Can Massage Help With Anxiety? What the Research Says

Massage may help some people feel less tense and less anxious for a while. It is not a treatment for an anxiety disorder, and the research on it is limited and mixed. Here is what we know, what a session is like, and when to look beyond massage.

What research says

The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) says that in some studies, massage therapy helped reduce anxiety for people with cancer or other medical conditions, but that little research has been done on massage for anxiety disorders and the results have been conflicting.

The NCCIH's massage fact sheet is similarly cautious. For people with cancer, it says the evidence that massage relieves pain and anxiety is not strong, and it describes a review of 19 small studies whose evidence quality was very low. Most of the studies it covers involve people with a medical condition, so they may not describe your situation.

A fair summary: massage is a low-risk way to try to unwind, and some people find it helps. We cannot promise it will reduce your anxiety, and no study we found shows it replaces other care.

What a session is like here

Our licensed massage therapists offer relaxation massage (lighter, flowing pressure), deep tissue massage (slower, firmer pressure), myofascial release (sustained, gentle pressure and stretching) and focused work on a problem area such as the neck, shoulders or low back. Sessions run 30, 60 or 90 minutes, and you do not need to be a chiropractic patient or have a referral. Tell your therapist what pressure feels right. You can book with a specific therapist or ask us to help match you.

Safety

The NCCIH says the risk of harm from massage appears to be low. Rare serious problems, such as a blood clot, nerve injury or fracture, have been reported, often after vigorous massage like deep tissue work or in people at higher risk of injury, such as older adults. If you have a health condition or take medication, tell us before your session.

When to look beyond massage

The NCCIH advises against using massage to put off seeing a health care provider about a medical problem. The National Institute of Mental Health describes anxiety disorders as anxiety that does not go away, shows up in many situations and can get worse over time. If that sounds like you, talk with your doctor or a mental health professional.

If you are struggling or having thoughts of suicide, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is free and available 24/7 by call, text or chat. In an emergency, call 911.

Book a massage

If you want to try massage for tension and stress, call or text 484.455.4664 or book online. Keep It Kinetic Chiropractic, 3254 W Ridge Pike, Suite 202, Pottstown, PA 19464.