Effective treatment of thai massage: A Synthesis of Findings from 18 Studies

  1. Home
  2. Effective treatment of thai massage
This information is not medical advice and is not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment by a physician.Data sources and disclaimers (data limitations, copyright, etc.)The analysis on "Effective treatment of thai massage: A Synthesis of Findings from 18 Studies" on this page is based on PubMed data provided by the U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM). However, NLM does not endorse or verify these analyses.

This analysis is based on research papers included in PubMed, but medical research is constantly evolving and may not fully reflect the latest findings. There may also be biases towards certain research areas.

This information is not medical advice and is not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment by a physician. If you have concerns about "Effective treatment of thai massage: A Synthesis of Findings from 18 Studies", please consult your doctor.

For NLM copyright information, please see Link to NLM Copyright Page
PubMed data is obtained via Hugging Face Datasets: Link to DatasetPlease check the disclaimer.
This page's analysis is based on PubMed data provided by the U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM).
Original Abstract of the Article

Major Research Findings

Several studies suggest that Thai massage has potential benefits for various health conditions. 11 found that Thai massage significantly improved pain intensity, pressure pain threshold, muscle tension, and anxiety in patients with scapulocostal syndrome. 1 , a systematic review of six studies, showed that Thai massage effectively reduced pain in individuals with chronic pain, along with improvements in disability, perceived muscle tension, flexibility, and anxiety. The benefits of pain reduction were observed to persist for up to 15 weeks.

Thai massage appears to influence brain electrical activity and promote relaxation. 10 investigated the effects of Thai massage on brain electrical activity (EEG) and found that it decreased anxiety and pain intensity in patients with scapulocostal syndrome. The EEG analysis showed increased relaxation, manifested as an increase in delta wave activity and a decrease in theta, alpha, and beta wave activity. The study also found that Thai massage can potentially impact the autonomic nervous system and reduce stress. 12 examined the effects of Thai massage on heart rate variability (HRV), anxiety, muscle tension, pain intensity, pressure pain threshold, and flexibility in patients with back pain associated with myofascial trigger points. Results showed that Thai massage increased HRV, pressure pain threshold, and flexibility, while decreasing pain intensity, anxiety, and muscle tension.

Thai massage shows promise in reducing muscle spasticity in children with cerebral palsy. 8 demonstrated a significant reduction in spasticity of the right quadriceps femoris muscles in children with spastic diplegia after a 30-minute session of Thai massage. Additionally, research suggests that Thai massage can enhance gait and heart rate variability. 2 found that parent-delivered Thai massage increased heart rate variability levels and stride length in children with autism.

Thai massage could be beneficial for improving blood flow and range of motion in the feet of individuals with type 2 diabetes. 18 showed that both self-administered and therapist-administered Thai foot massages improved foot skin blood flow and range of motion in diabetic patients with peripheral neuropathy. Furthermore, Thai massage may enhance the immune system in elderly individuals. 16 found that multiple rounds of Thai massage attenuated senescent CD4+ T cell subsets, particularly CD4+28nullNKG2D+ T cells in elderly participants, suggesting a potential boost in immune function.

Benefits and Risks

Benefit Summary

Thai massage offers a range of potential benefits, including reducing pain, muscle tension, and anxiety; easing spasticity in children with cerebral palsy; enhancing gait and heart rate variability; improving blood flow and range of motion in the feet of diabetic patients; and potentially boosting the immune system in elderly individuals.

Risk Summary

While generally considered safe, Thai massage can pose potential risks for certain individuals. Some may experience muscle soreness, fatigue, dizziness, or nausea. Individuals with a history of blood clots, bleeding disorders, or fractures should consult their doctor before receiving a massage. Thai massage should not be used as a substitute for medical treatment.

Comparison Across Studies

Similarities

Multiple studies consistently demonstrate the effectiveness of Thai massage in reducing pain, muscle tension, and anxiety. Additionally, there is evidence suggesting that Thai massage may improve heart rate variability, blood flow, and range of motion.

Differences

Differences exist across studies in terms of the target condition or symptom, the intensity and frequency of massage sessions, and the specific assessment methods employed. This makes it challenging to directly compare the results across all studies. Moreover, many studies are relatively small, and there is a limited number of studies investigating long-term effects, underscoring the need for further research.

Consistency and Contradictions

Research findings generally align, although some inconsistencies exist. For example, studies have shown varying timelines for the onset of benefits, with some showing immediate effects while others demonstrate benefits emerging over several weeks. It is important to note that individual responses to Thai massage can vary considerably.

Practical Applications

While promising, it is crucial to remember that Thai massage may not benefit everyone. If you are considering Thai massage, consult your doctor first, especially if you have underlying health conditions. Remember that Thai massage should not replace prescribed medical treatments. If you experience no improvement or worsening of your symptoms, consult your doctor.

