Table 5.
Summary of findings for studies on massage therapy (MT) for mixed chronic pain
| Study | n | Pain duration | Comparison conditions | Outcomes | Findings (Mean reduction in pain) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Walach et al. (2003) (37) | 29 | Not stated but > 6 months | Usual care (UC) | Pain intensity (1–9 point scale) | MT (1.0) > UC (0.1) |
| Profile of Mood States (tiredness) | MT > UC | ||||
| CES-D | MT > UC | ||||
| State anxiety (STAI) | MT > UC | ||||
| Frankfurt body concept scales | MT = UC | ||||
| Hasson et al. | 129 | Not stated | Progressive Muscle | Pain (unspecified scale) | |
| (2004) (38) | but > 3 months | Relaxation (PMR) | Post-treatment | MT (14.5) > PMR (2.1) | |
| 3 month F/U | MT (.03) = PMR (1.3) | ||||
| Mental energy (unspecified scale) | |||||
| Post-treatment | MT > PMR | ||||
| 3 month F/U | MT = PMR | ||||
| Self-perceived health status (5-point scale) | |||||
| Post-treatment | MT > PMR | ||||
| 3 month F/U | MT = PMR | ||||
| Plews-Ogan et al. (2005) (39) | 30 | Not stated but > 3 months | Mindfulness-based stress reduction | VAS pain unpleasantness ratings (0–10) | MT (2.9) > UC (.13); MBSR (.7) = UC |
| (MBSR); UC | 1 month F/U | MT = MBSR = UC | |||
| SF-12 physical health | MT = MBSR = UC | ||||
| 1 month F/U | MT = MBSR = UC | ||||
| SF-12 mental health | MT = MBSR = UC | ||||
| 1 month F/U | MBSR > UC; MBSR = MT |