Open Access Massage Therapy Research

THIS POST IS PART OF A NEW SERIES OF BLOG POSTS CALLED - MASSAGE THERAPY: AN EVIDENCE-BASED GUIDE FOR CLINICAL PRACTICE

Open Access Resources for Massage Therapists:

If you are a massage therapist who is interested in reading massage therapy research, PubMed is a great resource but most massage therapists do not have academic access to journals. 

But, this is not the only barriers to entry, sorting through the data is like drinking from a fire-hose, if you search Massage therapy on PubMed you will get over 15,000 returns. So, if you don't feel like sorting through all those listings I have put together a synthesis of noteworthy open access article sourced from peer-reviewed publications indexed on Pubmed, to make your life easier.

Open Access Research Journals
• Canadian Journal of Pain
• Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ)
• Chiropractic & Manual Therapies
• International Journal of Massage & Bodywork 
• Journal of Physiotherapy
• BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine

PROFESSIONAL GROWTH

Kennedy, A.B., & Munk, N. (2017). Experienced Practitioners' Beliefs Utilized to Create a Successful Massage Therapist Conceptual Model: a Qualitative Investigation. Int J Ther Massage Bodywork.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28690704

PAIN SCIENCE

Bishop et al. (2015). What effect can manual therapy have on a patient's pain experience? Pain Manag.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26401979

Courtney et al. (2017). Mechanisms of chronic pain - key considerations for appropriate physical therapy management. J Man Manip Ther.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28694674

Duchesne et al. (2017). Impact of Inflammation and Anti-inflammatory Modalities on Skeletal Muscle Healing: From Fundamental Research to the Clinic. Physical therapy.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28789470

Jacobs, D.F., & Silvernail, J.L. (2011). Therapist as operator or interactor? Moving beyond the technique. J Man Manip Ther. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22547923

Lewis & O'Sullivan (2018). Is it time to reframe how we care for people with non-traumatic musculoskeletal pain? Br J Sports Med.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29941618

Miake-Lye et al. (2019). Massage for Pain: An Evidence Map. J Altern Complement Med.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30892910

Moyer, C.A. (2008). Affective massage therapy. Int J Ther Massage Bodywork.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21589715

Pelletier et al. (2015). Is neuroplasticity in the central nervous system the missing link to our understanding of chronic musculoskeletal disorders? BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25887644

Price, C.J., & Hooven, C. (2018). Interoceptive Awareness Skills for Emotion Regulation: Theory and Approach of Mindful Awareness in Body-Oriented Therapy (MABT). Front Psychol.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29892247

Rossettini et al. (2018). Clinical relevance of contextual factors as triggers of placebo and nocebo effects in musculoskeletal pain. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29357856

Skelly et al. (2018). Noninvasive Nonpharmacological Treatment for Chronic Pain: A Systematic Review. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30179389

Wideman et al. (2019). The Multi-modal Assessment Model of Pain: A Novel Framework for Further Integrating the Subjective Pain Experience within Research and Practice. Clin J Pain.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30444733

ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY

Chang et al. (2018). Ultrasound Imaging for the Cutaneous Nerves of the Extremities and Relevant Entrapment Syndromes: From Anatomy to Clinical Implications. J Clin Med.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30469370/

Laumonier & Menetrey. (2016). Muscle injuries and strategies for improving their repair. J Exp Orthop.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27447481

Maughan & Shirreffs (2019). Muscle Cramping During Exercise: Causes, Solutions, and Questions Remaining. Sports medicine.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31696455

Shah et al. (2015). Myofascial Trigger Points Then and Now: A Historical and Scientific Perspective. PM&R.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25724849

Thompson et al. (2016). Understanding Mechanobiology: Physical Therapists as a Force in Mechanotherapy and Musculoskeletal Regenerative Rehabilitation. Phys Ther.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26637643

Van Hooren et al. (2018). Do We Need a Cool-Down After Exercise? Sports Med. 
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29663142 

Zügel et al. (2018). Fascial tissue research in sports medicine: from molecules to tissue adaptation, injury and diagnostics. Br J Sports Med.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30072398

Pediatric Massage Therapy

Field T. (2019). Pediatric Massage Therapy Research: A Narrative Review. Children (Basel).
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31174382/

Harrison et al. (2019). Best-Evidence for the Rehabilitation of Chronic Pain Part 1: Pediatric Pain. J Clin Med.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31438483

Wren et al. (2019). Multidisciplinary Pain Management for Pediatric Patients with Acute and Chronic Pain: A Foundational Treatment Approach When Prescribing Opioids. Children (Basel).
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30795645/

TENDINOPATHY

Mead et al. (2018). Pathogenesis and Management of Tendinopathies in Sports Medicine. Transl Sports Med.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31131372/

FOAM ROLLING/ROLLER MASSAGE

Chughtai et al. (2019). Astym(®) therapy: a systematic review. Ann Transl Med.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30963065/

Wiewelhove et al. (2019). A Meta-Analysis of the Effects of Foam Rolling on Performance and Recovery. Front Physiol.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31024339

CONCUSSION, HEADACHES AND NECK PAIN

Childress & Becker. (2016). Nonoperative Management of Cervical Radiculopathy. Am Fam Physician.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27175952

Ellis et al. (2016). Multi-Disciplinary Management of Athletes with Post-Concussion Syndrome: An Evolving Pathophysiological Approach. Front Neurol.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27605923

Ellis et al. (2018). Physiological Approach to Assessment and Rehabilitation of Acute Concussion in Collegiate and Professional Athletes. Front Neurol
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30619068

Fernández-de-Las-Peñas, C., & Courtney, C.A. (2014). Clinical reasoning for manual therapy management of tension type and cervicogenic headache. J Man Manip Ther. 
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24976747

