Does Massage Therapy “work”?

Massage is a popular treatment for tough, common pain problems like lower back pain, neck pain, and headaches — but can it provide meaningful change, or does it just pleasantly distract patients and take their mind off the pain?

Regardless, I still highly recommend massage therapy. It has some plausible medical benefits, even if they are inconsistent and unproven. More importantly, the emotional value of touch and the effects on mood and mental health are so profound that patients really just cannot lose — good quality massage therapy is a worthwhile service for anyone who can afford it whether it “works” as a treatment or not.