the child Human
children hospitalized with cancer Three sessions of 20-30 minutes on alternate days over one week. Massage in children with cancer: effectiveness of a protocol. massage therapy Decreases - appears to be a useful intervention in reducing pain Human
children with cancer Three sessions of 20-30 minutes on alternate days over one week. Massage in children with cancer: effectiveness of a protocol. foot reflexology massage Decreases - reduced pain Human
pregnant women Not specified Effects of foot reflexology massage on pregnant women: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled studies. foot reflexology massage Decreases - showed that pain anxiety had a significant difference pain anxiety Human
patients hospitalized in the burn ICU 20 minutes of foot reflexology massage for 3 days (on days 3, 4, and 5 of hospitalization) and 15 minutes before wound dressing changes. The effect of foot reflexology massage on burn-specific pain anxiety and sleep quality and quantity of patients hospitalized in the burn intensive care unit (ICU). foot reflexology massage Decreases - The effect size was=0.82 for pain anxiety between group after the intervention pain anxiety Human
patients hospitalized in the burn ICU 20 minutes of foot reflexology massage for 3 days (on days 3, 4, and 5 of hospitalization) and 15 minutes before wound dressing changes. The effect of foot reflexology massage on burn-specific pain anxiety and sleep quality and quantity of patients hospitalized in the burn intensive care unit (ICU). foot reflexology massage Decreases - can effectively reduce pain anxiety levels Human
patients with burn injuries 20 minutes of foot reflexology massage for 3 days (on days 3, 4, and 5 of hospitalization) and 15 minutes before wound dressing changes. The effect of foot reflexology massage on burn-specific pain anxiety and sleep quality and quantity of patients hospitalized in the burn intensive care unit (ICU). foot reflexology massage No effect - there were significant differences between the two groups at different times in terms of the above variables pain anxiety, sleep latency, duration of the last day's sleep, satisfaction of the last night sleep Human
patients hospitalized in the burn ICU 20 minutes of foot reflexology massage for 3 days (on days 3, 4, and 5 of hospitalization) and 15 minutes before wound dressing changes. The effect of foot reflexology massage on burn-specific pain anxiety and sleep quality and quantity of patients hospitalized in the burn intensive care unit (ICU). foot reflexology massage Decreases - was lower pain intensity Human
patients undergoing cardiac surgery 15 minutes per foot, for two consecutive days. The effect of foot reflexology massage on delirium and sleep quality following cardiac surgery: A randomized clinical trial. pectoralis major myofascial release massage (MRM) Decreases - effectively reduced breast pain Human
breastfeeding mothers Two MRM sessions: the first administered shortly after delivery and the second 48 hours later. A randomized controlled trial of pectoralis major myofascial release massage for breastfeeding mothers: breast pain, engorgement, and newborns' breast milk intake and sleeping patterns. self-administered tennis ball massage therapy Decreases - is significantly effective low back pain Human
community-dwelling elderly individuals aged 60 years and above Not specified (self-administered tennis ball massage). Effectiveness of Self-Tennis Ball Massage Therapy on Low Back Pain Among Geriatric Individuals. self-administered tennis ball massage therapy Decreases - effective in reducing low back pain Human
geriatric individuals Not specified (self-administered tennis ball massage). Effectiveness of Self-Tennis Ball Massage Therapy on Low Back Pain Among Geriatric Individuals. abdominal massage and in-bed ROM exercise Decreases - reducing pain level Human
intensive care patients receiving enteral nutrition Abdominal massage and in-bed ROM exercises were administered every morning before enteral feeding. The effect of abdominal massage and in-bed ROM exercise on gastrointestinal complications and comfort in intensive care unit patients receiving enteral nutrition: A randomized controlled trial. clinical massage Decreases - showed an immediate and significant reduction self-reported pain Human
inpatients on 2 floors of a progressive care unit 15-minute daily clinical massage. Beneficial Effects of Guided Imagery or Clinical Massage on the Status of Patients in a Progressive Care Unit. high force (HF, ≥2 kg) massage Decreases - exhibited significantly lower VAS than did the LF group pain intensity (visual analog scale (VAS)) Human
56 female patients with nonspecific LBP 30-minute massage sessions (20 min general, 10 min focal) with high force (≥2 kg) or low force (≤1 kg), totaling six sessions over 3 weeks. The Effect of Massage Force on Relieving Nonspecific Low Back Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial. high force (HF, ≥2 kg) massage Decreases - exerted superior effects on pain relief pain relief Human
female patients with nonspecific LBP 30-minute massage sessions (20 min general, 10 min focal) with high force (≥2 kg) or low force (≤1 kg), totaling six sessions over 3 weeks. The Effect of Massage Force on Relieving Nonspecific Low Back Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Shujing Tongdu massage therapy Decreases - exhibited decrease pain intensity Human
patients with chronic lesions or spinal disorders Twice weekly for 12 weeks. Evaluating the role of Shujing Tongdu massage in enhancing wound recovery and alleviating spinal disease symptoms: A randomized controlled trial. antenatal perineal massage Decreases - less perineal pain Human
antenatal perineal massage group Not specified Antenatal perineal massage benefits in reducing perineal trauma and postpartum morbidities: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Individual home-based progressive muscle relaxation exercises; unsupervised water exercises plus information using handbooks/videos/music; group multimodal exercises plus home exercises and information/education; and partner massage plus information using booklets/photographs Decreases - reduced pain intensity Human
pregnant women with low back pain Not specified Minimal-contact physical interventions for pregnant women with musculoskeletal disorders: a systematic review of randomised and non-randomised clinical trials. moxibustion-cum-massage intervention No effect - maintenance effects were not significant pain level, sleep quality, depression, subjective well-being Human
older adults in the community Two moxa sticks per day for five consecutive days. A self-administered moxibustion-cum-massage intervention for older adults with chronic pain in the community: A randomized controlled trial. moxibustion-cum-massage intervention Decreases - significantly reduced subjective pain level Human
older adults in the community Two moxa sticks per day for five consecutive days. A self-administered moxibustion-cum-massage intervention for older adults with chronic pain in the community: A randomized controlled trial. Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation, massage or exercises Decreases - can be provide to reduce pain Human
patients with dementia Not specified Dysfunctions associated with dementia and their treatment. massage in combination with other therapies Decreases - Moderate recommendations were made for the treatment chronic neck pain Human
adults Not specified Evidence-based guidelines for the chiropractic treatment of adults with neck pain. massage chairs Decreases - could have benefits on pain reduction Human
— Not specified Utilization of massage chairs for promoting overall health and wellness: A rapid scoping review. complementary therapies including acupuncture, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and massage Decreases - have been found to have some efficacy pain and anxiety Human
older population Not specified Guidance on the management of pain in older people. Hoku point ice massage Decreases - significantly lower labor pain intensity Human
primiparous women expecting normal childbirth Not specified (intervention applied at cervical dilations of 4, 6, and 8 cm). Complementary and alternative therapies to relieve labor pain: A comparative study between music therapy and Hoku point ice massage. Hoku point ice massage Decreases - similar effect relieving labor pain Human
primiparous women expecting normal childbirth Not specified (intervention applied at cervical dilations of 4, 6, and 8 cm). Complementary and alternative therapies to relieve labor pain: A comparative study between music therapy and Hoku point ice massage. 'M' technique massage with or without mandarin oil No effect - Results do not support a benefit pain and distress Human
young postoperative patients Not specified Does postoperative 'M' technique massage with or without mandarin oil reduce infants' distress after major craniofacial surgery? Hegu point ice massage Decreases - effective methods for reducing pain pain Human
students with dysmenorrhea Intervention performed on the first and second days of menstruation. Comparative Effectiveness of Hegu Point Ice Massage Versus Music for Dysmenorrhea-Related Pain and Comfort Levels: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Hegu point ice massage Decreases - were lower pain levels Human
students with dysmenorrhea Intervention performed on the first and second days of menstruation. Comparative Effectiveness of Hegu Point Ice Massage Versus Music for Dysmenorrhea-Related Pain and Comfort Levels: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Hegu point ice massage Decreases - were lower pain levels Human
students with dysmenorrhea Intervention performed on the first and second days of menstruation. Comparative Effectiveness of Hegu Point Ice Massage Versus Music for Dysmenorrhea-Related Pain and Comfort Levels: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Hegu point ice massage Decreases - significant difference pain levels Human
students with dysmenorrhea Intervention performed on the first and second days of menstruation. Comparative Effectiveness of Hegu Point Ice Massage Versus Music for Dysmenorrhea-Related Pain and Comfort Levels: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Swedish massage without chamomile oil Decreases - significantly lower intensity of labor pain Human
women referred to 22 Bahman Hospital in Masjid Sulaiman City Not specified Investigating the effect of Swedish massage with chamomile oil on labor pain and anxiety of primiparous women: A clinical trial. Swedish massage without chamomile oil Decreases - led to a decrease pain intensity Human
pregnant mothers Not specified Investigating the effect of Swedish massage with chamomile oil on labor pain and anxiety of primiparous women: A clinical trial. Swedish massage with chamomile oil Decreases - significantly lower intensity of labor pain Human
women referred to 22 Bahman Hospital in Masjid Sulaiman City Not specified Investigating the effect of Swedish massage with chamomile oil on labor pain and anxiety of primiparous women: A clinical trial. Swedish massage with chamomile oil Decreases - led to a decrease pain intensity Human
pregnant mothers Not specified Investigating the effect of Swedish massage with chamomile oil on labor pain and anxiety of primiparous women: A clinical trial. birthing ball exercises and sacral massage Decreases - decrease pain perception Human
primigravidae Not specified A Correlation Study of Birthing Ball Technique and Sacral Massage on Maternal and Fetal Well-being Among Parturient Women: A Non-Randomized Clinical Trail. weekly massage therapy by a massage therapist plus daily self-massages Decreases - showed significant short-term reductions ROM-associated pain Human
Staff and faculty members at a medical school who had neck arthritis pain Weekly moderate-pressure massages by a therapist plus daily self-massages. Neck arthritis pain is reduced and range of motion is increased by massage therapy. weekly massage therapy by a massage therapist plus daily self-massages Decreases - significantly different changes including reduced ROM-associated pain Human
massage group Weekly moderate-pressure massages by a therapist plus daily self-massages. Neck arthritis pain is reduced and range of motion is increased by massage therapy. weekly massage therapy by a massage therapist plus daily self-massages Decreases - showed significant short-term reductions self-reported pain Human
Staff and faculty members at a medical school who had neck arthritis pain Weekly moderate-pressure massages by a therapist plus daily self-massages. Neck arthritis pain is reduced and range of motion is increased by massage therapy. acupressure massage on the sanyinjiao (SP6), ciliao (BL32), and taichong (Liver 3) acupoints Decreases - reported moderate to high levels of low back pain (LBP) relief Human
participants in the experimental group 30-minute acupressure sessions three times a week on specific acupoints (SP6, BL32, Liver 3). Effects of acupressure on menstrual distress and low back pain in dysmenorrheic young adult women: an experimental study. acupressure massage on the sanyinjiao (SP6), ciliao (BL32), and taichong (Liver 3) acupoints Decreases - had significantly lower low back pain (LBP) scores Human
dysmenorrheic young adult women 30-minute acupressure sessions three times a week on specific acupoints (SP6, BL32, Liver 3). Effects of acupressure on menstrual distress and low back pain in dysmenorrheic young adult women: an experimental study. single and multiple massage treatments Increases - increase pressure-pain threshold (PPT) at myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) Human
people with myofascial pain syndrome expressed as tension-type headache 12 twice-weekly 45-minute massage sessions. Responsiveness of Myofascial Trigger Points to Single and Multiple Trigger Point Release Massages: A Randomized, Placebo Controlled Trial. segmental massage Decreases - decreased pain during migraine attacks (VAS) Human
females suffering from migraine Reflexology group: 10 treatments, 2 times per week; Segmental massage group: 15 treatments, 3 times per week. Effects of feet reflexology versus segmental massage in reducing pain and its intensity, frequency and duration of the attacks in females with migraine: a pilot study. back massage (BM) intervention Decreases - experienced significantly less lower back pain (LBP) Human
post-partum women Back massage for 5 consecutive days. Back massage intervention for relieving lower back pain in puerperal women: A randomized control trial study. light massage Decreases - persisted longer leukemia-related pain and fatigue Human
adult patients with acute leukemia 15-minute sessions, thrice weekly for 4 weeks. Slow-Stroke Back Massage Compared With Music Therapy for Leukemia-Related Pain and Fatigue: A Randomized Controlled Trial. light massage Decreases - decreased significantly pain intensity Human
adult patients with acute leukemia 15-minute sessions, thrice weekly for 4 weeks. Slow-Stroke Back Massage Compared With Music Therapy for Leukemia-Related Pain and Fatigue: A Randomized Controlled Trial. light massage Decreases - decreased more pain intensity Human
adult patients with acute leukemia 15-minute sessions, thrice weekly for 4 weeks. Slow-Stroke Back Massage Compared With Music Therapy for Leukemia-Related Pain and Fatigue: A Randomized Controlled Trial. light massage Decreases - had the strongest effects on pain outcomes Human
participants with chronic cervicogenic headache 8 or 16 sessions A preliminary path analysis of expectancy and patient-provider encounter in an open-label randomized controlled trial of spinal manipulation for cervicogenic headache. moderate pressure massage therapy Decreases - had less pain pain Human
adults with rheumatoid arthritis in the upper limbs Therapist-administered massage once a week and self-massage once daily. Rheumatoid arthritis in upper limbs benefits from moderate pressure massage therapy. hand massage practiced using baby oil with lavender Decreases - reduced pain Human
women with brachytherapy Three sessions of 10-minute hand massages (5 minutes per hand) using baby oil with lavender. The effect of the hand massage using baby oil with lavender application on the procedural pain and state anxiety of women undergoing brachytherapy: A parallel-group randomized controlled study. hand massage practiced using baby oil with lavender Decreases - were determined to be lower than the control group's pain scores Human
women with brachytherapy Three sessions of 10-minute hand massages (5 minutes per hand) using baby oil with lavender. The effect of the hand massage using baby oil with lavender application on the procedural pain and state anxiety of women undergoing brachytherapy: A parallel-group randomized controlled study. foot and hand massage Decreases - are influential in decreasing pain and anxiety levels Human
patients who undergo laparoscopic cholecystectomy Not specified Efficacy of Hand and Foot Massage in Anxiety and Pain Management Following Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: A Controlled Randomized Study. hand massage Decreases - were less than in the control group pain intensity Human
patients who receive laparoscopic cholecystectomy Not specified Efficacy of Hand and Foot Massage in Anxiety and Pain Management Following Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: A Controlled Randomized Study. hand massage Increases - A significant positive relationship was found pain intensity and state anxiety levels Human
patients who receive laparoscopic cholecystectomy Not specified Efficacy of Hand and Foot Massage in Anxiety and Pain Management Following Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: A Controlled Randomized Study. foot massage Decreases - were less than in the control group pain intensity Human
patients who receive laparoscopic cholecystectomy Not specified Efficacy of Hand and Foot Massage in Anxiety and Pain Management Following Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: A Controlled Randomized Study. foot massage Increases - A significant positive relationship was found pain intensity and state anxiety levels Human
