Review Shows Effectiveness of Massage for Anxiety and Depression in Patients with Cancer

A team of researchers performed a systematic review to comprehensively evaluate the reliability of massage therapy for cancer patients with anxiety and depression.

In their rationale for conducting the review, the authors write that “Anxiety and depression, complications of cancer, are prevalent but often overlooked mental illnesses. Studies have demonstrated that massage therapy is useful in relieving anxiety and depression of cancer survivors. However, the mechanism is still unclear and no systematic review has provided sufficient evidence for the treatment.”

The researchers systematically evaluated literature from PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Web of Science, Wanfang, Chongqing VIP, CNKI and the Chinese Biomedical Literature Database from the establishment of the databases to June 1, 2020. Only randomized controlled trials on massage for cancer survivors with anxiety and depression, regardless of language and publication status, were included.

The study concludes that, despite the lack of a clear clinical mechanism of action, “massage therapy can be effective in easing mood and reducing cancer-related symptoms, including depression, anxiety pain, fatigue, and so on.”

Read the full study at https://doi.org/10.1097/MD.0000000000022262.

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News

Minnesota Delays Action on Massage and Asian Bodywork Therapy Licensure

The Minnesota legislature will not adopt massage and Asian bodywork therapy licensure in 2023. ABMP members are an essential part of ensuring that the Minnesota legislature prioritizes licensure next year. Contact your state representative and senator today to let them know massage and Asian bodywork therapy licensure deserves attention in 2024.

Texas Proposes New Massage Therapy, Barber, Cosmetology Rules

The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation proposed rules that affect massage therapy. The rules are necessary to align the dishonored payment processing fee with statutory requirements, add additional rules regarding complaints, and revise the processes and procedures for contested cases. Submit comments in support, or opposition to, the proposed rules before April 3, 2023.

Blog

Eight Reasons Why I Love Being a Massage Therapist

Love Being a Massage Therapist

Taking inspiration from a recent ABMP Facebook thread on the subject, freelance writer and LMT Cindy Williams put together a list of her top eight things she loves about being a massage therapist.

Benefits

Podcast: Push and Pull: The Brain-Body Connection

In this episode of The ABMP Podcast, Kristin and Darren are joined by Allison Denney to discuss why interoception and homeostasis are so important for massage therapists, and the benefits of using techniques that use opposing forces and directions during your sessions.

Podcast: Sound Healing with Ben Brown

In this episode of The ABMP Podcast, Kristin and Darren speak with Ben Brown, founder of HND + TMPL Massage Therapy, about how sound affects the body, mind, and spirit.

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