Most healthcare providers are recognizing massage therapy as a legitimate aid for lower back pain.

Fifty-four percent of healthcare providers say they will encourage their patients to pursue massage therapy in addition to medical treatment.

A study on massage and back pain conducted at the Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami in 2001 found that: “Massage lessened lower back pain, depression and anxiety, and improved sleep. The massage therapy group also showed improved range of motion and their serotonin and dopamine levels were higher.” (International Journal of Neuroscience, 106, 131-145.)

They say that the benefits from massage therapy are that it improves blood circulation, which aids in recovery of muscle soreness from physical activity.

Massage relaxes muscles for an improved range of motion. It can also help with insomnia, and increase endorphin levels which is apparently one of the greatest benefits of massage therapy.

I have to agree with these findings but I do feel that it can depend on the therapist that gives you the massage. I used to see a lady on a regular basis who was amazing at massage therapy and I found it really helped, but since she retired I have yet to find anyone as good as she was.