Neck and Shoulder Pain
In a review of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) , Hurwitz et al. (2008)
determined that massage therapy, among other CAM modalities were just as effective in treating neck pain as conventional (allopathic) medicine. An evidence-based clinical guideline that reviewed ten studies (Brosseau et al. 2012) concludes: “Therapeutic massage can decrease pain, tenderness, and improve range of motion for sub-acute and chronic neck pain.” Research provides evidence for the short term relief of neck and shoulder pain symptoms. Additionally, research suggests that MT may interrupt inflammatory processes contributing to neck or shoulder pain, and the reduction of anxiety from MT treatment may help with underlying symptoms of muscle tension and pain. “The best available evidence for treatment of neck pain includes…Massage Therapy (Dryden/Moyer, 2012, pg. 133).”
Many multi-study reviews of MT for neck pain have been published recently (Rickards
2006, Harraldson et al 2006, Verhagan 2007), showing modest effects for treating neck pain.
Individual studies point to MTʼs effectiveness (Sherman 2009, Vassiliouet al. 2006). “Vassiliou and colleagues… found that the MT group significantly outperformed [neck pain improved] …at the a 6-month follow-up Dryden & Moyer 2012 pg. 131-32).” These positive treatment effects are consistent with the conclusions reached in a Cochrane review by Furlan and colleagues ( 2009).
(For a list of Neck and Shoulder Pain citations see 574-621 in Appendix C)

Low Back Pain
Americans spend at least $50 billion each year on low back pain. It is the most common
cause of job-related disabilities (NINDS Low Back Pain Fact Sheet, last updated September, 2012). The number one reason people seek CAM therapies including MT is for back pain (Barnes 2007).
A recent Cochrane review (Furlan et al. 2008) reviewed 13 trials of MT for low back pain
(LBP). Two of these trials found MT to be more effective than a sham treatment on pain and function. Another had lasting effects at the one year followup. Furlan and colleagues concluded in the 2008 Cochrane review: “massage was superior for pain and function on both short- and long-term followups. Massage was…superior to joint mobilization, relaxation therapy, physical therapy, acupuncture and self care education.” In addition to the clinical effectiveness, MT for LBP has been found to be “a safe therapeutic modality with few risks or adverse effects (Dryden & Moyer 2012, pg. 140).”
The evidence shows that MT provided by trained massage therapists for chronic,
subacute and nonspecific LBP will alleviate pain, reduce swelling and increase function (Dryden & Moyer 2012). The American Pain Society and the American College of Physicians (Chou & Huffman 2007) recommend MT as a nonpharmacological treatment for LBP.
(For a list of Low Back Pain citations see 622-674 in Appendix C)