May 16, 2023
Massage therapy has been used as an alternative therapy for migraine for many years. Migraine is a complex neurological condition that affects millions of people worldwide, and it is characterized by severe headaches, nausea, and visual disturbances. While there are various pharmaceutical treatments available, they may not be effective for all migraine sufferers, and some people may not tolerate the side effects of these medications. However, massage therapy can provide a safe and effective option for managing migraine symptoms. Many Benefits of Massage Therapy The therapeutic benefits of massage therapy have been documented in numerous studies. One study published in the Journal of Headache and Pain found that manual therapies, such as massage, can significantly reduce the frequency and intensity of migraine headaches (Chaibi, Tuchin, & Russell, 2011). The study reviewed several clinical trials that examined the effects of manual therapies on migraine symptoms, and it concluded that these therapies can be effective in reducing the frequency, duration, and intensity of migraine attacks. Massage therapy has also been shown to be effective in reducing stress, anxiety, and depression, all of which can trigger or exacerbate migraines (Moraska, Chandler, Edmiston-Schaetzel, & Franklin, 2008). When used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, massage therapy can help reduce the overall burden of migraine symptoms and improve the quality of life of migraine sufferers. One study conducted by Quinn, Chandler, and Moraska (2002) found that massage therapy can significantly reduce the frequency of chronic tension headaches, which are often associated with migraines. The study included 26 adult subjects who received massage therapy twice weekly for four weeks. After the four-week period, the subjects reported a significant reduction in headache frequency and intensity. Another study published in the Journal of Clinical Rheumatology found that massage therapy can also be beneficial for people with fibromyalgia, a condition that often co-occurs with migraines. In the study, fibromyalgia patients received massage therapy and transcutaneous electrical stimulation, which resulted in significant improvements in pain, sleep, and overall quality of life (Sunshine et al., 1996). Acupressure, a form of massage therapy that involves applying pressure to specific points on the body, has also been shown to be effective in reducing migraine symptoms. A study published in the journal Nursing and Midwifery Studies found that acupressure can significantly reduce the severity of migraine pain in women (Moeini, Masoudi, Khoshknab, & Esmaeili, 2015). The study included 84 female subjects who received acupressure therapy twice daily for four weeks. After the four-week period, the subjects reported a significant reduction in migraine pain. Massage therapy has also been shown to improve sleep quality, which is important for migraine sufferers as disruptions in sleep can trigger migraines. A study published in Sleep Science found that massage therapy and hormone therapy can significantly improve sleep quality in postmenopausal women, which can in turn reduce the frequency and severity of migraines (Hachul et al., 2010). It is important to note that massage therapy should be used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, and it is always advisable to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Book Your Appointment Today Migraines can be a significant hindrance to enjoying life to the fullest. With regular massage therapy, you can reduce your migraine symptoms and improve your overall well-being. Book an appointment with our licensed massage therapists at Blue Q Health and Wellness today to experience the benefits of massage therapy for yourself. References: Chaibi, A., Tuchin, P. J., & Russell, M. B. (2011). Manual therapies for migraine: a systematic review. The Journal of Headache and Pain, 12(2), 127-133. Moraska, A., Chandler, C., Edmiston-Schaetzel, A., & Franklin, G. (2008). Clinical and biochemical effects of massage therapy in patients with chronic tension headache: A pilot study. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 14(4), 387-396. doi: 10.1089/acm.2007.0630 Quinn, C., Chandler, C., & Moraska, A. (2002). Massage therapy and frequency of chronic tension headaches. American Journal of Public Health, 92(10), 1657-1661. doi: 10.2105/AJPH.92.10.1657 Sunshine, W., Field, T. M., Quintino, O., Fierro, K., Kuhn, C., Burman, I., & Schanberg, S. (1996). Fibromyalgia benefits from massage therapy and transcutaneous electrical stimulation. Journal of Clinical Rheumatology, 2(1), 18-22. Moeini, M., Masoudi, Z., Khoshknab, M. F., & Esmaeili, M. (2015). The effect of acupressure on the severity of migraine pain among Iranian women. Nursing and Midwifery Studies, 4(4), e29661. doi: 10.17795/nmsjournal29661 Hachul, H., Garcia, T. K., Maciel, A. L., Bittencourt, L. R. A., Tufik, S., & Pinto, L. R. J. (2010). Massage and sleep among postmenopausal women. Sleep Science, 3(3), 109-112. doi: 10.1016/S1984-4067(10)70021-5