patients who receive laparoscopic cholecystectomy Not specified Efficacy of Hand and Foot Massage in Anxiety and Pain Management Following Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: A Controlled Randomized Study. foot and hand massage Decreases - reduction in pain intensity was significantly meaningful pain intensity Human
patients who had cesarean operation Not specified Effectiveness of foot and hand massage in postcesarean pain control in a group of Turkish pregnant women. foot and hand massage Decreases - reducing postoperative pain Human
patients who had cesarean operation Not specified Effectiveness of foot and hand massage in postcesarean pain control in a group of Turkish pregnant women. foot and hand massage Decreases - proved useful as an effective nursing intervention in controlling postoperative pain Human
patients who had cesarean operation Not specified Effectiveness of foot and hand massage in postcesarean pain control in a group of Turkish pregnant women. foot and hand massage Decreases - reduce pain of cesarean section Human
— 5 minutes of foot and hand massage. Effect of foot and hand massage in post-cesarean section pain control: a randomized control trial. hand and foot massage Decreases - significant difference pain intensity Human
pregnant women who had an elective cesarean section 5 minutes of foot and hand massage. Effect of foot and hand massage in post-cesarean section pain control: a randomized control trial. hand and foot massage Decreases - reduced post-cesarean section pain intensity Human
pregnant women who had an elective cesarean section 5 minutes of foot and hand massage. Effect of foot and hand massage in post-cesarean section pain control: a randomized control trial. aromatherapy M technique hand massage Decreases - significantly decreased chronic pain intensity Human
older adults with chronic pain living in long-term care facilities Twice weekly sessions for 4 weeks. Aromatherapy hand massage for older adults with chronic pain living in long-term care. aromatherapy M technique hand massage Decreases - had a significant effect on Geriatric Multidimensional Pain Inventory Pain and Suffering scores Human
older adults with chronic pain living in long-term care facilities Twice weekly sessions for 4 weeks. Aromatherapy hand massage for older adults with chronic pain living in long-term care. aromatherapy M technique hand massage Decreases - differed significantly within groups Iowa Pain Thermometer scores Human
older adults with chronic pain living in long-term care facilities Twice weekly sessions for 4 weeks. Aromatherapy hand massage for older adults with chronic pain living in long-term care. massage application Decreases - more effective in reducing labor pain Human
pregnant women 3 minutes of acupressure to the LI 4 point at the same dilation intervals when contractions were most intense. The effect of acupressure and massage on labor pain and birth satisfaction: a randomized controlled trial. massage application Decreases - more effective than acupressure in reducing labor pain Human
pregnant women 3 minutes of acupressure to the LI 4 point at the same dilation intervals when contractions were most intense. The effect of acupressure and massage on labor pain and birth satisfaction: a randomized controlled trial. Trigger point massage and injections Decreases - relieves pain Human
some patients Not specified Pelvic floor spasm as a cause of voiding dysfunction. global therapeutic massage No effect - occurring at similar rates pain Human
women with newly symptomatic interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome 10 scheduled treatments (frequency not specified). Randomized multicenter clinical trial of myofascial physical therapy in women with interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome and pelvic floor tenderness. heat massage No effect - was not superior to improving lower back pain and pain-related disability Human
patients with subacute lower back pain — Substantiating the Therapeutic Effects of Simultaneous Heat Massage Combined with Conventional Physical Therapy for Treatment of Lower Back Pain: A Randomized Controlled Feasibility Trial. simultaneous heat massage therapy Decreases - improved pain numeric rating scale (PNRS) scores Human
patients with subacute lower back pain — Substantiating the Therapeutic Effects of Simultaneous Heat Massage Combined with Conventional Physical Therapy for Treatment of Lower Back Pain: A Randomized Controlled Feasibility Trial. simultaneous heat massage therapy Decreases - improved short-form McGill pain questionnaire (SF-MPQ) scores Human
patients with subacute lower back pain — Substantiating the Therapeutic Effects of Simultaneous Heat Massage Combined with Conventional Physical Therapy for Treatment of Lower Back Pain: A Randomized Controlled Feasibility Trial. analgesic administration with massage Decreases - decreased pain scores Human
postoperative orthopaedic patients 5-minute hand and arm massage administered once per pain episode. Effect of a Brief Massage on Pain, Anxiety, and Satisfaction With Pain Management in Postoperative Orthopaedic Patients. analgesic administration with massage Increases - significantly increased patient satisfaction with pain management Human
postoperative orthopaedic patients 5-minute hand and arm massage administered once per pain episode. Effect of a Brief Massage on Pain, Anxiety, and Satisfaction With Pain Management in Postoperative Orthopaedic Patients. rhythmical massage (Anthroposophic Medicine) Decreases - significant difference mean pain intensity Human
women with primary dysmenorrhea Rhythmical massage once a week. Efficacy of rhythmical massage in comparison to heart rate variability biofeedback in patients with dysmenorrhea-A randomized, controlled trial. rhythmical massage (Anthroposophic Medicine) No effect - no significant differences mean pain intensity Human
women with primary dysmenorrhea Rhythmical massage once a week. Efficacy of rhythmical massage in comparison to heart rate variability biofeedback in patients with dysmenorrhea-A randomized, controlled trial. rhythmical massage (Anthroposophic Medicine) Decreases - might improve pain intensity Human
women with primary dysmenorrhea Rhythmical massage once a week. Efficacy of rhythmical massage in comparison to heart rate variability biofeedback in patients with dysmenorrhea-A randomized, controlled trial. manual therapy - massage and therapeutic exercises (T5) Decreases - led to complete resolution of pain pain Human
186 women (T) with the Ib disorder diagnosed in DC/TMD Not specified (therapy administered for 10 days). Surface electromyography evaluation of selected manual and physical therapy interventions in women with temporomandibular joint pain and limited mobility. Randomized controlled trial (RCT). ice massage Decreases - significantly lower pain Human
patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) Cold air therapy at -30°C and ice massage (specific duration/frequency not detailed). Local Cryotherapy, Comparison of Cold Air and Ice Massage on Pain and Handgrip Strength in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis. ice massage No effect - no significant difference pain alleviation Human
patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) Cold air therapy at -30°C and ice massage (specific duration/frequency not detailed). Local Cryotherapy, Comparison of Cold Air and Ice Massage on Pain and Handgrip Strength in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis. ice massage Decreases - reduced pain during labor Human
pregnant women Not specified (intervention applied at the Hegu point). Comparing the effects of ice massage and acupressure on labor pain reduction. ice massage Decreases - provided more persistent pain relief pain during labor Human
pregnant women Not specified (intervention applied at the Hegu point). Comparing the effects of ice massage and acupressure on labor pain reduction. ice massage Decreases - showed a significant difference pain intensity Human
pregnant women Not specified (intervention applied at the Hegu point). Comparing the effects of ice massage and acupressure on labor pain reduction. ice massage Increases - was the highest post-exercise pressure pain threshold (PPT) Human
male MMA fighters Interventions were applied during 1-minute breaks between five sets of jumps to exhaustion. Immediate effect of ice and dry massage during rest breaks on recovery in MMA fighters : a randomized crossover clinical trial study. electroacupuncture + massage + blocking therapy Decreases - had lower pain intensity pain intensity Human
patients with external humeral epicondylitis Massage was given once a day for 10 treatments per course, with a 1-week interval before the next course. Therapeutic effect of electroacupuncture, massage, and blocking therapy on external humeral epicondylitis. whole body massage therapy No effect - had similar effects pain scores during venipuncture Human
Newborns in NICUs with gestational age ≥34 weeks 10% dextrose (specific frequency not mentioned). Effect of whole body massage on pain scores of neonates during venous puncture and comparison with oral dextrose and Kangaroo care, a randomized controlled evaluator-blind clinical study. hand and foot massage Decreases - A significant reduction was observed intensity of pain Human
primiparous women undergone elective cesarean section Not specified (hand and foot massage or foot massage only). Massage as adjuvant therapy in the management of post-cesarean pain and anxiety: A randomized clinical trial. hand and foot massage Decreases - significantly reduce pain Human
women after a cesarean section Not specified Hand and Foot Massage on Pain Management After Cesarean Section: A Meta-Analysis. hand and foot massage Decreases - significantly reduce pain Human
women after a cesarean section Not specified Hand and Foot Massage on Pain Management After Cesarean Section: A Meta-Analysis. hand and foot massage Decreases - significantly reduce pain Human
women after a cesarean section Not specified Hand and Foot Massage on Pain Management After Cesarean Section: A Meta-Analysis. hand and foot massage Decreases - are beneficial for pain and anxiety management Human
women following a cesarean section Not specified Hand and Foot Massage on Pain Management After Cesarean Section: A Meta-Analysis. massage therapy to the quadriceps Decreases - significantly lower scores pain intensity Human
runners after sporting activity (10-km run) 10 minutes of massage to the quadriceps. Massage therapy slightly decreased pain intensity after habitual running, but had no effect on fatigue, mood or physical performance: a randomised trial. spinal thermal massage bed (STMB) and intermittent pneumatic calf compression Decreases - significant reductions pain intensity Human
participants aged 65-80 years with chronic low back pain Eight sessions (2 per week) using the STMB device. Pain Reduction and Posture Alignment Improvement in Older Adults with Chronic Low Back Pain: A Novel Approach Using Spinal Thermal Massage Bed and Calf Pneumatic Cell Compression. abdominal massage used with laxatives Decreases - reduced abdominal pain Human
people with constipation 15 minutes of abdominal and hand massage per day, five days a week. Using massage to ease constipation. massage-only Decreases - were lower than the control group pain severity Human
female students with primary dysmenorrhea Acupressure + massage and massage-only interventions were applied during the first 3 days of three consecutive menstrual cycles. The Effects of Acupressure and Massage on Pain, Menstrual Symptoms, and Quality of Life in Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Randomized Controlled Trial. acupressure + massage Decreases - were lower than the control group pain severity Human
female students with primary dysmenorrhea Acupressure + massage and massage-only interventions were applied during the first 3 days of three consecutive menstrual cycles. The Effects of Acupressure and Massage on Pain, Menstrual Symptoms, and Quality of Life in Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Randomized Controlled Trial. analgesics and encouraged to massage the affected finger Decreases - gradually improved pain Human
69-year-old woman Not specified Acute calcific periarthritis of the proximal phalangeal joint on the fifth finger: A case report and literature review. combination of electrotherapy, deep friction massage and stabilization exercise Decreases - had positive effect for improving pain pain Human
patients diagnosed as LHNP and suffering from pain at least 8 weeks Fifteen sessions of combined electrotherapy, deep friction massage, and stabilization exercise. Regression of lumbar disc herniation by physiotherapy. Does non-surgical spinal decompression therapy make a difference? Double-blind randomized controlled trial. Traditional Chinese Medicine breast massage No effect - were reported breast pain Human
clinical trials regarding stasis acute mastitis Not specified Heterogeneity of Outcomes Reporting in Trials Evaluating Traditional Chinese Medicine Breast Massage for Stasis Acute Mastitis: A Methodological Review. Kinesitherapy with massage No effect - were not significantly different mean values of pain intensity Human
adolescent patients with temporomandibular disorders Not specified Physiotherapeutic rehabilitation of adolescent patients with temporomandibular disorders. Kinesitherapy with massage Decreases - differed significantly pain intensity Human
adolescent patients with temporomandibular disorders Not specified Physiotherapeutic rehabilitation of adolescent patients with temporomandibular disorders. massage therapy with duration ≥ 5 weeks Decreases - significantly improved pain Human
patients with FM Not specified (duration ≥5 weeks mentioned). Massage therapy for fibromyalgia: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Percussive massage therapy (PT) Decreases - alleviated pain Human
firefighters with chronic non-specific low back pain Not specified (intervention included PT and core stability exercise). Effects of percussive massage therapy on fascia echo intensity and fascia thickness in firefighters with chronic non-specific low back pain: a randomized controlled trial. shoe orthotic plus chiropractic manipulation, hot or cold packs, and manual soft tissue massage No effect - no significant difference pain Human
Adult subjects with symptomatic low back pain of ≥3 months Not specified (manual soft tissue massage was part of a combined intervention). Shoe Orthotics for the Treatment of Chronic Low Back Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Ultrasound combined with ice massage contrast No effect - was not statistically different from ice massage alone participant-rated pain relief Human
participants with patellofemoral pain syndrome Not specified WITHDRAWN: Therapeutic ultrasound for treating patellofemoral pain syndrome. ice massage alone Increases - reported improved pain relief pain relief Human
participants with patellofemoral pain syndrome Not specified WITHDRAWN: Therapeutic ultrasound for treating patellofemoral pain syndrome. Ultrasound and ice massage Increases - reported improved pain relief pain relief Human
participants with patellofemoral pain syndrome Not specified WITHDRAWN: Therapeutic ultrasound for treating patellofemoral pain syndrome. massage groups (SM and DM) Decreases - evidence of worsening of the perceptions of pain Human
19 male and female competitive swimmers between 12 and 20 years old Three 12-minute interventions per week (superficial or deep massage). Repeated Massage Improves Swimmers' Perceptions during Training Sessions but Not Sprint and Functional Performance: A Randomized Controlled Trial. massage therapy, as a stand-alone treatment Decreases - reduces pain Human
individuals with medial KOA Six-week massage intervention (specific frequency not detailed). The effectiveness of massage on pain, external knee adduction moment, and muscle Co-contraction in individuals with medial compartment knee osteoarthritis. massage therapy Decreases - decreases pain Human
individuals with medial KOA Six-week massage intervention (specific frequency not detailed). The effectiveness of massage on pain, external knee adduction moment, and muscle Co-contraction in individuals with medial compartment knee osteoarthritis. massage No effect acute low back pain Human
— Not specified Low back pain (acute). massage Decreases - administered to reduce acute pain acute pain Human
adult victims of trauma Not specified Non-pharmacological interventions for acute pain management in adult trauma victims: a scoping review. massage Decreases - lower adjusted pain scores Human
infants with CCHD Daily 30-minute massage. Effects of Massage on Postoperative Pain in Infants With Complex Congenital Heart Disease. massage Decreases - lower daily pain scores Human
infants with CCHD Daily 30-minute massage. Effects of Massage on Postoperative Pain in Infants With Complex Congenital Heart Disease. massage Decreases - reduce pain Human
infants with congenital heart disease Daily 30-minute massage. Effects of Massage on Postoperative Pain in Infants With Complex Congenital Heart Disease. massage Decreases - reduced self-reported postoperative pain Human
adults with heart disease Daily 30-minute massage. Effects of Massage on Postoperative Pain in Infants With Complex Congenital Heart Disease. Massage Decreases - was significantly better than physical therapy in improving back pain Human
— Not specified Complementary and alternative therapies for back pain II. Massage Decreases - was superior to placebo or no treatment in reducing pain Human
subjects with acute/sub-acute low back pain Not specified Complementary and alternative therapies for back pain II. Massage Decreases - was better than no treatment, placebo, or exercise in improving pain Human
subjects with neck pain Not specified Complementary and alternative therapies for back pain II. massage Increases - clinically improved Bodily Pain Domain Human
