The Power of Massage Therapy for Autoimmune Diseases: AMTA Highlights Emerging Research

EVANSTON, Ill., July 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) is committed to advancing integrative health care by spotlighting the powerful role massage therapy can play in supporting individuals with autoimmune conditions. These conditions affect up to 50 million Americans—and disproportionately impact women at rates up to three times higher than men.¹  With more than 100 recognized autoimmune diseases, including Multiple Sclerosis (MS), rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes, and lupus, the need for effective, holistic approaches is critical. Explore emerging research showing that massage therapy can significantly improve pain, mood, and quality of life—while helping reduce reliance on medication—for individuals with an autoimmune condition.

Swedish Massage Boosts Well-Being in People with MS
A recent study examined how Swedish massage affects people with MS, focusing on mood and quality of life. Over six weeks, 70 participants were divided into two groups—one received 50-minute Swedish massages twice a week, while the other continued standard care. The massage group showed significant improvements in stress, anxiety, pain, fatigue, stiffness, sleep, and overall well-being. These results indicate that Swedish massage could be a valuable complementary therapy for MS.²

Connective Tissue Massage Enhances Fibromyalgia Care
Although fibromyalgia is not currently classified as an autoimmune disease, it often coexists with autoimmune conditions, where inflammation can heighten nervous system sensitivity and lead to symptoms such as fatigue, joint pain, and brain fog. This study assessed the added value of combining connective tissue massage (CTM) with Clinical Pilates for women with fibromyalgia. Over six weeks, 32 participants received either both therapies or Pilates alone. While symptoms for both groups improved, those also receiving CTM had greater pain reduction. These findings suggest CTM may help with pain management and strengthen the benefits of exercise-based treatment for fibromyalgia.³

Swedish Massage Reduces Pain in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients
Researchers studied whether Swedish massage could help reduce pain and painkiller use in people with rheumatoid arthritis. Sixty patients were split into two groups, with one receiving regular 30-minute massages and the other receiving standard care over an eight-week period. The massage group reported less pain and reduced medication use during and after treatment. The study supports Swedish massage as an effective tool for managing pain in rheumatoid arthritis patients.⁴

"Massage therapy offers powerful, research-backed benefits for people living with autoimmune disorders, helping to ease pain, improve emotional well-being, and enhance quality of life. At AMTA, we are proud to support and promote this vital integrative approach that empowers individuals on their wellness journeys," said Cindy E. Farrar, AMTA National President. 

Transforming Care: AMTA's Commitment to Holistic Autoimmune Support
As research evolves, AMTA remains committed to championing massage therapy as a key part of integrative care for those with autoimmune conditions. These findings highlight massage's potential to complement medical treatment and improve lives. Through ongoing support for research, practitioner education, and public outreach, AMTA is working to broaden access to massage therapy and elevate its role in comprehensive health care.

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™.

Media Contact:
Kristin Taylor
Senior Manager, Communications & Content Strategy
American Massage Therapy Association
[email protected] 

SOURCE American Massage Therapy Association