Lower back pain may be a familiar discomfort for you. It is one of the most common conditions in the Western world. Martin et al. (2008) explained that over 300 billion dollars are spent annually in the United States for the treatment of lower back pain. Chronic sufferers may not only experience debilitating pain, but additional symptoms such as headaches and depression. Kumar et al. (2016) wanted to research the effects of Ayurvedic massage on chronic lower back pain.
Ayurveda is a traditional, holistic Indian medicine. It includes treatments such as nutritional guidance, thermotherapy, herbal medicine, and much more. It is not uncommon to find doctors in Southern Asia regularly using this medicine, especially for the treatment of chronic pain. Ayurvedic medicine has seen an increase in popularity across Western countries, specifically external treatments such as massage. This is the reason why the researchers decided to test Ayurvedic massage on patients with chronic lower back pain.
For the controlled clinical trial, a sample of 64 adults was used. Participants were randomly assigned to one of two groups: an Ayurvedic massage therapy group or a standard physical therapy group. However, over the course of the study, some participants dropped out. The most common reason was inability to return to the research center, or a perceived lack of benefit from the study. 3% of the Ayurvedic group dropped out, while 22% of the physical therapy group was lost.
The intervention lasted for a total of four weeks, where the first two weeks were spent undergoing therapy and the next two used for rest and observation. During the first two weeks, participants received six sessions of therapy. Six sessions were used as this is the average prescription within the German healthcare system, where the study took place. Researchers primarily measured for pain intensity, although they also measured quality of life, level of physical functions (or level of disability stemming from back pain), and psychological effects such as depression, anger, and fatigue. Measurements were taken before the intervention and during weeks 2 and 4 of the intervention.
The Ayurvedic massage sessions lasted for a total of 65 minutes. The massage therapist first applied a warm, medicated oil (Sahacharadi Taila) while using light manual pressure. Next, stuffed cotton bags (Kizhi) were applied with rhythmic movements across the lower back and gluteal region. Lastly, a gentle massage was provided on the lower back, gluteal region, and any specific pain areas. Patients then took a warm shower and relaxed for 30 minutes. For the physical therapy group, participants were given heated packs to apply to the lower back for 20 minutes. Afterwards, they received a light massage. Participants in this group then also relaxed for 30 minutes.
After the 4 weeks of intervention, the Ayurvedic massage group reported a higher decrease in lower back pain at both weeks 2 and 4. The Ayurvedic group’s decrease in pain was 18.7 points better than that of the physical therapy group. For psychological effects, the Ayurvedic group also reported less fatigue and anger. For other effects and quality of life, no significant changes were found. The Ayurvedic group also reported an increase in physical functions, but these results were not found to be significant.
Future research is suggested to confirm the findings of the study, especially for longer periods of intervention. In addition, the researchers note that massage is only one part of Ayurvedic medicine, and that applying additional aspects of Ayurveda may shed more light on the traditional medicine’s effectiveness. Overall, though, it appears that Ayurvedic massage may provide some much-needed relief for patients of chronic lower back pain.
References
Kumar, S., Rampp, T., Kessler, C., Jeitler, M., Dobos, G. J., Lüdtke, R., Meier, L., & Michalsen, A. (2016). Effectiveness of Ayurvedic Massage (Sahacharadi Taila) in Patients with Chronic Low Back Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. doi:10.1089/acm.2015.0272
Martin, B. I., Deyo, R. A., Mirza, S. K., Turner, J. A., Comstock, B. A., Hollingworth, W., & Sullivan, S. D. (2008, June). Expenditures and Health Status Among Adults With Back and Neck Problems. JAMA, 299(6). doi:10.1097/01.brs.0000320200.72604.9f
https://realbodywork.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/lower-back-pain.jpg350500deeptissue9https://realbodywork.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/logoTrans.pngdeeptissue92016-11-07 20:56:092025-12-25 16:59:49Lower Back Pain Treatment Through Ayurvedic Massage
Researchers Hanjani, Tourzani, and Shoghi (2015) wanted to investigate the effects of foot reflexology in primigravida (first pregnancy) women during labor. The researchers had studied previous research which found that massage during labor can reduce labor pain, as well as anxiety (McNeill, Alderdice, & McMurray, 2006). Active management during labor was also found to minimize labor duration and pain as well as C-sections (Sadler, Davison, & McCowan, 2000). The researchers note that anxiety during labor can have ill effects on both mother and child, such as psychological disturbances or difficulties with delivery.
