Massage School Research Studies

Massage and upper extremity pain syndromes: carpal tunnel syndrome
In 2002 the AMTA Foundation funded our proposal to investigate the effect of two different massage therapy protocols on improving hand function associated with carpal tunnel syndrome. Participants underwent six weeks of either a general upper body massage or a massage specifically directed at soft tissues of the arm and neck of the affected side.

Data collection was completed in late spring of 2004. We are still compiling and analyzing data, but the preliminary results look promising for improvement in strength and function with massage.

A poster presentation discussing this study in greater detail will be at the AMTA convention in Nashville, Tennessee this October.