April 2008 [Volume 7, Issue 4]

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In this issue of To Your Health:

• Blood Pressure, Heart Rate and Deep-Tissue Massage
• A More Prominent Role in Cancer Care
• Massage and Hot Stone Therapy Question

Blood Pressure, Heart Rate and Deep-Tissue Massage

A recent study published in the March issue of the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine examined the effect of deep-tissue massage on systolic, diastolic and mean arterial blood pressure and heart rate.

A total of 263 volunteers with an average age of 48.5 took part in the study (12 percent males and 88 percent females). Baseline blood pressure and heart rate were measured by an automatic blood pressure cuff and overall muscle spasm and/or strain was described as either moderate or severe for each patient. Volunteers received either a 45-minute or a 60-minute massage while one of 21 different soothing CDs played in the background during the session.

Results of the study proved favorable with an average systolic pressure reduction of 10.4 mm Hg; a diastolic pressure reduction of 5.3 mm Hg; a mean arterial reduction of 7.0 mm Hg; and an average heart rate reduction of 10.8 beats per minute. While results look promising, the researchers suggest that more scientific research in this area is necessary before conclusive claims can be made regarding the validity of deep-tissue massage, blood pressure and heart rate.

A More Prominent Role in Cancer Care

Another recent study published in the March issue of the Journal of Complementary and Alternative Medicine highlights the use of massage for cancer patients at the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Texas. The program's primary goal is to "improve circulation and decrease muscle tension, pain, anxiety and stress; and its secondary goals are to decrease insomnia and improve gastrointestinal functioning."

There have been a handful of studies done to evaluate the effectiveness of massage and cancer patients but few have had significant numbers or much evidence-based findings to back up its claims. But, according to the study authors, "Massage therapy is becoming an increasingly accepted practice, both in our institution [M.D. Anderson] and in other large cancer centers in the United States. However, additional research is needed to clarify whether the benefits of massage to patients extend beyond the temporary relief of pain, anxiety and distress."

The author's also note that "After seven years of experience with massage within our center, its safety is now accepted within our general and cancer-specific guidelines." They do acknowledge that more research is needed. "In addition to effects of massage on clinical outcomes, institutional questions about cost-effectiveness, credentialing and continuing education for practitioners and other members of the health care team will be needed."

Massage and Hot Stone Therapy Question

Question: I recently got a hot stone therapy kit to use at home. When I read the book that came with it, it warned 10 pages into the book that certain people should avoid hot stone therapy (i.e. diabetics, people with poor circulation, people with epilepsy). Why should these people avoid hot stone therapy? Wouldn't they benefit from it? If it's so detrimental, why wasn't this information placed on the box where consumers could see it before they wasted their money buying it?

Answer: Hot stone therapy kits usually are sold to therapists who have had some experience and/or training using the hot stones. Heat increases circulation, so this would not be a good idea for someone with high blood pressure. People with diabetes often can't tell temperature and it is easier to burn someone with this condition. And finally, with epilepsy, a new treatment can bring on a seizure, so the hot stone would be introduced slowly as part of their regular treatment.

Hot stone therapy is about using temperature to promote the healing process. There are few instances where a person can't have this type of therapy. In the cases you describe, hot stone therapy can be used but at a lower temperature. If you have no formal training in using the hot stones, it is best to abide by what the manual tells you.

Rajam Roose

Note: Information provided in this Q&A section is drawn from the "Ask a Massage Therapist" online forum, in which massage therapists field questions relative to the massage profession. Readers are encouraged to post their questions at www.massagetoday.com/ask/. Answers should not be misconstrued as a diagnosis, prognosis or treatment recommendation and do not in any way constitute the practice of massage therapy or any other health care profession. Readers should consult their own health care providers for medical advice.

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