The researchers also mentioned that massage during pregnancy can have many positive effects for the mother, such as reduction of nausea, fatigue, and constipation (Mollart, 2003).
For their study, the researchers randomly tested 80 primigravida women who were in active labor. These women must not have received any pain medication or labor inducers. In addition, these women were tested to ensure they had no anxiety or psychological diseases. The women were then randomly assigned to two groups, reflexology or control.
The reflexology group received a foot massage, with fixed or rotating pressure on the pituitary gland, Solar plexus, and uterine. The control group also received a foot massage, but in other areas. The researchers took measurements of pain and anxiety before intervention, 30 minutes, 1 hour, and 2 hours after beginning intervention, and at the end of intervention. The researchers also recorded the type and length of labor as well as the baby’s Apgar score at 1-minute and 5-minutes (The Apgar score is a test to check the baby’s health immediately after birth, so that medical attention may be provided if necessary. The higher the score, the better the health).
The researchers found that anxiety was significantly reduced for mothers in the reflexology group. The control group had the opposite effect, as anxiety increased during labor. Both groups, however, had substantial reductions in pain intensity throughout labor. 92.5% of mothers in the reflexology group had natural vaginal deliveries, whereas 80% of mothers in the control group delivered vaginally. Mothers in the reflexology group had pointedly shorter labor durations than the control group mothers. Lastly, babies from the reflexology group had significantly higher scores than did those of the control group.
The researchers concluded that reflexology massage during labor reduces pain intensity, anxiety, and duration of labor. It is also increases the occurrence of a natural vaginal delivery and a higher Apgar score for the child. While more research is needed, it is important to note that the effects of massage therapy has important potential for mothers in labor.
References
Mcneill, J. A., Alderdice, F. A., & Mcmurray, F. (2006). A retrospective cohort study exploring the relationship between antenatal reflexology and intranatal outcomes. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 12(2), 119-125. doi:10.1016/j.ctcp.2005.11.004
Moghimi-Hanjani, S., Mehdizadeh-Tourzani, Z., & Shoghi, M. (2015). The Effect of Foot Reflexology on Anxiety, Pain, and Outcomes of the Labor in Primigravida Women. Acta Medica Iranica, 53(8), 507-511.
Mollart, L. (2003). Single-blind trial addressing the differential effects of two reflexology techniques versus rest, on ankle and foot oedema in late pregnancy. Complementary Therapies in Nursing and Midwifery, 9(4), 203-208. doi:10.1016/s1353-6117(03)00054-4
Sadler, L. C., Davison, T., & Mccowan, L. M. (2000). A randomised controlled trial and meta-analysis of active management of labour. BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 107(7), 909-915. doi:10.1111/j.1471-0528.2000.tb11091.x
https://realbodywork.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/foot-reflexology-chart.jpg12001800deeptissue9https://realbodywork.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/logoTrans.pngdeeptissue92016-10-25 03:15:022025-12-26 19:14:55What Foot Reflexology Can Do For Pregnancy Labor
Researchers published results of their study (Ali, Rosenberger, Weiss, Milak, & Perlman, 2016), investigating the effects of Swedish massage techniques on patients with osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee. The study’s aim was to investigate how massage therapy could help patients’ quality of life while living with OA.