primary care patients with chronic low back pain 10 massage sessions (frequency not specified). Real-World Massage Therapy Produces Meaningful Effectiveness Signal for Primary Care Patients with Chronic Low Back Pain: Results of a Repeated Measures Cohort Study. massage Increases - clinically improved Bodily Pain Domain Human
primary care patients with chronic low back pain 10 massage sessions (frequency not specified). Real-World Massage Therapy Produces Meaningful Effectiveness Signal for Primary Care Patients with Chronic Low Back Pain: Results of a Repeated Measures Cohort Study. massage Increases - had better outcomes pain Human
adults older than age 49 years 10 massage sessions (frequency not specified). Real-World Massage Therapy Produces Meaningful Effectiveness Signal for Primary Care Patients with Chronic Low Back Pain: Results of a Repeated Measures Cohort Study. massage Increases - improved SF-36v2's Bodily Pain Domain Human
primary care patients with chronic low back pain 10 massage sessions (frequency not specified). Real-World Massage Therapy Produces Meaningful Effectiveness Signal for Primary Care Patients with Chronic Low Back Pain: Results of a Repeated Measures Cohort Study. massage Decreases - reduced Brief Pain Inventory worst pain score Human
patients with advanced cancer Weekly sessions for 10 weeks, with monthly booster sessions up to 26 weeks. Acupuncture vs Massage for Pain in Patients Living With Advanced Cancer: The IMPACT Randomized Clinical Trial. massage Decreases - is effective for the relief cancer pain Human
cancer patients Not specified Meta-Analysis of Massage Therapy on Cancer Pain. massage Decreases - beneficial effect relief of cancer pain Human
cancer patients Not specified Meta-Analysis of Massage Therapy on Cancer Pain. massage Decreases - is effective for the relief surgery-related pain Human
cancer patients Not specified Meta-Analysis of Massage Therapy on Cancer Pain. massage therapy Decreases - observed reduction cancer pain Human
cancer patients experiencing pain Not specified Meta-Analysis of Massage Therapy on Cancer Pain. massage therapy Decreases - significantly reduced cancer pain Human
cancer patients experiencing pain Not specified Meta-Analysis of Massage Therapy on Cancer Pain. massage Decreases - effective cancer pain Human
patients with cancer and cancer survivors Not Assessed Patient-Reported Outcomes of Pain and Related Symptoms in Integrative Oncology Practice and Clinical Research: Evidence and Recommendations. massage Decreases - improve cancer-related pain Human
breast cancer patients Not specified Effect of complementary and alternative medicine interventions on cancer related pain among breast cancer patients: A systematic review. massage No effect - primary treatment option chronic low back and neck pain without serious pathology Human
patients with spinal disorders in low-income communities Not specified The Global Spine Care Initiative: applying evidence-based guidelines on the non-invasive management of back and neck pain to low- and middle-income communities. massage Decreases - effective chronic low back pain Human
— Not specified Nonpharmacologic Therapies for Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review for an American College of Physicians Clinical Practice Guideline. massage Decreases - optimal number of weeks of treatment chronic neck pain Human
persons with chronic neck pain 2 or 3 sessions per week of 30 minutes, or 1, 2, or 3 sessions per week of 60 minutes. Dosing study of massage for chronic neck pain: protocol for the dose response evaluation and analysis of massage [DREAM] trial. massage Decreases - optimal combination of number of treatments per week and length of individual treatment session chronic neck pain Human
persons with chronic neck pain 2 or 3 sessions per week of 30 minutes, or 1, 2, or 3 sessions per week of 60 minutes. Dosing study of massage for chronic neck pain: protocol for the dose response evaluation and analysis of massage [DREAM] trial. massage No effect - poor quality of research effectiveness for treating neck pain Human
— 2 or 3 sessions per week of 30 minutes, or 1, 2, or 3 sessions per week of 60 minutes. Dosing study of massage for chronic neck pain: protocol for the dose response evaluation and analysis of massage [DREAM] trial. massage No effect - effectiveness for treating neck pain remains unclear neck pain Human
persons with chronic neck pain 2 or 3 sessions per week of 30 minutes, or 1, 2, or 3 sessions per week of 60 minutes. Dosing study of massage for chronic neck pain: protocol for the dose response evaluation and analysis of massage [DREAM] trial. massage No effect - primary outcomes neck-related dysfunction and pain Human
persons with chronic non-specific neck pain 2 or 3 sessions per week of 30 minutes, or 1, 2, or 3 sessions per week of 60 minutes. Dosing study of massage for chronic neck pain: protocol for the dose response evaluation and analysis of massage [DREAM] trial. massage No effect - weak positive evidence was found chronic pain Human
— Not specified Using Integrative Medicine in Pain Management: An Evaluation of Current Evidence. massage No effect - support the use of chronic pain syndromes Human
patients with one or more of these chronic pain syndromes Not specified Integrative Health Strategies to Manage Chronic Pain. massage No effect - are necessary comprehensive pain management Human
transgender patient Not available Optimal Perioperative Pain Management of the Transgender Patient for Gender Affirming Surgery: A Scoping Review. massage No effect - is widely used cyclic perimenstrual pain and discomfort symptoms Human
adult women Not specified A critical review of complementary and alternative medicine use by women with cyclic perimenstrual pain and discomfort: a focus upon prevalence, patterns and applications of use and users' motivations, information seeking and self-perceived efficacy. massage Decreases - have beneficial effects DOMS-related pain Human
Healthy participants Not specified Physical therapy interventions for the treatment of delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS): Systematic review and meta-analysis. massage No effect - most frequent method for handling pain other than consultation with doctors handling pain Human
nursing staff in Thailand Not available A comparison of chronic pain prevalence in Japan, Thailand, and myanmar. massage Decreases - play important part in helping to recover heel pain condition Human
patients with heel pain Not specified Heel pain: A systematic review. massage No effect - no significant difference was observed intensity of post laparoscopic shoulder pain (PLSP) Human
patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy Massage was performed three consecutive times after patients regained consciousness. Comparing the effect of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and massage therapy on post laparoscopic shoulder pain: a randomized clinical trial. massage plus conventional pharmacological treatment Decreases - led to a significant reduction intensity of post laparoscopic shoulder pain (PLSP) Human
patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy Massage was performed three consecutive times after patients regained consciousness. Comparing the effect of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and massage therapy on post laparoscopic shoulder pain: a randomized clinical trial. massage Decreases - labour pain was reduced labour pain Human
women Not specified Massage, reflexology and other manual methods for pain management in labour. massage Decreases - may have a role in reducing pain pain Human
women Not specified Massage, reflexology and other manual methods for pain management in labour. massage Decreases - Less pain during labour was reported pain during labour Human
women Not specified Massage, reflexology and other manual methods for pain management in labour. massage Decreases - should select low back pain Human
patients with acute or subacute low back pain Not specified Noninvasive Treatments for Acute, Subacute, and Chronic Low Back Pain: A Clinical Practice Guideline From the American College of Physicians. massage Decreases - consideration be given to the use of lower back pain Human
patients who do not improve Not available Pharmacological management of chronic lower back pain: a review of cost effectiveness. massage Decreases - management mechanical low back pain Human
patients with mechanical low back pain Not specified Spine Conditions: Mechanical and Inflammatory Low Back Pain. massage Decreases - may be promising multiple types of chronic pain Human
— Not specified Synthesizing the Strength of the Evidence of Complementary and Integrative Health Therapies for Pain. therapeutic massage Decreases - statistically significant positive effects some types of pain Human
— Not specified Synthesizing the Strength of the Evidence of Complementary and Integrative Health Therapies for Pain. massage Decreases - resulted in lower muscle pain and soreness ratings Human
runners who finished the race and completed the study 20-minute postrace session. A Randomized Controlled Trial of Massage and Pneumatic Compression for Ultramarathon Recovery. massage Decreases - include myofascial pain syndrome Human
patients with myofascial pain syndrome Not specified Myofascial low back pain: a review. massage Decreases - may offer relief myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) Human
some patients with MPS Not specified A Comprehensive Review of the Treatment and Management of Myofascial Pain Syndrome. massage Decreases - represent reasonable complementary and alternative medicine methods neck pain Human
patients with neck pain Not Assessed Complementary and alternative treatment for neck pain: chiropractic, acupuncture, TENS, massage, yoga, Tai Chi, and Feldenkrais. massage Decreases - weaker evidence supporting neck pain Human
— Not specified Advances in the diagnosis and management of neck pain. massage (30 minutes 2x/wk) No effect - no observed differences neck-related dysfunction and pain Human
persons with chronic nonspecific neck pain Primary groups received 30 minutes 2x or 3x/week or 60 minutes 1x, 2x, or 3x/week for 4 weeks; booster groups received an additional six 60-minute massages 1x/week. Randomized clinical trial assessing whether additional massage treatments for chronic neck pain improve 12- and 26-week outcomes. massage (30 minutes 3x/wk) No effect - no observed differences neck-related dysfunction and pain Human
persons with chronic nonspecific neck pain Primary groups received 30 minutes 2x or 3x/week or 60 minutes 1x, 2x, or 3x/week for 4 weeks; booster groups received an additional six 60-minute massages 1x/week. Randomized clinical trial assessing whether additional massage treatments for chronic neck pain improve 12- and 26-week outcomes. massage (60 minutes 1x/wk) No effect - no observed differences neck-related dysfunction and pain Human
persons with chronic nonspecific neck pain Primary groups received 30 minutes 2x or 3x/week or 60 minutes 1x, 2x, or 3x/week for 4 weeks; booster groups received an additional six 60-minute massages 1x/week. Randomized clinical trial assessing whether additional massage treatments for chronic neck pain improve 12- and 26-week outcomes. massage (60 minutes 2x/wk) No effect - no observed differences neck-related dysfunction and pain Human
persons with chronic nonspecific neck pain Primary groups received 30 minutes 2x or 3x/week or 60 minutes 1x, 2x, or 3x/week for 4 weeks; booster groups received an additional six 60-minute massages 1x/week. Randomized clinical trial assessing whether additional massage treatments for chronic neck pain improve 12- and 26-week outcomes. massage (60 minutes 3x/wk) No effect - no observed differences neck-related dysfunction and pain Human
persons with chronic nonspecific neck pain Primary groups received 30 minutes 2x or 3x/week or 60 minutes 1x, 2x, or 3x/week for 4 weeks; booster groups received an additional six 60-minute massages 1x/week. Randomized clinical trial assessing whether additional massage treatments for chronic neck pain improve 12- and 26-week outcomes. massage Decreases - rated helpful neuropathic pain Human
individuals with spinal cord injury Not specified Treatments perceived to be helpful for neuropathic pain after traumatic spinal cord injury: A multicenter cross-sectional survey study. massage Decreases - significant improvements were found Numerical Pain Rating Scale scores Human
nursing team employees Seven to eight massage sessions after work periods. Massage application for occupational low back pain in nursing staff. massage Decreases - was effective in reducing occupational low back pain Human
nursing team employees Seven to eight massage sessions after work periods. Massage application for occupational low back pain in nursing staff. Massage Decreases - decreasing pain Human
women Not specified The side effects and mother or child related physical harm from massage during pregnancy and the postpartum period: An observational study. massage Decreases - were effective in reducing pain Human
neonates 2 minutes of massage before the procedure. The effects of acupressure and foot massage on pain during heel lancing in neonates: A randomized controlled trial. massage No effect - no statistically significant difference between pain reduction Human
neonates 2 minutes of massage before the procedure. The effects of acupressure and foot massage on pain during heel lancing in neonates: A randomized controlled trial. massage Decreases - relieve pain Human
RA patients Not specified Traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis: a general review. massage Decreases - reduction in pain pain Human
— Not specified Effects of massage on pain, mood status, relaxation, and sleep in Taiwanese patients with metastatic bone pain: a randomized clinical trial. massage Decreases - reported pain reduction pain Human
children and adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP) Not available Non-pharmacological and non-surgical treatment of pain in children and adolescents with cerebral palsy: A scoping review. massage Decreases - can have pain-relieving effects Human
children and adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP) Not available Non-pharmacological and non-surgical treatment of pain in children and adolescents with cerebral palsy: A scoping review. massage Decreases - reduced pain pain Human
adults with subacute-chronic neck pain Not specified Massage for neck pain contrasted against standard (non-surgical) treatment: A systematic review update. massage No effect - demonstrating no effect pain Human
children with cancer Not available Development of an evidence-based decision aid on complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) and pain for parents of children with cancer. massage Decreases - significant reduction pain Human
critical care patients Not specified Guided Imagery and Other Complementary Pain Control Approaches for Critical Care Patients. massage No effect - evidence on the effectiveness was inconclusive pain Human
people with palliative care needs Not specified The effectiveness of aromatherapy, massage and reflexology in people with palliative care needs: A systematic review. massage Decreases - may reduce pain Human
participants with postburn pruritus Not specified Interventions for postburn pruritus. massage Decreases - had lower pain state pain Human
primiparous women with term pregnancy Firm and rhythmic massage during labor in three phases, with evaluations after 30 minutes of massage at each stage. Effects of massage therapy and presence of attendant on pain, anxiety and satisfaction during labor. massage No effect - no significant differences pain Human
patients with breast cancer Not specified Massage interventions and treatment-related side effects of breast cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis. massage No effect - addressed pain Human
palliative care patients Not available Characteristics of Provider-Focused Research on Complementary and Integrative Medicine in Palliative Care: A Scoping Review. massage Decreases - effective in reducing pain Human
hemodialysis patients Not specified Effect of Complementary and Integrative Treatments on Fatigue Symptoms in Hemodialysis Patients: A Systematic Review. massage Decreases - evaluate the long-term effectiveness pain Human
patients with diverse types of advanced cancer Weekly massage treatments for 10 weeks, followed by monthly booster sessions up to 26 weeks. Acupuncture versus massage for pain in patients living with advanced cancer: a protocol for the IMPACT randomised clinical trial. massage Decreases - associated with a greater reduction pain Human
patients with diverse types of advanced cancer Weekly massage treatments for 10 weeks, followed by monthly booster sessions up to 26 weeks. Acupuncture versus massage for pain in patients living with advanced cancer: a protocol for the IMPACT randomised clinical trial. massage Decreases - was more effective in pain-alleviating compared with acupuncture pain Human
CIPN patients Not available Non-pharmacological therapy for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neurotoxicity: a network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. massage Decreases - was more effective in pain-alleviating compared with vitamin and gabapentin pain Human
CIPN patients Not available Non-pharmacological therapy for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neurotoxicity: a network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. massage Decreases - was more effective in pain-alleviating compared with usual care and placebo pain Human
CIPN patients Not available Non-pharmacological therapy for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neurotoxicity: a network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. massage No effect - probably results in little to no difference pain Human
adults with subacute-chronic neck pain High dose: ≥8 sessions over four weeks for ≥30 minutes duration. Massage for neck pain. massage Decreases - improved pain Human
adults with subacute-chronic neck pain High dose: ≥8 sessions over four weeks for ≥30 minutes duration. Massage for neck pain. massage Decreases - may aid in the management pain Human
people with Parkinson's disease (PwP) Not specified Pain and the Non-Pharmacological Management of Pain in People with Parkinson's Disease. massage Decreases - reducing pain Human
ICU patients Not specified Clinicians' opinion on massage in the intensive care unit patients. massage Decreases - effectiveness in reducing pain and anxiety arising from intrathecal therapy or bone marrow aspiration Human
children — Effects of massage therapy on pain and anxiety arising from intrathecal therapy or bone marrow aspiration in children with cancer. massage therapy No effect - no statistically significant difference was found pain and anxiety levels Human
children with cancer — Effects of massage therapy on pain and anxiety arising from intrathecal therapy or bone marrow aspiration in children with cancer. massage therapy Decreases - decreased significantly pain and anxiety levels Human
children with cancer — Effects of massage therapy on pain and anxiety arising from intrathecal therapy or bone marrow aspiration in children with cancer. massage Decreases - provide an immediate or short-term effectiveness or both in pain and tenderness Human
adults with mechanical neck disorders Not specified. Massage for mechanical neck disorders. massage Decreases - may have been more beneficial than education in the short term for pain bothersomeness Human
adults with neck pain Not specified. Massage for mechanical neck disorders. massage Decreases - supports pain control Human
patients with inflammatory arthritis Not specified Nonpharmacologic Pain Management in Inflammatory Arthritis. massage Decreases - decreased pain days per month Human
patients with 'highly likely' LAS 9 sessions (frequency not specified) Biofeedback is superior to electrogalvanic stimulation and massage for treatment of levator ani syndrome. massage Decreases - decreased pain intensity Human
patients with 'highly likely' LAS 9 sessions (frequency not specified) Biofeedback is superior to electrogalvanic stimulation and massage for treatment of levator ani syndrome. massage Decreases - positive outcome for reduction pain in labor Human
— Not specified Non-pharmacological therapies applied in pregnancy and labor: an integrative review. perineal massage Decreases - positive outcome for reduction pain in labor Human
— Not specified Non-pharmacological therapies applied in pregnancy and labor: an integrative review. massage Decreases - provided a greater reduction in pain intensity pain intensity Human
women during the first stage of labour Not specified Massage, reflexology and other manual methods for pain management in labour. massage Decreases - evidence of a reduction in pain scores pain intensity Human
women during the second stage of labour Not specified Massage, reflexology and other manual methods for pain management in labour. massage Decreases - evidence of a reduction in pain scores pain intensity Human
women during the third stage of labour Not specified Massage, reflexology and other manual methods for pain management in labour. massage Decreases - reduced pain intensity pain intensity Human
women during labour Not specified Massage, reflexology and other manual methods for pain management in labour. massage No effect - showing no clear benefit pharmacological pain relief Human
women Not specified Massage, reflexology and other manual methods for pain management in labour. massage No effect - no evidence of benefit for reduced use pharmacological pain relief Human
women Not specified Massage, reflexology and other manual methods for pain management in labour. massage Decreases - decreased significantly pain intensity Human
older hospitalized patients with chronic pain Not specified Hypnosis can reduce pain in hospitalized older patients: a randomized controlled study. massage No effect - no effect pain relief Human
older hospitalized patients with chronic pain Not specified Hypnosis can reduce pain in hospitalized older patients: a randomized controlled study. massage Decreases - effectively decreased pain intensity Human
nulliparous pregnant women Massage performed three times (at 5 cm, 7 cm, and 9 cm cervical dilatation) for 20 minutes each session. The most appropriate cervical dilatation for massage to reduce labor pain and anxiety: a randomized clinical trial. massage Decreases - had an analgesic effect pain intensity Human
female patients with pain, increased masseter muscle tension and limited mandibular mobility (G1 group) Not specified (therapy administered over 10 days). Evaluation of the efficacy of manual soft tissue therapy and therapeutic exercises in patients with pain and limited mobility TMJ: a randomized control trial (RCT). Massage Decreases - effective in alleviating pain intensity Human
postoperative patients Not specified Evidence-based interventions to improve sleep quality after thoracic surgery:A retrospective analysis of clinical studies. massage No effect - no group differences pain intensity Human
96 healthy women 15-minute massage session. Massage on experimental pain in healthy females: a randomized controlled trial. massage No effect - no group differences pain threshold Human
96 healthy women 15-minute massage session. Massage on experimental pain in healthy females: a randomized controlled trial. massage No effect - no group differences pain tolerance Human
96 healthy women 15-minute massage session. Massage on experimental pain in healthy females: a randomized controlled trial. massage Decreases - decreased pain unpleasantness Human
96 healthy women 15-minute massage session. Massage on experimental pain in healthy females: a randomized controlled trial. massage Decreases - beneficial effect pain intensity on a 0-to-10 scale Human
adults with burn scars Not available Massage, laser and shockwave therapy improve pain and scar pruritus after burns: a systematic review. massage No effect - was the most common intervention pain management Human
patients with dementia Not specified Non-pharmacological interventions for pain management in patients with dementia: A mixed-methods systematic review. massage Decreases - showed pain-reducing effects pain outcomes Human
older adults with dementia Not specified Pain-Reducing Effects of Physical Therapist-Delivered Interventions: A Systematic Review of Randomized Trials Among Older Adults With Dementia. massage Decreases - significantly reduced pain perception Human
nonspecific chronic low back pain (cLBP) individuals 30-minute massage session Effect of Massage on Clinical and Physiological Variables During Muscle Fatigue Task in Participants With Chronic Low Back Pain: A Crossover Study. massage No effect - did not seem to influence pain score increases occurring after the Sorensen protocol Human
nonspecific chronic low back pain (cLBP) individuals 30-minute massage session Effect of Massage on Clinical and Physiological Variables During Muscle Fatigue Task in Participants With Chronic Low Back Pain: A Crossover Study. massage Decreases - may have a positive effect on pain relief Human
neonate Not specified The effectiveness of massage interventions on procedural pain in neonates: A systematic review and meta-analysis. massage Decreases - could effectively improve pain response Human
neonates Not specified The effectiveness of massage interventions on procedural pain in neonates: A systematic review and meta-analysis. massage Decreases - significantly better pain score Human
patients ready to receive PCI Not specified Effects of massage on the anxiety of patients receiving percutaneous coronary intervention. massage Decreases - Pain scores were significantly lower Pain scores Human
patients Not specified Effectiveness of physical stimulation for reducing injection pain in adults receiving intramuscular injections: a systematic review and meta-analysis. massage Decreases - improved pain WOMAC subscale scores Human
adults with knee osteoarthritis 60 minutes of full-body massage or light-touch, eight weekly treatments followed by biweekly intervention or usual care. Efficacy and Safety of Massage for Osteoarthritis of the Knee: a Randomized Clinical Trial. massage Decreases - improved pain WOMAC subscale scores Human
adults with knee osteoarthritis 60 minutes of full-body massage or light-touch, eight weekly treatments followed by biweekly intervention or usual care. Efficacy and Safety of Massage for Osteoarthritis of the Knee: a Randomized Clinical Trial. massage Decreases - effective pediatric postoperative pain Human
children Not available A Systematic Review of the Effectiveness of Non-Pharmacological Therapies Used by Nurses in Children Undergoing Surgery. massage No effect - ineffective pediatric postoperative pain Human
children Not available A Systematic Review of the Effectiveness of Non-Pharmacological Therapies Used by Nurses in Children Undergoing Surgery. Massage Decreases - identified as significant nonpharmacological interventions persistent pain Human
elder residents living in long-term care facilities Not available Nonpharmacological interventions for persistent, noncancer pain in elders residing in long-term care facilities: An integrative review of the literature. massage Decreases - significant reductions physical pain Human
veterans Instruction in simple massage techniques (DVD), frequency not specified. Promoting reintegration of National Guard veterans and their partners using a self-directed program of integrative therapies: a pilot study. massage No effect - was prescribed physiotherapy for low back pain Human
patients complaining of low back pain Not specified Management of low back pain in general practice - is it of acceptable quality: an observational study among 25 general practices in South Tyrol (Italy). massage Decreases - concomitant with the improvement post-operative pain Human
— 10-20 minutes per session (specific frequency not detailed). The effectiveness of massage on peri-operative anxiety in adults: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials and controlled clinical trials. massage Increases - increased pressure pain threshold (PPT) Human
Twenty healthy female volunteers 10 minutes of massage or 10 minutes of active exercise (shoulder shrugs 10 × 10 reps with increasing elastic resistance). Acute effects of massage or active exercise in relieving muscle soreness: randomized controlled trial. massage Increases - utilized prevalence in pediatric pain clinics (PPCs) offering IM Human
pediatric pain clinics (PPCs) offering IM Not available A cross-sectional review of the prevalence of integrative medicine in pediatric pain clinics across the United States. massage Decreases - was greater Short-term pain (Present Pain Intensity-Visual Analogue Scale) Human
people with cancer Not specified Massage with or without aromatherapy for symptom relief in people with cancer. massage with aromatherapy Decreases - was greater long-term pain Human
people with cancer Not specified Massage with or without aromatherapy for symptom relief in people with cancer. massage with aromatherapy Decreases - was greater medium-term pain Human
people with cancer Not specified Massage with or without aromatherapy for symptom relief in people with cancer. Massage No effect - can be used to treat sub-acute low back pain Human
patients with sub-acute low back pain Not specified Physical therapy for acute and sub-acute low back pain: A systematic review and expert consensus. massage Decreases - showed impact subjective pain intensity Human
women in first stage of labor Not specified Labor Analgesia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Non-Pharmacological Complementary and Alternative Approaches to Pain during First Stage of Labor. massage Decreases - potentially capable of reducing unpleasant pain sensations Human
— Not specified The immediate effect of traditional Malay massage on substance P, inflammatory mediators, pain scale and functional outcome among patients with low back pain: study protocol of a randomised controlled trial. traditional Malay massage Decreases - helps to relieve back pain Human
— Not specified The immediate effect of traditional Malay massage on substance P, inflammatory mediators, pain scale and functional outcome among patients with low back pain: study protocol of a randomised controlled trial. traditional Malay massage Decreases - expected to give rise to new knowledge underlying the mechanisms for pain and inflammation relief Human
— Not specified The immediate effect of traditional Malay massage on substance P, inflammatory mediators, pain scale and functional outcome among patients with low back pain: study protocol of a randomised controlled trial. massage Decreases - may be addressed using wound pain Human
patients with chronic wounds Not specified An overview of integrative care options for patients with chronic wounds. Massage duration of 10 to 30 minutes Decreases - had a better effect cancer pain Human
— Massage duration of 10 to 30 minutes. Massage therapy can effectively relieve cancer pain: A meta-analysis. Massage duration of 10 to 30 minutes Decreases - could significantly relieve pain Human
— Massage duration of 10 to 30 minutes. Massage therapy can effectively relieve cancer pain: A meta-analysis. Massage therapy Decreases - had a better effect cancer pain Human
patients in the perioperative period Massage duration of 10 to 30 minutes. Massage therapy can effectively relieve cancer pain: A meta-analysis. Massage therapy Decreases - had a better effect cancer pain Human
patients with hematological malignancies Massage duration of 10 to 30 minutes. Massage therapy can effectively relieve cancer pain: A meta-analysis. Massage therapy Decreases - could significantly relieve cancer pain Human
patients Massage duration of 10 to 30 minutes. Massage therapy can effectively relieve cancer pain: A meta-analysis. therapeutic massage Decreases - showed decreased behavioral and physiologic pain responses Human
newborns Not specified Non-pharmacological management of neonatal pain: a systematic review. therapeutic massage Decreases - presented statistically significant results for the management cluster pain-anxiety-worry-dyspnea Human
children and adolescents with cancer undergoing palliative care Not specified Effectiveness of complementary therapies for the management of symptom clusters in palliative care in pediatric oncology: a systematic review. therapeutic massage Decreases - Statistically significant differences were noted Modified Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Index Human
26 patient aged from 60 to 75 years with chronic low back pain 30-minute sessions daily for 10 days. A comparison of the effects of deep tissue massage and therapeutic massage on chronic low back pain. therapeutic massage Decreases - Statistically significant differences were noted Quebec Back Pain Disability Scale Human
26 patient aged from 60 to 75 years with chronic low back pain 30-minute sessions daily for 10 days. A comparison of the effects of deep tissue massage and therapeutic massage on chronic low back pain. deep tissue massage Decreases - Statistically significant differences were noted Modified Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Index Human
26 patient aged from 60 to 75 years with chronic low back pain 30-minute sessions daily for 10 days. A comparison of the effects of deep tissue massage and therapeutic massage on chronic low back pain. deep tissue massage Decreases - was statistically significant better therapy than therapeutic massage Modified Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Index Human
26 patient aged from 60 to 75 years with chronic low back pain 30-minute sessions daily for 10 days. A comparison of the effects of deep tissue massage and therapeutic massage on chronic low back pain. deep tissue massage Decreases - Statistically significant differences were noted Quebec Back Pain Disability Scale Human
26 patient aged from 60 to 75 years with chronic low back pain 30-minute sessions daily for 10 days. A comparison of the effects of deep tissue massage and therapeutic massage on chronic low back pain. therapeutic massage Decreases - revealed a significant pain reduction pain Human
patients with neck pain Not specified Evaluation of the effectiveness of therapeutic massage in patients with neck pain. therapeutic massage Decreases - obtaining benefits in the symptoms present during the illness pain Human
children with cancer (between 1 and 18 years old) Not specified Effects of the application of therapeutic massage in children with cancer: a systematic review. therapeutic massage (TM) Decreases - effective in treatment of pain pain Human
participants with upper trapezius pain and a trigger point Not specified Positional release therapy and therapeutic massage reduce muscle trigger and tender points. deep transverse friction massage combined with therapeutic ultrasound and placebo ointment No effect - No statistically significant differences were reported mean change in pain on a 0 to 100 visual analog scale (VAS) Human
participants with lateral elbow tendinitis Not specified Deep transverse friction massage for treating lateral elbow or lateral knee tendinitis. deep transverse friction massage combined with therapeutic ultrasound and placebo ointment No effect - No statistically significant differences were reported pain-free function index measured as the number of painfree items Human
participants with lateral elbow tendinitis Not specified Deep transverse friction massage for treating lateral elbow or lateral knee tendinitis. deep transverse friction massage and phonophoresis No effect - no statistically significant differences were found pain Human
participants with lateral elbow tendinitis Not specified Deep transverse friction massage for treating lateral elbow or lateral knee tendinitis. deep transverse friction massage with physical therapy intervention No effect - showed no statistically significant differences daily pain on a 0 to 10 VAS Human
participants with iliotibial band friction syndrome (knee tendinitis) Not specified Deep transverse friction massage for treating lateral elbow or lateral knee tendinitis. deep transverse friction massage with physical therapy intervention No effect - showed no statistically significant differences pain while running (scale from 0 to 150) Human
participants with iliotibial band friction syndrome (knee tendinitis) Not specified Deep transverse friction massage for treating lateral elbow or lateral knee tendinitis. deep transverse friction massage with physical therapy intervention No effect - showed no statistically significant differences percentage of maximum pain while running Human
participants with iliotibial band friction syndrome (knee tendinitis) Not specified Deep transverse friction massage for treating lateral elbow or lateral knee tendinitis. moderate pressure massage Decreases - reduced pain Human
different syndromes including fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis Not specified Massage therapy research review. Hugo's point massage No effect - did not show a statistically significant difference IV-line placement pain Human
hospitalized children aged 3-6 years Not specified Comparison of the Effects of Hugo's Point Massage and Play on IV-Line Placement Pain in Children: A Randomized Clinical Trial. 20-minute hand massage Decreases - significantly lower pain intensity Human
Adult patients who underwent elective cardiac surgery Two 20-minute hand massages. Effects of Massage in Reducing the Pain and Anxiety of the Cardiac Surgery Critically Ill-a Randomized Controlled Trial. 20-minute hand massage Decreases - significantly lower pain unpleasantness Human
Adult patients who underwent elective cardiac surgery Two 20-minute hand massages. Effects of Massage in Reducing the Pain and Anxiety of the Cardiac Surgery Critically Ill-a Randomized Controlled Trial. hand massage Decreases - lower, with a statistical significance mean scores of pain intensity Human
liver transplant patients Not specified Effect of hand massage on pain and anxiety in patients after liver transplantation: A randomised controlled trial. hand massage Decreases - positively affected and decreased severity of pain Human
liver transplant patients Not specified Effect of hand massage on pain and anxiety in patients after liver transplantation: A randomised controlled trial. hand massage No effect - no significant difference pain and emotional manifestation scores Human
children after abdominal surgery 10-minute hand massage administered once, 3 hours after surgery. Effect of hand massage after abdominal surgery on pain, emotional symptoms and physiological parameters among children. hand massage Decreases - significantly lower pain scores Human
children after abdominal surgery 10-minute hand massage administered once, 3 hours after surgery. Effect of hand massage after abdominal surgery on pain, emotional symptoms and physiological parameters among children. hand massage Decreases - decreased pain intensity Human
adults admitted to the intensive care unit after undergoing elective cardiac surgery 15-minute hand massage, administered 2-3 times within 24 hours post-surgery. Evaluation of the preliminary effectiveness of hand massage therapy on postoperative pain of adults in the intensive care unit after cardiac surgery: a pilot randomized controlled trial. hand massage No effect - no significant difference postoperative pain scores Human
7-year-old to 11-year-old children after circumcision Not specified The Effect of Music Therapy, Hand Massage, and Kaleidoscope Usage on Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting, Pain, Fear, and Stress in Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial. 60-minute massage doses Increases - more effective pain-fatigue-sleep symptom cluster Human
adults with cancer 15-, 30-, or 60-min sessions; 2× or 3×/week. Determining massage dose-response to improve cancer-related symptom cluster of pain, fatigue, and sleep disturbance: A 7-arm randomized trial in palliative cancer care. massage dose-escalation Increases - increases the efficacy pain-fatigue-sleep symptom cluster Human
adults with cancer 15-, 30-, or 60-min sessions; 2× or 3×/week. Determining massage dose-response to improve cancer-related symptom cluster of pain, fatigue, and sleep disturbance: A 7-arm randomized trial in palliative cancer care. integrated breast massage (IBM) Decreases - with significantly less pain pain score Human
women presenting with acute plugged milk duct Not specified (massage techniques compared, but exact frequency/duration per session not detailed). Integrated breast massage versus traditional breast massage for treatment of plugged milk duct in lactating women: a randomized controlled trial. lumbar tender point deep tissue massage plus lumbar traction Decreases - produced better improvement pain intensity Human
patients with chronic non-specific low back pain Not specified Therapeutic evaluation of lumbar tender point deep massage for chronic non-specific low back pain. lumbar tender point deep tissue massage plus lumbar traction Increases - produced better improvement pressure pain threshold Human
patients with chronic non-specific low back pain Not specified Therapeutic evaluation of lumbar tender point deep massage for chronic non-specific low back pain. breast massage Decreases - reported a reduction in pain pain Human
— Not specified Effectiveness of breast massage for the treatment of women with breastfeeding problems: a systematic review. breast massage Decreases - led to less pain pain Human
women with breastfeeding problems Not specified Effectiveness of breast massage for the treatment of women with breastfeeding problems: a systematic review. breast massage Decreases - may relieve pain pain Human
— Not specified Effectiveness of breast massage for the treatment of women with breastfeeding problems: a systematic review. different types of breast massage Decreases - were reported as effective in reducing immediate pain immediate pain Human
the participants Not specified Effectiveness of breast massage for the treatment of women with breastfeeding problems: a systematic review. varying types of breast massage Decreases - were helpful in reducing immediate pain immediate pain Human
— Not specified Effectiveness of breast massage for the treatment of women with breastfeeding problems: a systematic review. manual hand massage Decreases - was more effective than machine-based hand massage in reducing pain intensity Human
patients following laparoscopic cholecystectomy Not specified (massage administered at 0, 4, and 8 hours postoperatively). The Effects of Machine-Based and Manual Hand Massage on Pain, Anxiety, and Gastrointestinal Function Following Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy. manual hand massage Decreases - decreased statistically significantly severity of pain Human
patients following laparoscopic cholecystectomy Not specified (massage administered at 0, 4, and 8 hours postoperatively). The Effects of Machine-Based and Manual Hand Massage on Pain, Anxiety, and Gastrointestinal Function Following Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy. postoperative massage therapy Decreases - significant improvement pain Human
patients undergoing cardiac surgery Not specified (varied widely between studies). Can postoperative massage therapy reduce pain and anxiety in cardiac surgery patients? postoperative massage therapy No effect - no significant difference pain and anxiety Human
patients undergoing cardiac surgery Not specified (varied widely between studies). Can postoperative massage therapy reduce pain and anxiety in cardiac surgery patients? hand massage and music therapy Decreases - were more effective than standard care at reducing pain and fear levels during blood drawing pain and fear levels Human
12-18-year-old adolescents in the PICU Not specified. Impact of music therapy and hand massage in the pediatric intensive care unit on pain, fear and stress: Randomized controlled trial. deep massage therapy to posterior calf muscles and neural mobilization with a self-stretch exercise program (DMS) Increases - was significantly more effective treating plantar heel pain syndrome (PHPS) Human
Patients with plantar heel pain syndrome (PHPS) 8 treatments over 4-6 weeks. Deep massage to posterior calf muscles in combination with neural mobilization exercises as a treatment for heel pain: a pilot randomized clinical trial. lidocaine injection with deep friction massage Decreases - significant improvement VAS pain score Human
patients with lateral epicondylitis Not specified (deep friction massage with lidocaine injection). Deep Friction Massage Versus Steroid Injection in the Treatment of Lateral Epicondylitis. lidocaine injection with deep friction massage Decreases - significant improvement VAS pain score Human
patients with lateral epicondylitis Not specified (deep friction massage with lidocaine injection). Deep Friction Massage Versus Steroid Injection in the Treatment of Lateral Epicondylitis. deep tissue massage Decreases - Favorable outcomes may result pain Human
pain populations Not specified Deep tissue massage: What are we talking about? deep tissue massage (DTM) Decreases - had a positive effect on reducing pain pain Human
patients with chronic low back pain Not specified (2 weeks of DTM in the treatment group, 2 weeks of DTM + NSAID in the control group). Deep tissue massage and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for low back pain: a prospective randomized trial. deep tissue massage (DTM) Decreases - a significant pain reduction and function improvement were observed pain and function Human
patients with chronic low back pain Not specified (2 weeks of DTM in the treatment group, 2 weeks of DTM + NSAID in the control group). Deep tissue massage and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for low back pain: a prospective randomized trial. deep tissue massage Decreases - improvement in pain intensity favouring massage compared to advice pain intensity Human
adults with subacute or persistent neck pain Not specified Effectiveness of deep tissue massage therapy, and supervised strengthening and stretching exercises for subacute or persistent disabling neck pain. The Stockholm Neck (STONE) randomized controlled trial. deep tissue massage Decreases - improvement in pain intensity favouring massage compared to advice pain intensity Human
adults with subacute or persistent neck pain Not specified Effectiveness of deep tissue massage therapy, and supervised strengthening and stretching exercises for subacute or persistent disabling neck pain. The Stockholm Neck (STONE) randomized controlled trial. lumbosacral massage at 5 to 6cm dilation Decreases - significantly lower pain severity immediately after pain severity Human
women in labour at the end of a low-risk pregnancy Lumbosacral massage applied at 5 to 6cm cervical dilation for up to 40 minutes. Sequential application of non-pharmacological interventions reduces the severity of labour pain, delays use of pharmacological analgesia, and improves some obstetric outcomes: a randomised trial. knee massage with black cumin oil Decreases - effectively reduced pain severity Human
elderly individuals with knee osteoarthritis Not specified (interventions administered for 6 weeks). The Effect of Foot Reflexology and Knee Massage With Black Cumin Seed Oil on Knee Osteoarthritis Symptoms. reflexology massage Decreases - difference between the groups after the application was statistically significant mean pain scale score Human
patients who received NTG Two 20-minute sessions at a 3-hour interval. Effect of applying reflexology massage on nitroglycerin-induced migraine-type headache: A placebo-controlled clinical trial. reflexology massage No effect - No baseline differences existed among the three groups mean pain scale score Human
patients who received NTG Two 20-minute sessions at a 3-hour interval. Effect of applying reflexology massage on nitroglycerin-induced migraine-type headache: A placebo-controlled clinical trial. reflexology massage Decreases - was effective for reducing pain after appendectomy surgery Human
patients after appendectomy Pressure on a defined area of the right foot for about 10 minutes and the Shen Men point of the ear for 1 minute. Evaluation of the Effect of Reflexology on Pain Control and Analgesic Consumption After Appendectomy. exercise therapy in conjunction with TCM massage Increases - may lead to more satisfactory results pain management, active functional muscle activation patterns and proprioception Human
patients with knee osteoarthritis Not specified Effects of traditional Chinese medicine massage therapy on pain, functional activity, muscle activation patterns and proprioception in knee osteoarthritis: a randomised controlled trial protocol. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) massage Decreases - can effectively address these deficiencies pain and muscle fatigue associated with exercise Human
patients with knee osteoarthritis Not specified Effects of traditional Chinese medicine massage therapy on pain, functional activity, muscle activation patterns and proprioception in knee osteoarthritis: a randomised controlled trial protocol. Chinese massage therapy Decreases - statistically significant mean differences in knee pain relief Human
patients with knee osteoarthritis Three times per week. Gait analysis of patients with knee osteoarthritis before and after Chinese massage treatment. Massage or cranial still point induction Increases - Statistically significant improvement pain and comfort Human
patients with chronic pain Not specified A comparison of still point induction to massage therapy in reducing pain and increasing comfort in chronic pain. reflexology hand massage Decreases - significantly reduced pain scores Human
patients in the immediate postoperative period after CABG 20-minute hand-reflexology massage. The Effect of Hand Reflexology Massage on Pain and Anxiety After Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial. ice massage postexercise Decreases - may result in a hypoalgesic effect pain perception Human
recreational athletes 15 minutes of ice massage post-exercise. Effects of ice massage on pressure pain thresholds and electromyography activity postexercise: a randomized controlled crossover study. ice massage postexercise No effect - no significant interaction pressure pain thresholds (PPTs) over the rectus femoris (RF) muscle Human
recreational athletes 15 minutes of ice massage post-exercise. Effects of ice massage on pressure pain thresholds and electromyography activity postexercise: a randomized controlled crossover study. ice massage postexercise Increases - produced an immediate increase pressure pain thresholds (PPTs) over the vastus lateralis (VL) muscle Human
recreational athletes 15 minutes of ice massage post-exercise. Effects of ice massage on pressure pain thresholds and electromyography activity postexercise: a randomized controlled crossover study. ice massage postexercise Increases - produced an immediate increase pressure pain thresholds (PPTs) over the vastus medialis (VM) muscle Human
recreational athletes 15 minutes of ice massage post-exercise. Effects of ice massage on pressure pain thresholds and electromyography activity postexercise: a randomized controlled crossover study. 8-week multidimensional physical therapy program, including strengthening exercises and recovery massage Decreases - showed an estimated improvement neck pain Human
breast cancer survivors 12 hours of physical therapy recovery (stretching, massage) interventions (3 times/wk, 90 min) Effectiveness of a multidimensional physical therapy program on pain, pressure hypersensitivity, and trigger points in breast cancer survivors: a randomized controlled clinical trial. 8-week multidimensional physical therapy program, including strengthening exercises and recovery massage Increases - improvements were also noted pressure pain thresholds over the C5-C6 zygapophyseal joints Human
breast cancer survivors 12 hours of physical therapy recovery (stretching, massage) interventions (3 times/wk, 90 min) Effectiveness of a multidimensional physical therapy program on pain, pressure hypersensitivity, and trigger points in breast cancer survivors: a randomized controlled clinical trial. 8-week multidimensional physical therapy program, including strengthening exercises and recovery massage Increases - improvements were also noted pressure pain thresholds over the deltoid muscles Human
breast cancer survivors 12 hours of physical therapy recovery (stretching, massage) interventions (3 times/wk, 90 min) Effectiveness of a multidimensional physical therapy program on pain, pressure hypersensitivity, and trigger points in breast cancer survivors: a randomized controlled clinical trial. 8-week multidimensional physical therapy program, including strengthening exercises and recovery massage Increases - improvements were also noted pressure pain thresholds over the second metacarpal Human
breast cancer survivors 12 hours of physical therapy recovery (stretching, massage) interventions (3 times/wk, 90 min) Effectiveness of a multidimensional physical therapy program on pain, pressure hypersensitivity, and trigger points in breast cancer survivors: a randomized controlled clinical trial. 8-week multidimensional physical therapy program, including strengthening exercises and recovery massage Increases - improvements were also noted pressure pain thresholds over the tibialis anterior muscles Human
breast cancer survivors 12 hours of physical therapy recovery (stretching, massage) interventions (3 times/wk, 90 min) Effectiveness of a multidimensional physical therapy program on pain, pressure hypersensitivity, and trigger points in breast cancer survivors: a randomized controlled clinical trial. 8-week multidimensional physical therapy program, including strengthening exercises and recovery massage Decreases - showed an estimated improvement shoulder/axillary pain Human
breast cancer survivors 12 hours of physical therapy recovery (stretching, massage) interventions (3 times/wk, 90 min) Effectiveness of a multidimensional physical therapy program on pain, pressure hypersensitivity, and trigger points in breast cancer survivors: a randomized controlled clinical trial. multimodal integrative intervention incorporating relaxation, guided imagery and moderate pressure touch massage No effect - will be assessed pain scores Human
patients with Intensive Care Delirium Screening Checklist (ICDSC): 0-3 recruited from two academic intensive care units (ICUs) Not specified Relaxation for Critically ill Patient Outcomes and massage of acupoints Decreases - significant differences pain scores Human
