Behavioral Healthcare

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A new randomized trial shows that on average, three months after receiving a series of 10 massage sessions, patients had half the symptoms of anxiety. This improvement resembles that previously reported with psychotherapy, medications or both. However, the trial also found massage to be no more effective than simple relaxation in a room alone with soft, soothing music.

According to Karen J. Sherman, Ph.D., M.P.H., a senior investigator at Group Health Research Institute, massage therapy is among the most popular complementary and alternative medical (CAM) treatments for anxiety. But this is the first rigorous trial to assess how effective massage is for patients with generalized anxiety disorder.

The trial randomly assigned 68 Group Health patients with generalized anxiety disorder to 10 one-hour sessions in pleasant, relaxing environments, each presided over by a licensed massage therapist who delivered either massage or one of two control treatments. The control treatments were relaxation therapy, which is breathing deeply while lying down, and thermotherapy, which is when arms and legs are wrapped intermittently with heating pads and warm towels.

All three treatments were provided while lying down on a massage table in a softly lighted room with quiet music. All participants received a handout on practicing deep breathing daily at home. Unlike the two control treatments, massage was specifically designed to enhance the function of the parasympathetic nervous system and relieve symptoms of anxiety including muscle tension. According to Dr. Sherman, by using a standard rating scale in interviews, the patients were asked about the psychological and physical effects of their anxiety right after the 12-week treatment period ended and three months later.

All three of the groups reported that their symptoms of anxiety had decreased by about 40 percent by the end of treatment — and by about 50 percent three months later. In addition to the decline in anxiety, the patients also reported fewer symptoms of depression and less worry and disability. The research team detected no differences among the three groups; but the trial did not include a control group that received no treatment at all.

“Treatment in a relaxing room is much less expensive than the other treatments — massage or thermotherapy. It may be the most cost-effective option for people with generalized anxiety disorder who want to try a relaxation-oriented complementary medicine therapy,” Dr. Sherman said.

Source: Group Health Research Institute, March 8, 2010