Limitations of Current Research

The current body of research on Thai massage is still limited. Studies often have small sample sizes and lack investigations into long-term effects. Additionally, variations in study designs, participant selection criteria, and assessment methods make direct comparisons challenging.

Future Research Directions

To further elucidate the effects of Thai massage, larger-scale studies are necessary. Research should focus on long-term effects, individual variations, and comparisons to other therapeutic approaches. Investigations into the specific mechanisms of action underlying the benefits of Thai massage would also be beneficial.

Conclusion

Thai massage holds potential as a complementary therapy for various health conditions. However, it is essential to approach it with informed caution. Always consult your doctor before considering Thai massage, especially if you have pre-existing medical conditions. Choose a qualified and experienced practitioner for a safe and potentially beneficial experience. As research continues to evolve, we can anticipate a clearer understanding of the benefits and risks associated with Thai massage.

Literature analysis of 18 papers
Positive Content
17
Neutral Content
0
Negative Content
1
Article Type
12
1
1
2
18
1.

The efficacy of traditional Thai massage for the treatment of chronic pain: A systematic review.

Author: KeeratitanontKeattichai, JensenMark P, ChatchawanUraiwan, AuvichayapatParadee

Improved disability
Increased flexibility
Pain reduction
Reduced anxiety
Reduced muscle tension

This systematic review examined the effects of Traditional Thai massage (TTM) on pain intensity and other outcomes in individuals with chronic pain. Six controlled trials showed pre- to post-treatment pain reductions ranging from 25% to 80%. TTM was also associated with improvements in disability, muscle tension, flexibility and anxiety.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.
Systematic ReviewA review that systematically collects, evaluates, and integrates relevant research to answer a specific research question.

Language : English

3.

Effects of the combination of traditional Thai massage, scapular stabilization exercise, and chest mobilization in subjects with forward head posture: a single-blinded randomized clinical trial.

Author: ButtagatVitsarut, KluayhomthongSujittra, AreeudomwongPattanasin

Improved FHA
Improved FVC
Improved cervical flexion
Decreased respiratory function
FHP
Shortened neck extensors
Weakened neck flexors

This study examined the effects of a combination of traditional Thai massage, scapular stabilization exercise, and chest mobilization on forward head posture (FHP). The study found that this combination treatment resulted in significant improvements in forward head angle, forced vital capacity, and cervical flexion in subjects with FHP.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

4.

Physiological and Psychological Effects of Parent-Delivered Traditional Thai Massage in Children With Autism: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial.

Author: RuanHui, EungpinichpongWichai, WuHua, AonsriChanada

Autism massage

This study will investigate the effects of parent-delivered traditional Thai massage (TTM) on autism symptoms, physiological parameters, and parental stress.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

5.

Short-term effects of traditional Thai massage on electromyogram, muscle tension and pain among patients with upper back pain associated with myofascial trigger points.

Author: ButtagatVitsarut, NarktroThitipong, OnsriraKamonporn, PobsamaiChaithawat

Muscle relaxation
Pain reduction

Traditional Thai massage was found to be effective in reducing electromyographic activity, muscle tension, and pain intensity in patients with upper back pain associated with myofascial trigger points.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.

Language : English

6.

Acute effects of traditional Thai massage on cortisol levels, arterial blood pressure and stress perception in academic stress condition: A single blind randomised controlled trial.

Author: BennettSurussawadi, BennettMichael John, ChatchawanUraiwon, JenjaiwitPatcharaporn, PantumethakulRungthip, KunhasuraSoontorn, EungpinichpongWichai

Cortisol level reduction
Stress reduction

This randomized controlled trial examined the acute effects of Traditional Thai Massage (TTM) on cortisol levels, blood pressure, heart rate, and stress perception in physiotherapy students. The study found that both groups showed a significant reduction in cortisol levels and heart rate after TTM, but there were no significant differences in cortisol levels between the two groups.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.

Language : English

7.

Immediate Effects of Traditional Thai Massage on Psychological Stress as Indicated by Salivary Alpha-Amylase Levels in Healthy Persons.

Author: SripongngamThanarat, EungpinichpongWichai, SirivongsDhavee, KanpittayaJaturat, TangvoraphonkchaiKamonwan, ChanaboonSutin

Reduced stress

Traditional Thai massage (TTM) and rest were both found to reduce psychological stress, as evidenced by decreased salivary alpha-amylase levels, increased parasympathetic activity, decreased sympathetic activity, and decreased plasma renin activity. However, TTM showed a modest effect on stress reduction compared to rest.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

8.

