Massage therapy helps against physical and mental pain

Some therapies should be supplemented with massages in the future
Most people find it extremely pleasant to be massaged. This mechanical influence on the skin, the connective tissue and the muscles affects the entire body and also our mind. Researchers have now discovered that massage can also be used as an effective pain relief therapy. Thus, in the future perhaps the conventional standard treatments should be supplemented in some places with massages.

Massages are very popular for relieving physical tension and contributing to the general relaxation of the human mind. Scientists from the Samueli Institute (USA) have now found in an investigation that massages can also be used for pain relief. Thus, massages could be an option or supplement to acupuncture and physical therapy. The physicians published a comprehensive report on their study in the journal "Pain Medicine".

Massages help us to relax mind and body. The kneading of our body has positive effects on previously perceived physical pain. In addition, massages also help with some social, mental and emotional problems. (Image: karelnoppe / fotolia.com)

Physical pain also affects our mind
Massages should be considered as a serious option for the treatment of musculoskeletal pain, says dr. Wayne Jonas. We can not say that massages are more effective than other types of therapy, but massages definitely have several health benefits, adds the Samueli Institute expert. When people suffer from pain, they usually go to a doctor. However, pain can also have other effects on our body that may not be easily treated by a doctor. Physical pain sometimes affects us socially, mentally, emotionally and spiritually, the scientists explain. The massage of our soft tissue can relieve pain, and some physicians are convinced that rest and relaxation through massage also serve the other aspects of health.

Study analyzes 60 high quality older studies
For their new study, the researchers analyzed the data from various medical studies. These included 60 high-quality studies and seven less qualitative studies, the authors explain. All of the studies were conducted between 1999 and 2013. It was tested whether massages are suitable for the treatment of muscle and bone pain, headaches, deep internal pain, chronic pain such as fibromyalgia and back pain, explain the experts.

In three out of four studies, a total of 245 people with muscle and bone pain were examined. Compared to no therapy, massages had a very big effect on the pain. Thus, sufferers can be advised in any case, to perform a massage therapy, if they otherwise receive no therapy, the researchers add.

Massage therapy avoids risk of opiate dependence
Massages can help relieve anxiety and pain in pain patients Jonas. Especially in relation to the widespread dependence on opiates in the United States, a massage therapy is a refreshing and low-risk option, adds the physician. Of course, such massage therapies will not relieve the need for medication in the treatment of pain. But they should be considered as complementary routine care and not just as an alternative, the authors explain.

There are no studies comparing massages with the efficacy of drug treatments. Jonas. The research team therefore made a number of recommendations for future research into the effects of massage therapy. These could perhaps lead to new guidelines for the use of drugs in the treatment of pain. This includes, for example, the standardization of complementary treatments through massages, explain the scientists. (As)