patients admitted to a hospital in Khorramabad, Iran Not specified The Effect of Acupressure on Pain and Anxiety Caused by Venipuncture. tactile massage (TM) Decreases - reduced number of rescue doses for pain Human
palliative care patients Average of three treatments per patient (frequency not specified). Tactile massage reduces rescue doses for pain and anxiety: an observational study. tactile massage (TM) Decreases - reduced the need for administration of rescue doses for pain and anxiety Human
palliative care patients Average of three treatments per patient (frequency not specified). Tactile massage reduces rescue doses for pain and anxiety: an observational study. tactile massage (TM) Decreases - resulted in improvement of self-assessed pain Human
palliative care patients Average of three treatments per patient (frequency not specified). Tactile massage reduces rescue doses for pain and anxiety: an observational study. tactile massage Decreases - tendency to perceive less pain Human
adolescents aged 15-17 and previously diagnosed with ADHD Not specified Positive effects of tactile massage for adolescents with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) - A small scale study. healing touch massage Decreases - positive effects pain Human
patients with tumors Not specified The complementary medicine (CAM) for the treatment of chronic pain: scientific evidence regarding the effects of healing touch massage. massage with 2.5 cc of 3% lavender oil Decreases - significantly reduced pain scores in short-term and long-term Human
diabetic neuropathic patients 2.5 cc of 3% lavender oil applied as a gentle foot massage for 10 minutes every night. The effects of aromatherapy massage with lavender essential oil on neuropathic pain and quality of life in diabetic patients: A randomized clinical trial. aromatherapy massage with lavender oil Decreases - helped reduce neuropathic pain Human
diabetic neuropathic patients 2.5 cc of 3% lavender oil applied as a gentle foot massage for 10 minutes every night. The effects of aromatherapy massage with lavender essential oil on neuropathic pain and quality of life in diabetic patients: A randomized clinical trial. Swedish massage with chamomile oil Decreases - significantly reduced labor pain score Human
primiparous pregnant women Not specified (chamomile oil used as part of massage). A comparison of the effect of Swedish massage with and without chamomile oil on labor outcomes and maternal satisfaction of the childbirth process: a randomized controlled trial. 30-minute massage treatments (2 or 3 times weekly for 4 weeks) No effect - were not significantly better than the wait list control condition clinically meaningful improvement in pain intensity Human
individuals with chronic nonspecific neck pain 30-minute visits 2 or 3 times weekly, or 60-minute visits 1, 2, or 3 times weekly. Five-week outcomes from a dosing trial of therapeutic massage for chronic neck pain. 60-minute massage treatments (2 times weekly for 4 weeks) Increases - significantly increased the likelihood of improvement clinically meaningful improvement in pain intensity Human
individuals with chronic nonspecific neck pain 30-minute visits 2 or 3 times weekly, or 60-minute visits 1, 2, or 3 times weekly. Five-week outcomes from a dosing trial of therapeutic massage for chronic neck pain. 60-minute massage treatments (3 times weekly for 4 weeks) Increases - significantly increased the likelihood of improvement clinically meaningful improvement in pain intensity Human
individuals with chronic nonspecific neck pain 30-minute visits 2 or 3 times weekly, or 60-minute visits 1, 2, or 3 times weekly. Five-week outcomes from a dosing trial of therapeutic massage for chronic neck pain. hand massage applied before cataract surgery Decreases - reduced pain levels Human
patients who had cataract surgery 10-minute hand massage before surgery. The Effect of Hand Massage Applied Before Cataract Surgery on Anxiety, Surgical Fear, Pain and Physiological Parameters. perineal massage Decreases - suggests the potential role hemorrhage and long-term postpartum perineal pain Human
primiparous women Not specified Effects of perineal massage during childbirth on maternal and neonatal outcomes in primiparous women: A systematic review and meta-analysis. perineal massage Decreases - lower rate perineal pain Human
healthy pregnant women Not specified Systematic review of pelvic floor interventions during pregnancy. breathing exercises, foot reflexology and back massage (BRM) No effect - measured labour pain Human
primigravidae Not specified (intervention involves BRM delivered by a trained massage therapist). Effectiveness of breathing exercises, foot reflexology and back massage (BRM) on labour pain, anxiety, duration, satisfaction, stress hormones and newborn outcomes among primigravidae during the first stage of labour in Saudi Arabia: a study protocol for a randomised controlled trial. court-type traditional Thai massage (CTTM) Decreases - significantly lower pain Human
patient subjects with myofascial pain syndrome in the upper trapezius muscle Not specified Myofascial Pain Syndrome Focused on the Upper Trapezius Muscle: A Comparative Randomized Controlled Trial of the Court-Type Traditional Thai Massage versus the Thai Hermit. court-type traditional Thai massage (CTTM) Decreases - provides a better way of reducing pain pain level measured by VAS Human
— Not specified Myofascial Pain Syndrome Focused on the Upper Trapezius Muscle: A Comparative Randomized Controlled Trial of the Court-Type Traditional Thai Massage versus the Thai Hermit. aromatherapy massage with Bergamot essential oil (BEO) Decreases - was found to be more effective on pain pain Human
menopausal women with knee OA Twice a week for 4 weeks. The effects of aromatherapy massage in menopausal women with knee osteoarthritis: A randomized controlled study. position change and back massage (PCBM) Decreases - had a lower frequency severe lower back pain Human
patients undergoing TFCA Not specified (intervention involved position change and back massage). Association of position change and back massage and early ambulation with post-transfemoral coronary angiography complications. passive mobilization combined with massage No effect - had no beneficial effects pain and impaired range of motion (ROM) Human
patients after treatment for breast cancer Not specified Effectiveness of postoperative physical therapy for upper-limb impairments after breast cancer treatment: a systematic review. scar massage Decreases - may be effective pain Human
hypertrophic burns scaring Not specified Scar massage for hypertrophic burns scarring-A systematic review. scar massage Decreases - was effective pain as measured with Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) Human
human participants and animal subjects who received scar massage following a thermal injury resulting in hypertrophic scarring Not specified Scar massage for hypertrophic burns scarring-A systematic review. scar massage Decreases - may be benefits pain Human
participants with postsurgical cutaneous scars Varied from a single session to three treatments daily. Is massage an effective intervention in the management of post-operative scarring? A scoping review. scar massage Decreases - decreased pain levels Human
burn patients 5-30 minutes per session, 1-3 times per week. Effects of scar massage on burn scars: A systematic review and meta-analysis. upper limb massage Decreases - may be effective in decreasing infants' venipuncture pain perception Human
infants 2-minute massage before venipuncture. The Effect of Upper Limb Massage on Infants' Venipuncture Pain. upper limb massage Decreases - significantly lower mean pain scores (Premature Infant Pain Profile) Human
infants undergoing venipuncture in Hong Kong 2-minute massage before venipuncture. The Effect of Upper Limb Massage on Infants' Venipuncture Pain. upper limb massage Decreases - significantly lower mean pain scores (Premature Infant Pain Profile) Human
infants undergoing venipuncture in Hong Kong 2-minute massage before venipuncture. The Effect of Upper Limb Massage on Infants' Venipuncture Pain. upper limb massage Decreases - significantly lower pain score Human
infants 2-minute massage before venipuncture. The Effect of Upper Limb Massage on Infants' Venipuncture Pain. upper limb massage Decreases - significantly lower pain score Human
infants 2-minute massage before venipuncture. The Effect of Upper Limb Massage on Infants' Venipuncture Pain. Acupoint massage Decreases - probably reduces the risk of breast pain Human
breastfeeding women post-childbirth Not specified. Interventions for preventing mastitis after childbirth. Acupoint massage Decreases - demonstrated reliable clinical outcomes pain management Human
— Not specified Acupoint massage: a comprehensive descriptive review of its forms, applications, and underlying mechanisms. Pilates training combined with fascial massage Decreases - demonstrated a more significant effect in improving pain Human
patients with UCS 12 weeks of Pilates training combined with fascial massage (specific frequency not detailed). Effects of Pilates Training Combined with Fascial Massage on Upper Cross Syndrome in Office Workers. Pilates training combined with fascial massage Decreases - were significantly lower than those of the pre-intervention group pain level (VAS) Human
office workers with upper crossed syndrome (UCS) 12 weeks of Pilates training combined with fascial massage (specific frequency not detailed). Effects of Pilates Training Combined with Fascial Massage on Upper Cross Syndrome in Office Workers. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, acupressure, music and massage Decreases - were effective for pain relief pain relief after cardiac surgery Human
patients after cardiac surgery Not specified Efficacy of non-pharmacological interventions in pain relief and opioid consumption after cardiac surgery: A systematic review and Bayesian network meta-analysis. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, acupressure, music and massage Decreases - may effectively alleviate postoperative cardiac pain postoperative cardiac pain Human
patients after cardiac surgery Not specified Efficacy of non-pharmacological interventions in pain relief and opioid consumption after cardiac surgery: A systematic review and Bayesian network meta-analysis. massage and stretching exercises No effect - will be compared pain Human
individuals with bruxism Not specified Effectiveness of two physical therapy interventions, relative to dental treatment in individuals with bruxism: study protocol of a randomized clinical trial. aromatherapy with light Thai massage Decreases - significantly lower symptom severity scores for pain Human
patients with colorectal cancer who have received chemotherapy Three massage sessions with ginger and coconut oil over one week (specific oil dosage not detailed). Effectiveness of aromatherapy with light thai massage for cellular immunity improvement in colorectal cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. cupping massage Decreases - significantly less neck pain intensity Human
patients with chronic non-specific neck pain 5 cupping massages on a twice-weekly basis. The Effects of Cupping Massage in Patients with Chronic Neck Pain - A Randomised Controlled Trial. cupping massage Decreases - significantly less neck pain intensity Human
patients with chronic non-specific neck pain 5 cupping massages on a twice-weekly basis. The Effects of Cupping Massage in Patients with Chronic Neck Pain - A Randomised Controlled Trial. cupping massage Decreases - appears to be effective in reducing pain Human
patients with chronic non-specific neck pain 5 cupping massages on a twice-weekly basis. The Effects of Cupping Massage in Patients with Chronic Neck Pain - A Randomised Controlled Trial. cupping massage Decreases - significant group differences in favour of the intervention pain on movement Human
patients with chronic non-specific neck pain 5 cupping massages on a twice-weekly basis. The Effects of Cupping Massage in Patients with Chronic Neck Pain - A Randomised Controlled Trial. cupping massage Decreases - changes were also found pressure pain sensitivity at the site of maximal pain Human
patients with chronic non-specific neck pain 5 cupping massages on a twice-weekly basis. The Effects of Cupping Massage in Patients with Chronic Neck Pain - A Randomised Controlled Trial. cupping massage Increases - significant group differences in favour of the intervention quality-of-life subscale pain Human
patients with chronic non-specific neck pain 5 cupping massages on a twice-weekly basis. The Effects of Cupping Massage in Patients with Chronic Neck Pain - A Randomised Controlled Trial. Traditional Chinese medicine encapsulation combined with Chinese massage therapy Decreases - significantly reducing pain levels Human
patients with cervical spondylosis Not specified Effectiveness of traditional Chinese medicine combined with Chinese massage therapy for enhancing cervical function in cervical spondylosis: a meta-analysis. shiatsu massage Decreases - significant reduction labour pain scores Human
nulliparous pregnant women Not specified (standard protocols followed by certified midwives). The Impact of Shiatsu Massage on Labour Pain and Anxiety: A Randomized Controlled Trial. shiatsu massage Decreases - effective and safe for relieving pain and reducing anxiety pain and anxiety during childbirth Human
nulliparous women Not specified (standard protocols followed by certified midwives). The Impact of Shiatsu Massage on Labour Pain and Anxiety: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Shiatsu massage Decreases - presented statistically significant differences for the change scores pain intensity Human
adult patients with primary fibromyalgia Full-body Shiatsu twice a week. Effects of shiatsu in the management of fibromyalgia symptoms: a controlled pilot study. Shiatsu massage Increases - presented statistically significant differences for the change scores pressure pain threshold Human
adult patients with primary fibromyalgia Full-body Shiatsu twice a week. Effects of shiatsu in the management of fibromyalgia symptoms: a controlled pilot study. MET plus soft tissue massage (MET+STM) No effect - no differences between pain and disability Human
participants 40 years or older with SIS Once a week for 15 minutes, 4 consecutive weeks. Thoracic Manual Therapy Improves Pain and Disability in Individuals With Shoulder Impingement Syndrome Compared With Placebo: A Randomized Controlled Trial With 1-Year Follow-up. perineal massage during the second stage of labor Decreases - reduced perineal pain Human
primigravid women in the immediate postpartum period Not specified. Effects of perineal massage at different stages on perineal and postpartum pelvic floor function in primiparous women: a systematic review and meta-analysis. massage-like LV of low frequency and low intensity Decreases - may interfere with pain pain perception Human
— High-frequency LV (100-250 Hz) and low-frequency, low-intensity massage-like LV. The analgesic effect of localized vibration: a systematic review. Part 1: the neurophysiological basis. massage therapy plus cactus and aloe compress Decreases - may be more effective breast pain Human
breastfeeding women Not specified Treatments for breast engorgement during lactation. Thiele massage Decreases - significant improvements pain assessment Human
patients with CPP Not specified Physiotherapy management of patients with chronic pelvic pain (CPP): A systematic review. Thiele massage Decreases - optimize and guarantee the reduction pain intensity Human
patients with dyspareunia Not specified Effectiveness of physical therapy interventions in women with dyspareunia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. traditional Chinese massage Decreases - effective treatments chronic neck pain Human
patients with CNP 15-minute sessions, three times a week. Efficacy of tuina in patients with chronic neck pain: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. traditional Chinese massage No effect - compare the effects pain and disability Human
patients with CNP 15-minute sessions, three times a week. Efficacy of tuina in patients with chronic neck pain: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. care ally-assisted massage (CA-M) Decreases - led to greater reductions chronic neck pain (CNP) with disability Human
participants Three 30-minute massage sessions weekly. Care ally-assisted massage for Veterans with chronic neck pain: TOMCATT results. care ally-assisted massage (CA-M) Decreases - led to greater reductions pain severity Human
participants Three 30-minute massage sessions weekly. Care ally-assisted massage for Veterans with chronic neck pain: TOMCATT results. effleurage massage using coconut oil Decreases - is effective in reducing leg pain Human
chronic renal failure (CRF) patients undergoing hemodialysis Not specified Evaluating the Effectiveness of Virgin Coconut Oil Effleurage in Alleviating Pain in Hemodialysis Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease: A Study in an Urban Tertiary Care Center in South India. effleurage massage using coconut oil Decreases - reduced leg pain Human
chronic renal failure (CRF) patients undergoing hemodialysis Not specified Evaluating the Effectiveness of Virgin Coconut Oil Effleurage in Alleviating Pain in Hemodialysis Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease: A Study in an Urban Tertiary Care Center in South India. foot massage Decreases - More significant relief neck pain visual analog pain scale (NP-VAS) Human
patients with anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) 10-minute foot massage daily using sweet almond oil. Effects of foot massage on relieving pain, anxiety and improving quality of life of patients undergone a cervical spine surgery. foot massage Decreases - effective in alleviating pain Human
patients undergone ACDF 10-minute foot massage daily using sweet almond oil. Effects of foot massage on relieving pain, anxiety and improving quality of life of patients undergone a cervical spine surgery. foot massage Increases - improvement pain relief Human