Murphy & Helmick (2012) wrote that 10% of Americans suffer from OA. OA can cause severe pain, and may limit the physical abilities of the affected person. This can have an effect on the person’s daily life, as daily activities may become more challenging and/or painful. Other researchers (Perlman, Sabina, Williams, Njike, & Katz, 2006) previously held a study in which they tested whether massage therapy for OA of the knee was feasible, safe, and effective, and found that it was successful, including increasing functionality and decreasing pain.
For this new study, the researchers instead wanted to see how massage affected the emotional aspects of OA. A previous study by Hsu, Bluespruce, Sherman, & Cherkin (2010) investigated complementary and alternative treatments for people suffering from chronic back pain. The study found that these treatments increased positive emotional states for patients, as well as feelings of hope, improved their ability to relax, and also improved their ability to cope with the back pain.
For this study, the researchers used purposive sampling to find 18 adults as research participants. The qualitative study measured results through in-person and telephone interviews, both before and after treatment. Questions from these interviews asked about attitudes towards massage therapy and OA, as well as changes in these attitudes or lifestyle post-treatment. Participants were randomly assigned to receive 8 weeks of Swedish massage weekly or biweekly, for a session of 30 or 60 minutes. Researchers noted that this massage style was used due to its popularity in the United States, as it includes effleurage, petrissage, tapotement, vibration, friction, and skin rolling.
After 8 weeks, the participants discussed feelings of greater relaxation and a better quality of life. 44% of participants said the massages made it easier for them to relax, and half of said that the massage affected their “thoughts, feelings, reactions, and activities” (p. 5). However, some patients said the 30 minute sessions were too short, as it would end just as they were beginning to relax.
44% of participants also told researchers that the massage therapy improved their quality of life. These include functional abilities, emotional moods, mental state (including outlook on life), and overall well-being. Some participants explained that the massage had improved their physical abilities, so that they were able to carry out daily activities that OA had prevented before. One participant even told researchers that she needed her anti-inflammatory medication less, as the massage provided pain relief from her OA.
Almost a quarter of the participants reported short-term pain relief from massage therapy. In addition, 13 participants informed researchers that they believed massage therapy was an effective treatment for OA. Many of the participants explained their satisfaction with massage therapy, but were unhappy that massage therapy was not more available as a method of medical treatment.
These participants explained their unhappiness that insurance would not cover massage therapy as a method of treatment for their OA. Many believed its effectiveness warranted coverage through insurance. Researchers asked 10 participants if they would pursue massage therapy as treatment for their OA, if covered by insurance, and all 10 participants answered that they would.
This new research shows how massage therapy does more beyond physical healing and comfort, but stretches into improving the emotional aspects of chronic pain. Massage therapy continues to provide vast benefits to recipients, both physical and emotional.
Ali, A., Rosenberger, L., Weiss, T. R., Milak, C., & Perlman, A. I. (2016). Massage Therapy and Quality of Life in Osteoarthritis of the Knee: A Qualitative Study. Pain Med Pain Medicine. doi:10.1093/pm/pnw217
Hsu, C., Bluespruce, J., Sherman, K., & Cherkin, D. (2010). Unanticipated Benefits of CAM Therapies for Back Pain: An Exploration of Patient Experiences. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 16(2), 157-163. doi:10.1089/acm.2009.0188
Murphy, L., & Helmick, C. G. (2012). The Impact of Osteoarthritis in the United States. Orthopaedic Nursing, 31(2), 85-91. doi:10.1097/nor.0b013e31824fcd42
Perlman AI, Sabina A, Williams A, Njike VY, Katz DL. (2006). Massage Therapy for Osteoarthritis of the Knee: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Arch Intern Med. 166(22), 2533-2538. doi:10.1001/archinte.166.22.2533
https://realbodywork.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/back-massage-with-fists.jpg480720deeptissue9https://realbodywork.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/logoTrans.pngdeeptissue92016-10-20 05:03:452025-12-26 19:23:00Osteoarthritis and Massage Therapy
Lower Back Pain Treatment Through Ayurvedic Massage
/in Massage Techniques/by deeptissue9Lower back pain may be a familiar discomfort for you. It is one of the most common conditions in the Western world. Martin et al. (2008) explained that over 300 billion dollars are spent annually in the United States for the treatment of lower back pain. Chronic sufferers may not only experience debilitating pain, but additional symptoms such as headaches and depression. Kumar et al. (2016) wanted to research the effects of Ayurvedic massage on chronic lower back pain.
Ayurveda is a traditional, holistic Indian medicine. It includes treatments such as nutritional guidance, thermotherapy, herbal medicine, and much more. It is not uncommon to find doctors in Southern Asia regularly using this medicine, especially for the treatment of chronic pain. Ayurvedic medicine has seen an increase in popularity across Western countries, specifically external treatments such as massage. This is the reason why the researchers decided to test Ayurvedic massage on patients with chronic lower back pain.
For the controlled clinical trial, a sample of 64 adults was used. Participants were randomly assigned to one of two groups: an Ayurvedic massage therapy group or a standard physical therapy group. However, over the course of the study, some participants dropped out. The most common reason was inability to return to the research center, or a perceived lack of benefit from the study. 3% of the Ayurvedic group dropped out, while 22% of the physical therapy group was lost.
The intervention lasted for a total of four weeks, where the first two weeks were spent undergoing therapy and the next two used for rest and observation. During the first two weeks, participants received six sessions of therapy. Six sessions were used as this is the average prescription within the German healthcare system, where the study took place. Researchers primarily measured for pain intensity, although they also measured quality of life, level of physical functions (or level of disability stemming from back pain), and psychological effects such as depression, anger, and fatigue. Measurements were taken before the intervention and during weeks 2 and 4 of the intervention.
The Ayurvedic massage sessions lasted for a total of 65 minutes. The massage therapist first applied a warm, medicated oil (Sahacharadi Taila) while using light manual pressure. Next, stuffed cotton bags (Kizhi) were applied with rhythmic movements across the lower back and gluteal region. Lastly, a gentle massage was provided on the lower back, gluteal region, and any specific pain areas. Patients then took a warm shower and relaxed for 30 minutes. For the physical therapy group, participants were given heated packs to apply to the lower back for 20 minutes. Afterwards, they received a light massage. Participants in this group then also relaxed for 30 minutes.
Kizhi Treatment.
Photo by naturoayur.com.au
After the 4 weeks of intervention, the Ayurvedic massage group reported a higher decrease in lower back pain at both weeks 2 and 4. The Ayurvedic group’s decrease in pain was 18.7 points better than that of the physical therapy group. For psychological effects, the Ayurvedic group also reported less fatigue and anger. For other effects and quality of life, no significant changes were found. The Ayurvedic group also reported an increase in physical functions, but these results were not found to be significant.
Future research is suggested to confirm the findings of the study, especially for longer periods of intervention. In addition, the researchers note that massage is only one part of Ayurvedic medicine, and that applying additional aspects of Ayurveda may shed more light on the traditional medicine’s effectiveness. Overall, though, it appears that Ayurvedic massage may provide some much-needed relief for patients of chronic lower back pain.
