MassageNet is a practice-based research network for the massage therapy and body-work professions.
What makes MassageNet unique is that we are a Practice-based Research Network (PBRN). This type of network utilizes a method of research in which data is collected in clinical practice, rather than in a research environment. This method offers researchers the ability to better understand what actually happens in the field, rather than what happens in the tightly controlled research setting. We are
05/18/2026
“This randomized controlled trial aimed to compare the effectiveness of court-type traditional Thai massage (CTTM) alone versus CTTM combined with acupuncture (CTTMA) on pain intensity (primary outcome) and lumbar flexibility (secondary outcome) in patients with Low Back Pain.” https://bit.ly/4dvie78
05/11/2026
“The study investigated whether gentle brushing, deep pressure or tapping modulates acute thermal pain perception, and whether such modulation differs in individuals with the primary pain condition fibromyalgia. We also tested whether applying the touch and pain stimuli within versus between spinal segments influences the degree of touch-pain modulation, and whether individual differences in trauma history or depression and anxiety alter this effect.” https://bit.ly/42ZW9c3
05/04/2026
“The purpose of this project is to examine the pain-relieving effects of Heisei Shiatsu in hospitalized cancer patients and to compare those results with other bodywork modalities which have been established for longer in this field.” https://bit.ly/4tS8CdS
04/27/2026
“This editorial examines the role of language in defining professional credibility [in the therapeutic massage and bodywork field] and reviews key initiatives that have sought to establish shared terminology and taxonomies.” https://bit.ly/4sZkVE0
International Journal of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork
04/20/2026
“This study aimed to compare the effects of two massage methods-rotational effleurage massage and connective tissue massage (CTM)-on pain intensity and labor outcomes…This quasi-experimental, multicenter study was conducted on 90 pregnant women (gestational age 38-40 weeks) admitted in labor at three hospitals.” https://bit.ly/48bP23q
04/13/2026
Check out this week's article from International Journal of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork!
“This study aimed to investigate the effects of self-massage on immune function, stress, and quality of life in young adults. Secondary objectives included evaluating the feasibility, adherence, and safety of the intervention.” https://bit.ly/3Q3jhU4
04/06/2026
“This [randomized controlled clinical trial] aimed to assess the impact of a 10-session hand massage protocol on hand function, grip strength, pinch strength, pain threshold, and tactile sensory threshold in patients with early-stage, seropositive rheumatoid arthritis (RA) without radiographic damage or hand deformity.” https://bit.ly/47LgvJb
04/01/2026
IJTMB seeks submissions for a special issue on Pain Management and Pain Science. The issue will showcase the potential for massage and bodywork to impact the understanding, treatment, and lived experience of pain, as well as quality of life and overall wellness.
IJTMB invites researchers, educators, practitioners, students, and advocates to submit original research, case reports, literature reviews, commentaries, and more (please see full description).
The submission deadline is December 31, 2026.
Read more about the submission requirements: https://bit.ly/43z6j4n
03/30/2026
“Objective: To systematically evaluate, through a meta-analysis, the effectiveness and safety of massage combined with traction for the treatment of lumbar disc herniation (LDH).” https://bit.ly/4deWZrW
03/23/2026
“The objective of this scoping review was to map and characterize the existing evidence for changes in cortisol and/or oxytocin levels in response to three commonly used manual therapy interventions and to identify patterns and gaps within the literature.” https://bit.ly/4sAw9zu
03/16/2026
“Objective: To evaluate the therapeutic effects of manual therapy (MT) on pain, walking function, proprioception, and lower-limb muscle strength in geriatric patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA), and to explore potential biomechanical mechanisms.” https://bit.ly/4uyA40K