International Journal of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork

06/15/2026

Today's research highlight, from your very own International Journal of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork!

“This study explored the effect of massage therapy (MT) in reducing overall and test anxiety in traditional-aged undergraduate business students com-pared to a comparison group engaged in a relaxation activity.” https://bit.ly/4vTJpjS

06/13/2026

A new issue of IJTMB has been released! Check out 9 open-access articles including an editorial on collective advocacy for MTs, and research articles about the impact of massage for anxiety, infant development, shoulder range of motion in post-mastectomy clients, and other thought-provoking peer-reviewed research: https://bit.ly/ijtmb105

06/08/2026

“This study aimed to evaluate whether ultrasound-guided pediatric tuina therapy improves efficacy and procedural efficiency compared with pediatric tuina therapy [when treating intestinal intussusception in young children.]” https://bit.ly/4vEFBms

06/01/2026

“Objective: To investigate how early manual lymphatic drainage can prevent lower limb lymphedema (LLL) following real-world gynecological cancer surgery.” https://bit.ly/4obfykb

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

Today's article comes from International Journal of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork. Check it out and read the rest of the issue at www.ijtmb.org

“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

Check out this week's article from International Journal of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, authored by IJTMB Executive Editor Amanda Baskwill, PhD:

“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