References
Kumar, S., Rampp, T., Kessler, C., Jeitler, M., Dobos, G. J., Lüdtke, R., Meier, L., & Michalsen, A. (2016). Effectiveness of Ayurvedic Massage (Sahacharadi Taila) in Patients with Chronic Low Back Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. doi:10.1089/acm.2015.0272
Martin, B. I., Deyo, R. A., Mirza, S. K., Turner, J. A., Comstock, B. A., Hollingworth, W., & Sullivan, S. D. (2008, June). Expenditures and Health Status Among Adults With Back and Neck Problems. JAMA, 299(6). doi:10.1097/01.brs.0000320200.72604.9f
What Foot Reflexology Can Do For Pregnancy Labor
/in Massage Techniques/by deeptissue9Researchers Hanjani, Tourzani, and Shoghi (2015) wanted to investigate the effects of foot reflexology in primigravida (first pregnancy) women during labor. The researchers had studied previous research which found that massage during labor can reduce labor pain, as well as anxiety (McNeill, Alderdice, & McMurray, 2006). Active management during labor was also found to minimize labor duration and pain as well as C-sections (Sadler, Davison, & McCowan, 2000). The researchers note that anxiety during labor can have ill effects on both mother and child, such as psychological disturbances or difficulties with delivery.
The researchers also mentioned that massage during pregnancy can have many positive effects for the mother, such as reduction of nausea, fatigue, and constipation (Mollart, 2003).
For their study, the researchers randomly tested 80 primigravida women who were in active labor. These women must not have received any pain medication or labor inducers. In addition, these women were tested to ensure they had no anxiety or psychological diseases. The women were then randomly assigned to two groups, reflexology or control.
The reflexology group received a foot massage, with fixed or rotating pressure on the pituitary gland, Solar plexus, and uterine. The control group also received a foot massage, but in other areas. The researchers took measurements of pain and anxiety before intervention, 30 minutes, 1 hour, and 2 hours after beginning intervention, and at the end of intervention. The researchers also recorded the type and length of labor as well as the baby’s Apgar score at 1-minute and 5-minutes (The Apgar score is a test to check the baby’s health immediately after birth, so that medical attention may be provided if necessary. The higher the score, the better the health).
The researchers found that anxiety was significantly reduced for mothers in the reflexology group. The control group had the opposite effect, as anxiety increased during labor. Both groups, however, had substantial reductions in pain intensity throughout labor. 92.5% of mothers in the reflexology group had natural vaginal deliveries, whereas 80% of mothers in the control group delivered vaginally. Mothers in the reflexology group had pointedly shorter labor durations than the control group mothers. Lastly, babies from the reflexology group had significantly higher scores than did those of the control group.
The researchers concluded that reflexology massage during labor reduces pain intensity, anxiety, and duration of labor. It is also increases the occurrence of a natural vaginal delivery and a higher Apgar score for the child. While more research is needed, it is important to note that the effects of massage therapy has important potential for mothers in labor.
To learn how to practice foot reflexology, look at our Reflexology online class.
References
Mcneill, J. A., Alderdice, F. A., & Mcmurray, F. (2006). A retrospective cohort study exploring the relationship between antenatal reflexology and intranatal outcomes. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 12(2), 119-125. doi:10.1016/j.ctcp.2005.11.004
Moghimi-Hanjani, S., Mehdizadeh-Tourzani, Z., & Shoghi, M. (2015). The Effect of Foot Reflexology on Anxiety, Pain, and Outcomes of the Labor in Primigravida Women. Acta Medica Iranica, 53(8), 507-511.
Mollart, L. (2003). Single-blind trial addressing the differential effects of two reflexology techniques versus rest, on ankle and foot oedema in late pregnancy. Complementary Therapies in Nursing and Midwifery, 9(4), 203-208. doi:10.1016/s1353-6117(03)00054-4
Sadler, L. C., Davison, T., & Mccowan, L. M. (2000). A randomised controlled trial and meta-analysis of active management of labour. BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 107(7), 909-915. doi:10.1111/j.1471-0528.2000.tb11091.x
Osteoarthritis and Massage Therapy
/in Clinical Concepts/by deeptissue9Researchers published results of their study (Ali, Rosenberger, Weiss, Milak, & Perlman, 2016), investigating the effects of Swedish massage techniques on patients with osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee. The study’s aim was to investigate how massage therapy could help patients’ quality of life while living with OA.