Effects of Thai Massage on Spasticity in Young People with Cerebral Palsy.

Author: MalilaPisamai, SeedaKantarakorn, MachomSavet, EungpinithpongWichai

Reduced spasticity

Thai massage decreased muscle spasticity in young people with cerebral palsy.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.

Language : English

9.

Effects of Thai massage on physical fitness in soccer players.

Author: HongsuwanChanawong, EungpinichpongWichai, ChatchawanUraiwan, YamauchiJunichiro

Thai massage for soccer players

Thai massage can improve physical fitness in soccer players.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

10.

Acute effects of traditional Thai massage on electroencephalogram in patients with scapulocostal syndrome.

Author: ButtagatVitsarut, EungpinichpongWichai, KaberDavid, ChatchawanUraiwon, ArayawichanonPreeda

Reduced anxiety
Reduced pain

Traditional Thai massage (TTM) significantly reduced anxiety and pain intensity in patients with scapulocostal syndrome (SCS), with greater effects than physical therapy.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.
Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.Research funding provided by the Public Health Service (PHS).

Language : English

11.

Therapeutic effects of traditional Thai massage on pain, muscle tension and anxiety in patients with scapulocostal syndrome: a randomized single-blinded pilot study.

Author: ButtagatVitsarut, EungpinichpongWichai, ChatchawanUraiwon, ArayawichanonPreeda

Anxiety reduction
Muscle tension reduction
Pain relief
Scapulocostal syndrome treatment

This study compared the effects of traditional Thai massage (TTM) and physical therapy modalities on pain intensity, pressure pain threshold, muscle tension, and anxiety in patients with scapulocostal syndrome. The results suggest that TTM may be a viable alternative treatment option for this condition.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

12.

The immediate effects of traditional Thai massage on heart rate variability and stress-related parameters in patients with back pain associated with myofascial trigger points.

Author: ButtagatVitsarut, EungpinichpongWichai, ChatchawanUraiwon, KharmwanSamerduen

Back pain relief

This study investigates the immediate effects of traditional Thai massage (TTM) on stress-related parameters in patients with back pain. The results demonstrate that a single 30-minute session of TTM significantly improves heart rate variability, pressure pain threshold, and body flexibility, while reducing pain intensity, anxiety, and muscle tension, suggesting TTM's potential as a stress-relief intervention.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

14.

A randomized comparative study of traditional Thai massage and Thai boxing exercise on clinical-based outcomes in patients with scapulocostal syndrome.

Author: AreeudomwongPattanasin, NakritRapeepat, SeephungThipmanee, KetsawadAmonrat, ButtagatVitsarut

Improved range of motion
Pain relief

Traditional Thai massage (TTM) and Thai boxing exercise (TBE) were effective in reducing pain intensity, improving pressure pain threshold, and increasing cervical range of motion in patients with scapulocostal syndrome. TTM provided better results than TBE for pain intensity, pressure pain threshold, and cervical flexion.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.

Language : English

15.

A comparative study of Thai massage and muscle energy technique for chronic neck pain: A single-blinded randomized clinical trial.

Author: ButtagatVitsarut, MuenpanKanokwan, WiriyasakunphanWitawit, PomsuwanSaowalak, KluayhomthongSujittra, AreeudomwongPattanasin

Improved neck pain

This randomized controlled trial compared the effects of traditional Thai massage and muscle energy techniques for chronic neck pain associated with myofascial trigger points. Both interventions significantly improved pain intensity, pressure pain threshold, neck disability, and neck flexion range of motion compared to control.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.

Language : English

16.

Traditional Thai Massage Promoted Immunity in the Elderly via Attenuation of Senescent CD4+ T Cell Subsets: A Randomized Crossover Study.

Author: SornkayasitKanda, JumnainsongAmonrat, PhoksawatWisitsak, EungpinichpongWichai, LeelayuwatChanvit

Improved immune system in elderly

Traditional Thai massage may promote immunity by attenuating senescent CD4+ T cell subsets, especially in CD4+28<sup>null</sup> NKG2D+ T cells, and may be a beneficial complementary therapy for the elderly.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

17.

Complementary and alternative interventions for stroke recovery - a narrative overview of the published evidence.

Author: VenketasubramanianNarayanaswamy

Weak evidence

This review found limited evidence supporting the use of complementary and alternative interventions (CAIs) for stroke recovery. While some studies show potential benefits, most evidence is weak and relies on small, poorly designed studies. More research is needed to establish the effectiveness and safety of CAIs for stroke recovery.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Meta-AnalysisA statistical technique that integrates the results of multiple studies to draw more general conclusions about a particular issue.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

This site uses cookies. Visit our privacy policy page or click the link in any footer for more information and to change your preferences.