Jose G. Veliz, M.D. M.S.A.
Medical Director
Palomar Pain Management Center
Pomerado Pain Management Center

Posted August 14, 2008 1:45 PM

Massage Reduces Pain Perception And Muscle Pain

A recent article in the August, 2008, issue of The Journal of Pain, discussed a randomized, controlled trial suggesting that massage is capable of reducing the symptoms of muscle pain by approximately 25% to 50%.  The purpose of the study was to examine the effects of massage on perceived muscle pain and hyperalgesia.  Hyperalgesia is defined as increased or heightened sensitivity to pain stimulation.  The study demonstrated that massage reduces both muscle pain perception and hyperalgesia.

One of the most common forms of pain is musculoskeletal pain.  Approximately 10% to 15% of the population of the United States has chronic, widespread muscle pain while 20% to 50% of the population has chronic, regional muscle pain.  Despite the fact that numerous medications are available for the treatment of musculoskeletal pain, patients and physicians continue to seek alternative therapies with fewer side effects.

Although massage is frequently used by lay persons, there is only limited scientific evidence which supports the use of massage to decrease or prevent muscle pain.  Theories which explain the effectiveness of massage for muscle pain include promoting relaxation, increasing muscular temperature, decreasing muscular nerve excitability, decreasing muscle scar-like tissue and increasing muscle blood circulation. 

There are a number of different types of muscle pain.  However, this study was focused on delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) which is temporary muscle pain frequently occurring 8 to 24 hours after unaccustomed exercise.

Reference:

Frey Law, L., Evans, S, Knudtson, J, Nus, S, Scholl, K,  Sluka, K:  Massage reduces pain perception and hyperalgesia in experimental muscle pain: A randomized, controlled trial.  The Journal of Pain, Vol 9, No. 8 (August ), 2008: pp 714-721