Always combining various modalities
Sleep Disturbance & Lower Back Pain Reduced After Massage
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 30 min 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.
Studies
Effectiveness of Massage Therapy for Subacute Low-Back Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Hespanhol Junior, L. C., Pillen, S. D., & Maher, C. G. Published in: Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 2016
Authors: Hespanhol Junior, L. C., Pillen, S. D., & Maher, C. G. Published in: Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 2016
References
Field, T., Diego, M., & Hernandez-Reif, M. (2007). Massage therapy research. Developmental Review, 27(1), 75-89. doi:10.1016/j.dr.2006.08.002
Facts
Massage therapy has been shown to have positive effects on reducing sleep disturbances and alleviating lower back pain.