What does the research say about massage therapy?

On a physiological level, massage leads to the reduction of stress-related hormones—cortisol, epinephrine, and norepinephrine. This is particularly beneficial for recovery, maintenance, therapeutic massage, and sports massage. Moreover, massage brings about a decrease in heart rate and blood pressure while also enhancing heart rate variability. Heart rate variability signifies the fluctuations in time between heartbeats. A more varied heartbeat interval indicates a stronger presence of the parasympathetic nervous system, which is connected to relaxation. This is a marker of autonomic function. All of these changes are advantageous, provided they occur during the recovery phase, aiding the body's return to a balanced state.

In addition, massage can result in an increase in parasympathetic modulation, improved blood and lymphatic circulation, a reduction in inflammation, and a positive psychosocial response. These outcomes are aligned with the goals of massage therapy, particularly during the recovery period and after an event.

An interesting aspect is that massage's effects don't persist for extended periods. This aspect, although counterintuitive, has its benefits. Frequent return visits from patients and clients are desirable, and if a single massage had long-lasting effects, they would not come back as often. While there's no definite proof of prolonged effects, this actually seems acceptable, considering the aim for continued engagement. Similarly, there's no confirmed evidence for cumulative effects, as seen from a research perspective.

Many of us have observed patients or clients who show gradual improvement through multiple treatments. So, the absence of concrete conclusions in this regard is acceptable. These findings are derived from systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and larger research studies. Comparing across studies can be challenging due to variations in timeframes and protocols.

It is worth reiterating that evidence-based practice in research and massage doesn't involve repeating the same treatment and protocol repeatedly. Rather, it adapts to individual needs and evolves as more understanding is gained.