The effectiveness of Swedish massage and traditional Thai massage in treating chronic low back pain: a review of the literature.
OBJECTIVE
To review the effectiveness of Swedish and traditional Thai massage in treating chronic low back pain.


BACKGROUND
Thai and Swedish massage both appear to relieve lower back pain but their relative effectiveness has not been clearly established.


METHODS
A literature review of nine databases were searched and 13 papers found.


RESULTS
Six papers meet the inclusion criteria and were summarised and reviewed. Both Thai and Swedish massages are reported to relieve chronic low back pain by enhancing physical functions; providing pain relief, improving disability and range of motion, improving psychological functions; reducing anxiety and improving mood. Although based on different theoretical frameworks, they appear to be equally effective in relieving chronic low back pain.


CONCLUSIONS
Despite some evidence for the use of massage to relieve low back pain, methodological limitations highlight the need for further studies that compare Thai massage and Swedish massage.
School of Nursing and Midwifery, Research Centre for Clinical & Community Practice Innovation, Griffith Health Institute, Griffith University, 170 Kessels Road, Nathan Campus, Nathan/QLD 4111, Australia. n.sritoomma@griffith.edu.au
Sritoomma
S
Netchanok
Moyle
M
Wendy
Cooke
C
Marie
O'Dwyer
O
Siobhan
D000339:Affect; D001007:Anxiety / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D059350:Chronic Pain / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D017116:Low Back Pain / Q000628:therapy*; D008405:Massage / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome