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Can Massage Therapy Help with Anxiety? Here's What a Major Study Found

  • Writer: Lauren Walker
    Lauren Walker
  • Aug 26
  • 3 min read

In today’s fast-paced world, anxiety is more common than ever. Whether it’s caused by work, health, relationships, or simply the constant digital noise we live in, many people are seeking effective ways to manage their mental health beyond medication. One treatment that's gained increasing attention is massage therapy—and science is starting to back it up in a big way.


One standout piece of research in this area is a 2010 meta-analysis published in the journal Depression and Anxiety. This comprehensive review looked at numerous clinical studies to determine whether massage therapy could actually help reduce symptoms of anxiety—and the results were compelling.


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What the Study Looked At

The meta-analysis, led by Christopher A. Moyer and colleagues, reviewed 17 studies involving clinical and non-clinical populations, from patients with generalized anxiety disorder and cancer to those undergoing surgery or living with chronic pain. The goal was to evaluate whether massage had a measurable effect on state anxiety—that is, a temporary emotional state characterized by tension and nervousness.


Key features of the research:

  • Included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to ensure reliable data.

  • Covered a wide range of populations, ages, and medical conditions.

  • Compared massage to both active (like other therapies) and passive (like waitlists or no treatment) control groups.


The Results: Massage Therapy Works

The analysis found statistically significant reductions in anxiety levels across the board. In other words, massage therapy consistently helped people feel less anxious, regardless of the specific condition they were facing.


In Numbers:

  • The effect size—a statistical measure of how strong the effect was—was categorized as "moderate to large."

  • This means massage wasn’t just slightly better than doing nothing—it had a noticeable and meaningful impact on anxiety.


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Why Does Massage Help with Anxiety?

While massage isn’t a psychological therapy in the traditional sense, it affects the body in ways that can have powerful mental health benefits:


1. Activates the Parasympathetic Nervous System

Massage stimulates the body’s “rest and digest” mode, which lowers heart rate, decreases blood pressure, and promotes calmness—countering the fight-or-flight response that’s often heightened in anxiety.


2. Reduces Cortisol

Cortisol is the body’s main stress hormone. Massage therapy has been shown to reduce cortisol levels, helping people feel more relaxed both physically and mentally.


3. Boosts Serotonin and Dopamine

These “feel-good” neurotransmitters help stabilize mood and promote feelings of happiness and well-being.


Implications for Mental Health Care

This meta-analysis supports the idea that massage therapy can be a valuable complementary approach to anxiety treatment. While it may not replace cognitive behavioral therapy or medication for everyone, it can be an excellent addition—particularly for individuals looking for holistic, non-invasive options.

Clinics, hospitals, and wellness centers are increasingly incorporating massage into mental health and integrative care programs. It's also a viable option for people who experience side effects from medication or prefer drug-free approaches.


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Is It Right for You?

If you're considering massage therapy to manage anxiety, here are a few tips:

  • Talk to a licensed therapist trained in anxiety-sensitive care.

  • Look for integrative clinics where massage is used alongside other therapies.

  • Be consistent—just like other therapies, the benefits of massage may build over time.


Final Thoughts

The 2010 meta-analysis in Depression and Anxiety adds solid scientific weight to something many people already feel after a good massage: less tension, more peace, and a sense of emotional balance. While it's not a cure-all, massage therapy offers real, research-backed relief from anxiety symptoms across a wide range of people and conditions.


If you're struggling with anxiety, this gentle yet powerful practice might just be a step toward a calmer mind and body.

Sources:

  • Moyer, C. A., Rounds, J., & Hannum, J. W. (2010). A meta-analysis of massage therapy research. Depression and Anxiety, 27(4), 372–379.


Relish Well-ness to the Core with our Relaxing Massage Sessions: Wellness Rituals offers effective alternative healing therapies such as Thai Yoga Massage or our Table Top Stretch Sessions. This unique healing therapy incorporates Yoga, pressure points, and reflexology, aiming to reduce body fatigue.


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