Printer friendly versionMassage, Reflexology and Manipulative Techniques
This text is based on Cochrane reviews, which are recognized scientific articles.
What is a Cochrane Review?Authors: Department of Clinical Epidemiology at Aarhus University Hospital and ViFAB.
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| What is Positive Effect?What is Possible Positive Effect?What is No Effect? |
A possible positive effect is found in connection with:
The following treatments show a tendency towards a possible positive effect. However, the evidence is insufficient and cannot form the basis of general recommendations:
Breast stimulation for cervical ripening and induction of labour
Creams for preventing stretch marks in pregnancy
Interventions for varicose veins and leg oedema in pregnancy
Manipulation or mobilisation for neck pain
Massage intervention for promoting mental and physical health in infants aged under six months
Massage therapy for people with HIV/AIDS
Non-surgical treatment (other than steroid injection) for carpal tunnel syndrome
Spinal manipulative therapy for low-back pain
None of the Cochrane reviews on massage, reflexology and manipulation of bones and joints can conclude with certainty that the treatments are ineffective.
At present there exists only a few Cochrane reviews summarizing the results of studies into alternative therapies such as massage, reflexology and manipulation of bones and joints.
The main conclusion of the majority of the Cochrane reviews is that there exists no solid evidence to determine the effectiveness of the treatments.
Antenatal perineal massage for reducing perineal trauma
Breast stimulation for cervical ripening and induction of labour
Chest physiotherapy for pneumonia in adults
Conservative treatments for whiplash
Creams for preventing stretch marks in pregnancy
Deep transverse friction massage for treating tendinitis
Interventions for preventing hamstring injuries
Interventions for varicose veins and leg oedema in pregnancy
Manipulation or mobilisation for neck pain
Massage and touch for dementia
Massage for mechanical neck disorders
Massage intervention for promoting mental and physical health in infants aged under six months
Massage therapy for people with HIV/AIDS
Non-invasive interventions for improving well-being and quality of life in patients with lung cancer
Non-surgical treatment (other than steroid injection) for carpal tunnel syndrome
Physical therapies for reducing and controlling lymphoedema of the limbs
Preventing occupational stress in healthcare workers
Psychological interventions for people with cystic fibrosis and their families
Spinal manipulation for dysmenorrhoea
Spinal manipulative therapy for low-back pain