patients with anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) 10-minute foot massage daily using sweet almond oil. Effects of foot massage on relieving pain, anxiety and improving quality of life of patients undergone a cervical spine surgery. foot massage Decreases - experienced less pain pain Human
primiparous women 20 minutes of classic foot massage on each foot at 3 different times (cervical dilatation of 4-5 cm, 6-7 cm, and 8-9 cm), totaling 60 minutes. Effect of Foot Massage on Labor Pain in Parturient Women. foot massage Decreases - decreased pain severity Human
primiparous women during labor 20 minutes of classic foot massage on each foot at 3 different times (cervical dilatation of 4-5 cm, 6-7 cm, and 8-9 cm), totaling 60 minutes. Effect of Foot Massage on Labor Pain in Parturient Women. foot massage Decreases - was less than in the control group pain intensity Human
patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy surgery Not specified The Effect of Foot Massage on Postoperative Pain and Anxiety Levels in Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Experimental Study. foot massage Decreases - decreased postoperative pain and anxiety levels Human
patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy surgery Not specified The Effect of Foot Massage on Postoperative Pain and Anxiety Levels in Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Experimental Study. foot massage No effect - demonstrated no obvious effect on pain scores at 10 to 30 minutes Human
patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy Not specified The Efficacy of Foot Massage for Pain Relief of Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: A Meta-analysis Study. foot massage Decreases - was associated with significantly lower pain scores at 120 to 150 minutes Human
patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy Not specified The Efficacy of Foot Massage for Pain Relief of Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: A Meta-analysis Study. foot massage Decreases - was associated with significantly lower pain scores at 60 minutes Human
patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy Not specified The Efficacy of Foot Massage for Pain Relief of Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: A Meta-analysis Study. foot massage Decreases - was associated with significantly lower pain scores at 90 minutes Human
patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy Not specified The Efficacy of Foot Massage for Pain Relief of Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy: A Meta-analysis Study. ear acupressure and massage therapy Decreases - showed better results than the control group pain Human
elders with dementia institutionalized in residential homes Not specified The effects of ear acupressure, massage therapy and no therapy on symptoms of dementia: a randomized controlled trial. pain inducing massage Decreases - resulted in comparable experimental pain sensitivity changes as experimental pain sensitivity Human
healthy participants Not specified A psychophysical study comparing massage to conditioned pain modulation: A single blind randomized controlled trial in healthy participants. pain inducing massage Increases - results in greater pain inhibition than pain inhibition Human
— Not specified A psychophysical study comparing massage to conditioned pain modulation: A single blind randomized controlled trial in healthy participants. pain inducing massage Decreases - produces similar magnitude of reduction in pain sensitivity as pain sensitivity Human
— Not specified A psychophysical study comparing massage to conditioned pain modulation: A single blind randomized controlled trial in healthy participants. pain inducing massage Increases - displayed greater increases in pressure pain threshold Human
individuals with an efficient CPM at baseline Not specified A psychophysical study comparing massage to conditioned pain modulation: A single blind randomized controlled trial in healthy participants. pain inducing massage Decreases - resulted in less self-reported pain than self-reported pain Human
— Not specified A psychophysical study comparing massage to conditioned pain modulation: A single blind randomized controlled trial in healthy participants. pain-inducing massage No effect - produces changes in pain sensitivity Human
— Not specified Expectations affect pain sensitivity changes during massage. massage modalities-including Swedish massage, aromatherapy massage, and foot reflexology Decreases - can reduce pain Human
patients with rheumatoid arthritis Not specified. Massage therapy in rheumatoid arthritis. standardized Swedish massage regimen (60-minute doses) Increases - demonstrated significant improvements visual analog pain scale Human
adults with OA of the knee 30 or 60 minutes weekly or biweekly. Massage therapy for osteoarthritis of the knee: a randomized dose-finding trial. standardized Swedish massage regimen (60-minute doses) Increases - demonstrated significant improvements WOMAC subscales of pain and functionality Human
adults with OA of the knee 30 or 60 minutes weekly or biweekly. Massage therapy for osteoarthritis of the knee: a randomized dose-finding trial. massage therapy Decreases - significantly relieved agonizing, or most severe, labor pain Human
primigravidae hospitalized for vaginal delivery Not specified Comparison between massage and music therapies to relieve the severity of labor pain. massage therapy Decreases - was an effective method for reducing and relieving labor pain compared with music therapy labor pain Human
primigravidae hospitalized for vaginal delivery Not specified Comparison between massage and music therapies to relieve the severity of labor pain. massage therapy Decreases - had a lower level of pain compared with those in the music therapy group pain Human
primigravidae hospitalized for vaginal delivery Not specified Comparison between massage and music therapies to relieve the severity of labor pain. massage therapy (MT) Decreases - well-established and statistically larger beneficial effects anxiety, depression, and pain Human
— Not specified Does massage therapy reduce cortisol? A comprehensive quantitative review. massage therapy (MT) Decreases - relief from anxiety, depression, and pain Human
— Not specified Does massage therapy reduce cortisol? A comprehensive quantitative review. massage therapy Decreases - had a greater decrease back and leg pain scales Human
prenatally depressed women Twice weekly 20-minute sessions. Yoga and massage therapy reduce prenatal depression and prematurity. massage therapy No effect - commonly used back pain Human
back pain sufferers Not available An integrative review of complementary and alternative medicine use for back pain: a focus on prevalence, reasons for use, influential factors, self-perceived effectiveness, and communication. massage therapy Decreases - reduced cancer pain Human
cancer patients Not specified A literature review about effectiveness of massage therapy for cancer pain. massage therapy Decreases - demonstrated significant benefits cancer pain Human
adult patients with cancer in palliative care Not specified Efficacy of the complementary therapies in the management of cancer pain in palliative care: A systematic review. Massage therapy No effect - significant main effects changes in pain Human
adults with advanced cancer Not specified Associations between psychological symptoms and treatment outcomes of a massage therapy intervention: Secondary analyses of a randomized controlled trial. massage therapy Decreases - may be effective chronic back pain Human
persons 20 to 65 years of age with nonspecific chronic low back pain Not specified (intervention details not quantified). A comparison of the effects of 2 types of massage and usual care on chronic low back pain: a randomized, controlled trial. massage therapy Increases - supports the efficacies chronic low back pain Human
— Not specified Evidence-informed massage therapy - an Australian practitioner perspective. massage therapy (MT) (Swedish massage to upper body) Decreases - significantly reduced chronic pain Human
people with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI) 30 minutes once a week for 5 consecutive weeks. Managing pain and fatigue in people with spinal cord injury: a randomized controlled trial feasibility study examining the efficacy of massage therapy. massage therapy (MT) (Swedish massage to upper body) Decreases - reduced significantly over time pain scores Human
people with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI) 30 minutes once a week for 5 consecutive weeks. Managing pain and fatigue in people with spinal cord injury: a randomized controlled trial feasibility study examining the efficacy of massage therapy. massage therapy Increases - session length (10 or 20 minutes) was predictive of short-term improvements distress and pain Human
hospitalized adult patients receiving palliative care consultation Arm I: 10-min massage daily × 3 days; Arm II: 20-min massage daily × 3 days; Arm III: single 20-min massage. Massage Therapy for Hospitalized Patients Receiving Palliative Care: A Randomized Clinical Trial. massage therapy (all study arms) Decreases - demonstrated time to predict immediate improvement pain Human
hospitalized adult patients receiving palliative care consultation Arm I: 10-min massage daily × 3 days; Arm II: 20-min massage daily × 3 days; Arm III: single 20-min massage. Massage Therapy for Hospitalized Patients Receiving Palliative Care: A Randomized Clinical Trial. massage therapy Decreases - may play a role in the management fatigue and pain Human
cancer survivors Not specified Integrative medicine in cancer survivors. massage therapy Decreases - effective immediate pain during invasive procedures Human
preterm newborns Not specified Preterm newborn pain research review. massage therapy Decreases - had significant positive effects on alleviating labour pain Human
low-risk pregnant women Not available Efficacy and safety of non-pharmacological interventions for labour pain management: A systematic review and Bayesian network meta-analysis. massage therapy No effect - have been utilized neuropathic pain management Human
— Not available Neuropathic Pain. massage therapy Decreases - was associated with immediate neuropathy and CIPN pain relief neuropathy and CIPN pain Human
cancer patients with CIPN 1 session A Retrospective Cohort Study on the Preliminary Efficacy of Massage Therapy for Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy Among Cancer Patients. massage therapy Decreases - statistically significant pre-post differences for pain pain scores Human
patients with CIPN 1 session A Retrospective Cohort Study on the Preliminary Efficacy of Massage Therapy for Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy Among Cancer Patients. massage therapy Decreases - decreased the percentage of patients reporting moderate-to-severe pain percentage of patients reporting moderate-to-severe pain Human
patients with CIPN 1 session A Retrospective Cohort Study on the Preliminary Efficacy of Massage Therapy for Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy Among Cancer Patients. massage therapy Decreases - is effective for treating pain Human
cancer populations Not specified The Impact of Massage Therapy on Function in Pain Populations-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials: Part II, Cancer Pain Populations. massage therapy Decreases - is effective for treating pain Human
cancer populations Not specified The Impact of Massage Therapy on Function in Pain Populations-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials: Part II, Cancer Pain Populations. massage therapy Decreases - can effectively relieve pain Human
patients with SD Not specified Evaluation of a New Exercise Program in the Treatment of Scapular Dyskinesis. massage therapy Decreases - significantly reduced pain levels on the visual analog scale (VAS) Human
patients with scapular dyskinesis (SD) Not specified Evaluation of a New Exercise Program in the Treatment of Scapular Dyskinesis. massage therapy Decreases - significantly decreased pain Human
patients after cardiovascular surgery Not specified. Effect of massage therapy on pain, anxiety, and tension after cardiac surgery: a randomized study. massage therapy Decreases - could significantly reduce pain Human
older population Not specified for massage alone (integrated program involved two 1-hour sessions per week). Peer volunteers in an integrative pain management program for frail older adults with chronic pain: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. massage therapy Decreases - reduction pain Human
adult critically ill patients Not specified. Effects of massage on outcomes of adult intensive care unit patients: a systematic review. massage therapy No effect - may not reduce pain Human
cancer patients Not specified Integrative Medicine Therapies for Pain Management in Cancer Patients. massage therapy Decreases - is superior to nonactive therapies in reducing pain Human
those with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis Not specified Massage Therapy for Pain and Function in Patients With Arthritis: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials. massage therapy Decreases - reduced pain Human
burned adolescents Not specified Itching, pain, and anxiety levels are reduced with massage therapy in burned adolescents. massage therapy Decreases - decreasing pain Human
patients with advanced cancer in palliative care/hospice settings Not specified Methodological challenges in conducting a multi-site randomized clinical trial of massage therapy in hospice. massage therapy Decreases - had less pain pain Human
adults with hand pain Therapist-administered massage once weekly and self-massage once daily. Hand pain is reduced by massage therapy. massage therapy Decreases - had a greater decrease in pain pain Human
adults with hand pain Therapist-administered massage once weekly and self-massage once daily. Hand pain is reduced by massage therapy. massage therapy No effect - supported further research pain Human
cardiac catheterization laboratory staff 5 or 10 weekly 30-minute massages. Feasibility and effectiveness of massage therapy for symptom relief in cardiac catheter laboratory staff: a pilot study. massage therapy Decreases - produced a significantly greater reduction pain Human
elective cardiac surgery patients Not specified Massage therapy for cardiac surgery patients--a randomized trial. massage therapy Decreases - significantly reduced pain Human
elective cardiac surgery patients Not specified Massage therapy for cardiac surgery patients--a randomized trial. massage therapy Increases - trends toward improvement pain Human
patients with metastatic cancer Mean of 2.8 massage therapy sessions per patient. Massage therapy for patients with metastatic cancer: a pilot randomized controlled trial. massage therapy Decreases - Positive short-term (≤6 months) effects in the form of reduced pain Human
— Not specified Complementary therapies for osteoarthritis: are they effective? massage therapy No effect - GDV measure is correlated with pain Human
23 healthy adults Single 50-minute full-body relaxation massage Evaluating the use of gas discharge visualization to measure massage therapy outcomes. massage therapy Decreases - significant differences were found pain Human
23 healthy adults Single 50-minute full-body relaxation massage Evaluating the use of gas discharge visualization to measure massage therapy outcomes. Massage therapy Decreases - reduces pain Human
people with shoulder pain and osteoarthritis of the knee Not specified Massage therapy has short-term benefits for people with common musculoskeletal disorders compared to no treatment: a systematic review. Massage therapy No effect - no clear benefits pain Human
people with low back pain or neck pain Not specified Massage therapy has short-term benefits for people with common musculoskeletal disorders compared to no treatment: a systematic review. Massage therapy No effect - no clear benefits pain and function Human
people with fibromyalgia, low back pain and general musculoskeletal pain Not specified Massage therapy has short-term benefits for people with common musculoskeletal disorders compared to no treatment: a systematic review. massage therapy Decreases - was found to be better than inactive controls for pain pain Human
people with acute low-back pain Not specified (massage was performed using hands or mechanical devices, but frequency/duration details are not provided). Massage for low-back pain. massage therapy Decreases - was better than inactive controls for pain pain Human
people with sub-acute and chronic low-back pain Not specified (massage was performed using hands or mechanical devices, but frequency/duration details are not provided). Massage for low-back pain. massage therapy No effect - was not better than inactive controls for pain in the long-term pain Human
people with sub-acute and chronic low-back pain Not specified (massage was performed using hands or mechanical devices, but frequency/duration details are not provided). Massage for low-back pain. massage therapy Decreases - was better than active controls for pain pain Human
people with sub-acute and chronic low-back pain Not specified (massage was performed using hands or mechanical devices, but frequency/duration details are not provided). Massage for low-back pain. massage therapy Decreases - was better than active controls for pain in the long-term pain Human
people with sub-acute and chronic low-back pain Not specified (massage was performed using hands or mechanical devices, but frequency/duration details are not provided). Massage for low-back pain. massage therapy Increases - Increased pain intensity was the most common adverse event pain intensity Human
participants Not specified (massage was performed using hands or mechanical devices, but frequency/duration details are not provided). Massage for low-back pain. massage therapy Decreases - significantly lower scores pain Human
triathlon athletes who completed an entire Ironman triathlon race and whose main complaint was pain in the anterior portion of the thigh Not specified Massage therapy decreases pain and perceived fatigue after long-distance Ironman triathlon: a randomised trial. massage therapy No effect - no significant between-group differences pressure pain threshold Human
triathlon athletes who completed an entire Ironman triathlon race and whose main complaint was pain in the anterior portion of the thigh Not specified Massage therapy decreases pain and perceived fatigue after long-distance Ironman triathlon: a randomised trial. massage therapy Decreases - is effective for treating pain Human
surgical pain populations Not specified The Impact of Massage Therapy on Function in Pain Populations-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials: Part III, Surgical Pain Populations. massage therapy Decreases - weak recommendations are suggested for pain intensity/severity Human
patients undergoing surgical procedures Not specified The Impact of Massage Therapy on Function in Pain Populations-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials: Part III, Surgical Pain Populations. massage therapy No effect - used pain Human
participants with primary dysmenorrhea Not specified Efficacy of Physiotherapy Treatment in Primary Dysmenorrhea: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. massage therapy Decreases - had a beneficial associations with pain Human
adult health conditions Not specified Use of Massage Therapy for Pain, 2018-2023: A Systematic Review. massage therapy Decreases - had the most potential benefits pain Human
patients near end-of-life Not available Effectiveness of music therapy, aromatherapy, and massage therapy on patients in palliative care with end-of-life needs: A systematic review. massage therapy Decreases - significantly improved pain Human
patients with cancer Not specified Effectiveness of Massage Therapy for Cancer Pain, Quality of Life and Anxiety Levels: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. massage therapy (MT) Decreases - reducing pain Human
children with acute burns Median duration of 25.0 minutes per session (43 sessions total). Massage Therapy Utilization in Pediatric Acute Burns: A Retrospective Cohort Study. massage therapy (MT) Decreases - experienced pain relief pain Human
patients reporting pain pre-massage Median duration of 25.0 minutes per session (43 sessions total). Massage Therapy Utilization in Pediatric Acute Burns: A Retrospective Cohort Study. massage therapy Increases - improved Pain and discomfort facet Human
HIV infected patients One hour per week for four weeks. Effects of massage therapy on anxiety, depression, hyperventilation and quality of life in HIV infected patients: A randomized controlled trial. massage therapy No effect - insufficient evidence to determine if beneficial pain and functional outcomes Human
patients with nonchronic, nonradicular LBP Not available Complementary therapies in addition to medication for patients with nonchronic, nonradicular low back pain: a systematic review. massage therapy Increases - improved pain control Human
— Not specified Non-pharmacological interventions in patients with spinal cord compression: a systematic review. massage therapy No effect - examine the effects pain intensity Human
patients with burns Not specified Effects of massage therapy on pain and anxiety intensity in patients with burns: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Massage Therapy Decreases - Effects Pain intensity Human
Patients With Burns Not Assessed RETRACTION: Effects of Massage Therapy on Pain and Anxiety Intensity in Patients With Burns: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. massage therapy Decreases - reduced pain intensity Human
patients who underwent tibial shaft fracture surgery 10-minute foot massage (5 minutes per leg) using sweet almond oil. The Effect of Foot Massage on Pain Intensity and Anxiety in Patients Having Undergone a Tibial Shaft Fracture Surgery: A Randomized Clinical Trial. massage therapy Decreases - had shown significant differences before and after intervention Pain intensity Human
female subjects with a sub acute or chronic nonspecific low back pain Ten sessions of treatment (specific frequency not detailed). Comparison between massage and routine physical therapy in women with sub acute and chronic nonspecific low back pain. massage therapy Decreases - had significantly improved the pain intensity compared to routine physical therapy pain intensity Human
female subjects with a sub acute or chronic nonspecific low back pain Ten sessions of treatment (specific frequency not detailed). Comparison between massage and routine physical therapy in women with sub acute and chronic nonspecific low back pain. massage therapy (MT) Decreases - positive results for reducing pain intensity Human
neonates undergoing procedural pain Not specified (varied by study) Massage therapy as a non-pharmacological analgesia for procedural pain in neonates: A scoping review. massage therapy Decreases - scores of pain intensity and discomfort were low pain intensity and discomfort Human
children with cerebral palsy undergoing post-operative rehabilitation Not specified Massage therapy in post-operative rehabilitation of children and adolescents with cerebral palsy - a pilot study. massage therapy Decreases - decreased significantly pain in the chest, shoulders, and back Human
cardiopulmonary artery bypass graft surgery patients Three nights of massage therapy (specific duration per session not specified). Effects of massage therapy on sleep quality after coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Massage Therapy (MT) Decreases - reduce pain levels Human
patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain (CNSLBP) Not specified Clinical relevance of massage therapy and abdominal hypopressive gymnastics on chronic nonspecific low back pain: a randomized controlled trial. massage therapy Decreases - demonstrated a reduction in pain perception Human
PD patients Not specified Non-pharmacological therapies for pain management in Parkinson's disease: A systematic review. massage therapy No effect - no statistically significant treatment group interactions Pain Quality Assessment Scale (PQAS) scores Human
patients with chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) 2X/week for 6 weeks or 3X/week for 4 weeks. A randomized pilot study of oncology massage to treat chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. massage therapy Decreases - effective at providing pain relief Human
adults (>18 years) suffering from acute, sub-acute and chronic low back pain (LBP) Not specified Ottawa Panel evidence-based clinical practice guidelines on therapeutic massage for low back pain. massage therapy Decreases - resulted in minimal clinically important changes pain relief Human
older adults with knee osteoarthritis 5-minute massage therapy (continuous compression stimulation). Effect of Continuous Compression Stimulation on Pressure-Pain Threshold and Muscle Spasms in Older Adults With Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Trial. massage therapy Increases - increase pressure-pain threshold Human
older adults with knee osteoarthritis 5-minute massage therapy (continuous compression stimulation). Effect of Continuous Compression Stimulation on Pressure-Pain Threshold and Muscle Spasms in Older Adults With Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Trial. massage therapy Decreases - decreased pain scale scores Human
pediatric patients with SCD Not available Complementary and alternative medicine for children with sickle cell disease: A systematic review. massage therapy Increases - increased pain tolerability Human
pediatric patients with SCD Not available Complementary and alternative medicine for children with sickle cell disease: A systematic review. massage therapy Decreases - had the highest pain score at the beginning of the intervention, but at the end of the 10th session of intervention had the least pain score pain score Human
patients with knee osteoarthritis Not specified Comparing the Effects of Massage Therapy and Aromatherapy on Knee Pain, Morning Stiffness, Daily Life Function, and Quality of Life in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis. massage therapy No effect - no statistically significant difference Pain scores Human
pediatric heart surgery patients Not specified. The Impact of Massage and Reading on Children's Pain and Anxiety After Cardiovascular Surgery: A Pilot Study. massage therapy Decreases - Statistically and clinically significant decreases pain scores Human
Patients undergoing cardiovascular surgical procedures (coronary artery bypass grafting and/or valvular repair or replacement) 20-minute session of massage therapy between postoperative days 2 and 5. Effect of massage therapy on pain, anxiety, and tension in cardiac surgical patients: a pilot study. massage therapy Decreases - significant reduction pain scores Human
participants with knee osteoarthritis Not specified Efficacy of massage therapy in improving outcomes in knee osteoarthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. massage therapy Decreases - was effective on pain symptoms Human
— Not specified The effect of manual therapy on masseter muscle pain and spasm. massage therapy Decreases - has been shown to have beneficial effects pain syndromes including arthritis and fibromyalgia Human
— Not specified Massage therapy research review. massage therapy No effect - most common nonpharmacologic techniques include pain treatment Human
neonates Not specified Anesthesia and analgesia in the NICU. massage therapy Decreases - showed significant improvement post-operative pain Human
post-operative patients Single dosage (specific amount not detailed) The Effects of Massage Therapy on Pain and Anxiety after Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. massage therapy Decreases - is effective in reducing postoperative pain Human
— Not specified The effect of massage therapy on pain after surgery: A comprehensive meta-analysis. massage therapy Decreases - showed that MT is effective in reducing postoperative pain Human
— Not specified The effect of massage therapy on pain after surgery: A comprehensive meta-analysis. massage therapy Increases - better evidence for improvement psychological variables and subjective symptoms, such as pain and quality of life Human
adult patients Not specified Massage and touch-based therapy : Clinical evidence, neurobiology and applications in older patients with psychiatric symptoms. massage therapy Decreases - improved ratings of pain interference on the Multidimensional Pain Inventory Human
individuals with SCI and neuropathic pain Twice weekly for 6 weeks. Acupuncture and massage therapy for neuropathic pain following spinal cord injury: an exploratory study. massage therapy No effect - no significant improvements were seen ratings of pain interference on the Multidimensional Pain Inventory Human
individuals with SCI and neuropathic pain Twice weekly for 6 weeks. Acupuncture and massage therapy for neuropathic pain following spinal cord injury: an exploratory study. massage therapy Decreases - may relieve SCI neuropathic pain Human
individuals with SCI and neuropathic pain Twice weekly for 6 weeks. Acupuncture and massage therapy for neuropathic pain following spinal cord injury: an exploratory study. Massage therapy Increases - could have a positive result scar pliability, pain and pruritus Human
adults with burn scars Not specified The effects of conservative treatments on burn scars: A systematic review. massage therapy (MT) Decreases - effective in decreasing the affective experience of pain Human
outpatients with CJP Not specified Effectiveness of Three Physical Treatments on Pain Perception and Emotional State in Males with Chronic Joint Pain. massage therapy (MT) Decreases - effective in decreasing the present pain intensity (PPI) Human
outpatients with CJP Not specified Effectiveness of Three Physical Treatments on Pain Perception and Emotional State in Males with Chronic Joint Pain. massage therapy (MT) Decreases - effective in decreasing the sensory experience of pain Human
outpatients with CJP Not specified Effectiveness of Three Physical Treatments on Pain Perception and Emotional State in Males with Chronic Joint Pain. massage therapy Decreases - most commonly reported TMD pain Human
patients with temporomandibular disorders Not specified Reported concepts for the treatment modalities and pain management of temporomandibular disorders. Ayurvedic massage and external treatment Decreases - significantly reduced mean back pain (VAS) Human
patients with chronic low back pain 6 hours of Ayurvedic massage and external treatment over 2 weeks. Effectiveness of Ayurvedic Massage (Sahacharadi Taila) in Patients with Chronic Low Back Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Ayurvedic massage and external treatment Decreases - beneficial effects pain-related bothersomeness Human
patients with chronic low back pain 6 hours of Ayurvedic massage and external treatment over 2 weeks. Effectiveness of Ayurvedic Massage (Sahacharadi Taila) in Patients with Chronic Low Back Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial. massage therapy of the neck region Decreases - significant improvement headache pain intensity Human
subjects with cervicogenic headache Two sessions per week. Mobilization versus massage therapy in the treatment of cervicogenic headache: a clinical study. aromatherapy massage with lavender essential oil Decreases - was found effective in relieving pain Human
patients with knee osteoarthritis Not specified Effect of aromatherapy massage with lavender essential oil on pain in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee: A randomized controlled clinical trial. aromatherapy massage with lavender essential oil No effect - no significant difference pain Human
patients with osteoarthritis of the knee Not specified Effect of aromatherapy massage with lavender essential oil on pain in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee: A randomized controlled clinical trial. aromatherapy massage with lavender essential oil Decreases - significantly different pain severity Human
patients with osteoarthritis of the knee Not specified Effect of aromatherapy massage with lavender essential oil on pain in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee: A randomized controlled clinical trial. electrical automatic massage (EAM) Decreases - has been found to reduce pain Human
individuals with various conditions Not available Effects of Electrical Automatic Massage on Cognition and Sleep Quality in Alzheimer's Disease Spectrum Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial. soft tissue massage and exercise No effect - conferred no additional benefit pain Human
people with nonspecific shoulder pain Not specified (massage and exercise administered for 4 weeks). Effectiveness of Soft Tissue Massage for Nonspecific Shoulder Pain: Randomized Controlled Trial. soft tissue massage and exercise Decreases - demonstrated a small significant difference in favor of the group receiving exercise only pain scores Human
people with nonspecific shoulder pain Not specified (massage and exercise administered for 4 weeks). Effectiveness of Soft Tissue Massage for Nonspecific Shoulder Pain: Randomized Controlled Trial. long-duration percussive massage treatment (L-PMT) Decreases - exhibited significantly lower VAS scores visual analog scale pain score Human
physically active young men Two sessions of either 25-minute PMT (S-PMT) or 40-minute PMT (L-PMT). The effect of percussion massage therapy on the recovery of delayed onset muscle soreness in physically active young men-a randomized controlled trial. Touch massage (TM) Decreases - has been proven to decrease pain Human
other conditions of reduced health Ten sessions of 30-minute treatments over two weeks. Does touch massage facilitate recovery after stroke? A study protocol of a randomized controlled trial. Touch massage (TM) Decreases - may also reduce pain Human
after stroke Ten sessions of 30-minute treatments over two weeks. Does touch massage facilitate recovery after stroke? A study protocol of a randomized controlled trial. Touch massage (TM) Decreases - seems to decrease pain Human
after stroke Ten sessions of 30-minute treatments over two weeks. Does touch massage facilitate recovery after stroke? A study protocol of a randomized controlled trial. touch massage Decreases - had a high certainty of evidence (CoE) to reduce pain scores pain during heel prick Human
neonates Not specified Comparative Efficacy of Interventions for Analgesia During Heel Prick in Newborn Infants - A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis. Touch massage (TM) Increases - is expected to increase the patients' feelings that their pain is seriously considered Human
patients suffering from chronic pain At least 4 sessions spread over two weeks. Impacts of Touch massage on the experience of patients with chronic pain: A protocol for a mixed method study. Self-massage Decreases - had their neck pain improved by less than a half neck pain Human
them Not specified Neck pain in Hong Kong: a telephone survey on consequences and health service utilization. Rotational ice massage applied to the SP6 acupressure point Decreases - reduced labor pain Human
pregnant women Rotational ice massage applied to the SP6 point on both legs at 4-5 cm, 6-7 cm, and 8-9 cm dilation during 3 contractions. The Effect of Ice Massage Applied to the SP6 Point on Labor Pain, Labor Comfort, Labor Duration, and Anxiety: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Rotational ice massage applied to the SP6 acupressure point Decreases - significantly lower VAS pain scores Human
nulliparous women in the intervention group Rotational ice massage applied to the SP6 point on both legs at 4-5 cm, 6-7 cm, and 8-9 cm dilation during 3 contractions. The Effect of Ice Massage Applied to the SP6 Point on Labor Pain, Labor Comfort, Labor Duration, and Anxiety: A Randomized Clinical Trial. infant massage No effect - effects pain relief Human
infants from 0-12 months Not specified Effects of Infant Massage: A Systematic Review. 
