Massage Therapy Journal Spring 2026

62 • Massage Therapy Journal

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The meta-analysis concluded that massage may be a preferred treatment modality for hemodialysis patients with RLS because it effectively reduces RLS symptoms, relieves RLS severity and does not increase the risk of adverse effects. “Massage therapy for people with restless legs can be helpful, and in some cases is a first line option before considering medications,” says Verma. “However, more research is necessary.” Massage Therapy and Sleep: Beyond Relaxation It’s true, massage therapy can make people feel more relaxed which can, in turn, help with sleep. But studies show it goes beyond relaxation and can actually lead to changes in the brain. A study 4 examined the effects of parent-led massage and sleep EEG for term-born infants. In total, 182 newborn infants were split into intervention (routine parent-led massage) and control groups. Infants had a daytime sleep EEG at four months and were assessed using the Griffiths Scales of Child Development at four and 18 months. Additionally, comparative analysis

A meta-analysis 3 of five randomized controlled trials explored the clinical efficacy and safety of massage for hemodialysis patients with RLS. In total, 369 hemodialysis patients with RLS were analyzed. In the studies, the RLS score after treatment and the mean difference of the RLS score at the beginning and end of treatment in the massage groups was significantly better than that in the routine care groups. Subgroup analysis also suggested that massage with lavender oil significantly reduced the RLS score after treatment and mean difference of RLS score at the beginning and end of treatment compared with routine care. “Massage is an excellent holistic tool for improving sleep quality because it helps resolve three major sleep disruptors: pain, stress and anxiety.”

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