Why benefits of massage may be a myth?

[Franklin]

After a hard day of massaging clients I came across this article in The Times newspaper today -30th May. I don't know how to make the link short. If it doesn't work go to www.timesonline.co.uk and put massage in the search box.

Maybe because massage is how I earn an honest living it seems that some boffin is always trying to put it down.

http://women.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/women/body_and_soul/article6387962.ece

 

[Solo Style]

I checked this out and as soon as I read "twelve subjects" I knew there was nothing for you to worry about.

Put simply, no-one can base a scientific study on only twelve subjects, then expect those results to be accurate for every person on the planet who has a massage.

If we're testing science against belief, and we want the results to be accurate, then we have to use science to make that test. The methodology used in this this study was not good science.

David

 

[Mantis]

Maybe they used rubbish massage therapists too

 

[Levinia Brady]

Actually a very valid point.

Those who can be bothered wading though Douglas Altmans Practical Statistics for Medical Research
(ISBN 0 412 27630 5)
will be able to find plenty of good reasons why this study is flawed.

David

 

[Neodstome]

Hi E99

I wouldn't worry your little cotton socks over the Times massage article. Whether massage or placebo or not, I don't think most users really care. It's the results that count. And if the research about post event massage doesn't really reduce lactic acid (one single variable) turns out to be true, well why not? What's wrong with psychological benefits, isn't massage a therapy based on a holistic paradigm?

One of the problems of complementary health is that there is so little evidence-based information. I wish I had £5 every time a reflexologist has said to me that it works by breaking down crystals in the feet interfering with nerve impulses, but there is no scentific evidence for this. If there are these crystals you would never be able to put pressure in the feet. The so-called crystal crunchies are more likely to be fibrobic adhensions. The crystal theory was developed 100 years ago and A&P has moved on since then.

One tutor repeats what their tutor said and so forth without questioning.

It's the same in massage. That boring theory about working towards the heart, treating the body like a series of pipes, but both ancient and cutting edge modern theory suggests the body is more electrical in nature.

We live in interesting and challenging times, but one way or the other the understanding of what goes on in the human body will develop and change.

Best Wishes

RP