Massage Therapy Shown to Support Mental Health: New Research Highlights

EVANSTON, Ill., May 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) is spotlighting new research that underscores the benefits of massage therapy for anxiety and depression. Recently published findings from a systematic review and two clinical studies highlight the significant impact of massage in alleviating symptoms of anxiety and depression. Together, these studies strengthen the case for integrating massage therapy as an evidence-based, complementary approach to mental health care.

Systematic Review of Massage and Manual Therapies for Anxiety Relief
This 2024 comprehensive systematic review¹ analyzed 34 high-quality studies to assess the effectiveness of manual therapy modalities—particularly massage therapy—in alleviating anxiety symptoms. Notably, 83% of the massage-focused studies (15 out of 18) reported statistically significant reductions in anxiety levels. The review concluded that various forms of manual therapy, including massage, consistently decrease anxiety intensity. These findings provide strong support for including massage therapy as a reliable, evidence-based approach for managing anxiety.

Traditional Thai Massage (TTM) for Patients with Major Depressive Disorder
A randomized controlled trial² examined the effects of traditional Thai massage (TTM) as an adjunctive therapy to antidepressant medication in individuals diagnosed with major depressive disorder. Forty-eight participants undergoing standard antidepressant treatment were randomized to either an eight-week TTM program (90-minute sessions twice weekly) or a control group that maintained usual activities. The results demonstrated a significant reduction in depression severity for the TTM group, compared to the control group. The study concluded that TTM, when used alongside standard medication can improve depression outcomes and quality of life.

Effect of Aromatherapy Massage on Depression and Anxiety in Elderly Adults
Another study explored the effects of aromatherapy massage³—using lavender, chamomile, and rosemary essential oils—on anxiety and depression in elderly adults residing in nursing homes. Participants who received regular 20-minute aromatherapy massages three times per week experienced significant reductions in both anxiety levels and depression scores. The findings highlight the therapeutic potential of massage therapy, combined with essential oils, in improving mental health outcomes for elderly residents in institutional care settings.

"This new research reinforces what many in our profession have long observed—massage therapy can play an important role in supporting mental well-being. Whether helping to ease anxiety or complementing treatment for depression, massage offers a therapeutic touch that supports both body and mind," said Cindy E. Farrar, AMTA National President.

Massage Therapy's Vital Role in Mental Health Care 
As mental health challenges continue to rise, AMTA remains committed to advancing research and raising awareness of massage therapy's vital role in mental health care. These new findings reaffirm the positive impact of massage therapy in reducing anxiety and depression symptoms across diverse populations. AMTA encourages healthcare providers, policymakers, and the public to consider massage therapy as a valuable, evidence-based addition to integrative mental health strategies.

About the American Massage Therapy Association
The American Massage Therapy Association, the most trusted name in massage therapy, is a non-profit and the largest professional association serving massage therapists, massage students and massage schools. The association is directed by volunteer leadership and fosters ongoing, direct member-involvement through its 51 chapters. AMTA works to advance the profession through ethics and standards, the promotion of fair and consistent licensing of massage therapists in all states, and public education on the benefits of massage. To find a qualified massage therapist in your area, please visit AMTA's Find a Massage Therapist Locator Service™.

(1)    West KL, Huzij T. "A systematic review of manual therapy modalities and anxiety." J Osteopath Med. 2024;124(11):487-497. doi: 10.1515/jom-2024-0001. PMID: 38905700.

(2)    Chompoopan W, Eungpinichpong W, Arunpongpaisal S, Chompoopan W. Efficacy of traditional Thai massage as adjunctive therapy in patients with major depressive disorder. Health Promot Perspect. 2024 Jul 29;14(2):168-174. doi: 10.34172/hpp.42625. PMID: 39291046; PMCID: PMC11403337.

(3)    Mehrabian S, Tirgari B, Forouzi MA, Tajadini H, Jahani Y. "Effect of Aromatherapy Massage on Depression and Anxiety of Elderly Adults: a Randomized Controlled Trial." Int J Ther Massage Bodywork. 2022;15(1):37-45. doi: 10.3822/ijtmb.v15i1.645. PMID: 35280245; PMCID: PMC8887855.

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SOURCE American Massage Therapy Association