Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies
Volume 11, Issue 2 , Pages 141-145, April 2007

Lower back pain and sleep disturbance are reduced following massage therapy

  • Tiffany Field

      Affiliations

    • Touch Research Institutes, University of Miami School of Medicine, P.O. Box 016820 (D-820), Miami, FL 33101, USA
    • Fielding Graduate University, USA
    • Corresponding Author InformationCorresponding author. Touch Research Institutes, University of Miami School of Medicine, P.O. Box 016820 (D-820), Miami, FL 33101, USA. Tel.: +13059755029; fax: +13052436488.
    • ,
  • Maria Hernandez-Reif

      Affiliations

    • Touch Research Institutes, University of Miami School of Medicine, P.O. Box 016820 (D-820), Miami, FL 33101, USA
    • ,
  • Miguel Diego

      Affiliations

    • Touch Research Institutes, University of Miami School of Medicine, P.O. Box 016820 (D-820), Miami, FL 33101, USA
    • ,
  • Monica Fraser

      Affiliations

    • Biotone, USA

Received 26 January 2006; received in revised form 13 March 2006; accepted 13 March 2006.

Summary 

A randomized between-groups design was used to evaluate massage therapy versus relaxation therapy effects on chronic low back pain. Treatment effects were evaluated for reducing pain, depression, anxiety and sleep disturbances, for improving trunk range of motion (ROM) and for reducing job absenteeism and increasing job productivity. Thirty adults (M age=41 years) with low back pain with a duration of at least 6 months participated in the study. The groups did not differ on age, socioeconomic status, ethnicity or gender. Sessions were 30min long twice a week for 5 weeks. On the first and last day of the 5-week study participants completed questionnaires and were assessed for ROM. By the end of the study, the massage therapy group, as compared to the relaxation group, reported experiencing less pain, depression, anxiety and sleep disturbance. They also showed improved trunk and pain flexion performance.

Keywords: Massage, Relaxation therapy, Back pain, Sleep disturbance, Anxiety

To access this article, please choose from the options below

Login to an existing account or Register a new account.

  • Purchase this article for 31.50 USD (You must login/register to purchase this article)

    Online access for 24 hours. The PDF version can be downloaded as your permanent record.

  • Subscribe to this title

    Get unlimited online access to this article and all other articles in this title 24/7 for one year.

  • Claim access now

    For current subscribers with Society Membership or Account Number.

  • Visit SciVerse ScienceDirect to see if you have access via your institution.
 

PII: S1360-8592(06)00031-3

doi:10.1016/j.jbmt.2006.03.001

Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies
Volume 11, Issue 2 , Pages 141-145, April 2007

Article Tools