Murphy & Helmick (2012) wrote that 10% of Americans suffer from OA. OA can cause severe pain, and may limit the physical abilities of the affected person. This can have an effect on the person’s daily life, as daily activities may become more challenging and/or painful. Other researchers (Perlman, Sabina, Williams, Njike, & Katz, 2006) previously held a study in which they tested whether massage therapy for OA of the knee was feasible, safe, and effective, and found that it was successful, including increasing functionality and decreasing pain.
For this new study, the researchers instead wanted to see how massage affected the emotional aspects of OA. A previous study by Hsu, Bluespruce, Sherman, & Cherkin (2010) investigated complementary and alternative treatments for people suffering from chronic back pain. The study found that these treatments increased positive emotional states for patients, as well as feelings of hope, improved their ability to relax, and also improved their ability to cope with the back pain.
For this study, the researchers used purposive sampling to find 18 adults as research participants. The qualitative study measured results through in-person and telephone interviews, both before and after treatment. Questions from these interviews asked about attitudes towards massage therapy and OA, as well as changes in these attitudes or lifestyle post-treatment. Participants were randomly assigned to receive 8 weeks of Swedish massage weekly or biweekly, for a session of 30 or 60 minutes. Researchers noted that this massage style was used due to its popularity in the United States, as it includes effleurage, petrissage, tapotement, vibration, friction, and skin rolling.
After 8 weeks, the participants discussed feelings of greater relaxation and a better quality of life. 44% of participants said the massages made it easier for them to relax, and half of said that the massage affected their “thoughts, feelings, reactions, and activities” (p. 5). However, some patients said the 30 minute sessions were too short, as it would end just as they were beginning to relax.
44% of participants also told researchers that the massage therapy improved their quality of life. These include functional abilities, emotional moods, mental state (including outlook on life), and overall well-being. Some participants explained that the massage had improved their physical abilities, so that they were able to carry out daily activities that OA had prevented before. One participant even told researchers that she needed her anti-inflammatory medication less, as the massage provided pain relief from her OA.
Almost a quarter of the participants reported short-term pain relief from massage therapy. In addition, 13 participants informed researchers that they believed massage therapy was an effective treatment for OA. Many of the participants explained their satisfaction with massage therapy, but were unhappy that massage therapy was not more available as a method of medical treatment.
These participants explained their unhappiness that insurance would not cover massage therapy as a method of treatment for their OA. Many believed its effectiveness warranted coverage through insurance. Researchers asked 10 participants if they would pursue massage therapy as treatment for their OA, if covered by insurance, and all 10 participants answered that they would.
This new research shows how massage therapy does more beyond physical healing and comfort, but stretches into improving the emotional aspects of chronic pain. Massage therapy continues to provide vast benefits to recipients, both physical and emotional.
To learn how to practice the type of massage used in this study, visit our Therapeutic Massage Online class.
For clinical approaches to chronic conditions and functional work, consider Orthopedic Massage Online.
References
Ali, A., Rosenberger, L., Weiss, T. R., Milak, C., & Perlman, A. I. (2016). Massage Therapy and Quality of Life in Osteoarthritis of the Knee: A Qualitative Study. Pain Med Pain Medicine. doi:10.1093/pm/pnw217
Hsu, C., Bluespruce, J., Sherman, K., & Cherkin, D. (2010). Unanticipated Benefits of CAM Therapies for Back Pain: An Exploration of Patient Experiences. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 16(2), 157-163. doi:10.1089/acm.2009.0188
Murphy, L., & Helmick, C. G. (2012). The Impact of Osteoarthritis in the United States. Orthopaedic Nursing, 31(2), 85-91. doi:10.1097/nor.0b013e31824fcd42
Perlman AI, Sabina A, Williams A, Njike VY, Katz DL. (2006). Massage Therapy for Osteoarthritis of the Knee: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Arch Intern Med. 166(22), 2533-2538. doi:10.1001/archinte.166.22.2533