The International journal of neuroscience
-
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Lower back pain is reduced and range of motion increased after massage therapy.
A randomized between-groups design evaluated massage therapy versus relaxation for chronic low back pain. ⋯ Adults (M age=39.6 years) with low back pain with a duration of at least 6 months received two 30-min massage or relaxation therapy sessions per week for 5 weeks. Participants receiving massage therapy reported experiencing less pain, depression, anxiety and their sleep had improved. They also showed improved trunk and pain flexion performance, and their serotonin and dopamine levels were higher.