Harmon et al. (2019). American Medical Society for Sports Medicine position statement on concussion in sport. Br J Sports Med. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30705232

Matuszak et al. (2016). A Practical Concussion Physical Examination Toolbox. Sports Health.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27022058/

Morin et al. (2016). Cervical Spine Involvement in Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: A Review. Journal of Sports Medicine.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27529079 

Shaffer et al. (2014). Temporomandibular disorders. Part 1: anatomy and examination/diagnosis. J Man Manip Ther.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24976743

Shaffer et al. (2014). Temporomandibular disorders. Part 2: conservative management. J Man Manip Ther.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24976744

SHOULDER AND UPPER LIMB

Berthold et al. (2017). Long Thoracic Nerve Injury Caused by Overhead Weight Lifting Leading to Scapular Dyskinesis and Medial Scapular Winging. J Am Osteopath Assoc.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28134956

Day et al. (2019). A Comprehensive Rehabiliation Program for Treating Lateral Elbow Tendinopathy. Int J Sports Phys Ther.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31598419

Gismervik et al. (2017). Physical examination tests of the shoulder: a systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic test performance. BMC Musculoskelet Disord.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28122541

Gray et al. (2016). Assessment of shoulder pain for non-specialists. BMJ.
http://www.bmj.com/content/355/bmj.i5783

Hangge et al. (2018). Quadrilateral Space Syndrome: Diagnosis and Clinical Management. J Clin Med.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29690525

Jain et al. (2013). Clinical Examination of the Rotator Cuff. Pm&r.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23332909 

Jones et al. (2019). Thoracic Outlet Syndrome: A Comprehensive Review of Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment. Pain Ther.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31037504/

Koehler et al. (2018). Axillary web syndrome following breast cancer surgery: symptoms, complications, and management strategies. Breast Cancer (Dove Med Press).
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30588087

Latef et al. (2018). Injury of the Radial Nerve in the Arm: A Review. Cureus.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29666777

Muir, B. (2017). Dorsal scapular nerve neuropathy: a narrative review of the literature. J Can Chiropr Assoc.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28928496

Page, P. (2010). A new exercise for tennis elbow that works! N Am J Sports Phys Ther. 
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21589674

Ristori et al. (2018). Towards an integrated clinical framework for patient with shoulder pain. Arch Physiother.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29862049

Wolny & Linek (2019). Long-term patient observation after conservative treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome: a summary of two randomised controlled trials. PeerJ.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31720121

BACK AND TRUNK

Isu et al. (2018). Superior and Middle Cluneal Nerve Entrapment as a Cause of Low Back Pain. Neurospine.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29656623

Masaracchio et al. (2016). An intervention-based clinical reasoning framework to guide the management of thoracic pain in a dancer.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27999727

Oliveira et al. (2018). Clinical practice guidelines for the management of non-specific low back pain in primary care. Eur Spine J.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29971708

Petersen et al. (2017). Clinical classification in low back pain: best-evidence diagnostic rules based on systematic reviews. BMC Musculoskelet Disord.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28499364

Taxter et al. (2014). Diagnosis and treatment of low back pain in the pediatric population. Phys Sportsmed.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24565826

Traeger et al. (2017). Diagnosis and management of low-back pain in primary care. CMAJ.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29133540

Weiss, H. (2011). The method of Katharina Schroth - history, principles and current development. Scoliosis.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21878114

HIP AND THIGH

Battaglia et al. (2016). Posterior, Lateral, and Anterior Hip Pain Due to Musculoskeletal Origin: A Narrative Literature Review of History, Physical Examination, and Diagnostic Imaging. J Chiropr Med.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27857636

Cheatham et al. (2013). Meralgia paresthetica: a review of the literature. Int J Sports Phys Ther.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24377074

Cheatham, S.W. (2016). Extra-articular hip impingement: a narrative review of the literature. J Can Chiropr Assoc.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27069266 

Henning, P.T. (2014). The running athlete: stress fractures, osteitis pubis, and snapping hips. Sports Health.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24587861

Martin et al. (2017). Nerve entrapment in the hip region: current concepts review. Int J Sports Phys Ther.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29234567

McGovern et al. (2019). Non-Operative Management of Individuals with Non-Arthritic Hip Pain: A Literature Review. Int J Sports Phys Ther.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30746300

Tyler et al. (2014). Rehabilitation of soft tissue injuries of the hip and pelvis. Int J Sports Phys Ther. 
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25383247

Via et al. (2018). Management of osteitis pubis in athletes: rehabilitation and return to training - a review of the most recent literature. Open Access J Sports Med.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30613167

Weber et al. (2015). The Hyperflexible Hip: Managing Hip Pain in the Dancer and Gymnast. Sports Health.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26137181

KNEE

Kennedy et al. (2018). An Overview of Clinically Relevant Biomechanics of the Anterolateral Structures of the Knee. Tech Orthop.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30542219

Mellinger & Neurohr (2019). Evidence based treatment options for common knee injuries in runners. Ann Transl Med.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31728373

Porr et al. (2013). Entrapment of the saphenous nerve at the adductor canal affecting the infrapatellar branch - a report on two cases. J Can Chiropr Assoc.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24302782

Vegstein et al. (2019). Neurodynamic tests for patellofemoral pain syndrome: a pilot study. Chiropr Man Therap. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31080579

LOWER LIMB AND FOOT

McKeon, P.O., & Wikstrom, E.A. (2016). Sensory-Targeted Ankle Rehabilitation Strategies for Chronic Ankle Instability. Med Sci Sports Exerc.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26717498

McKeon, P.O., & Donovan, L. (2019). A Perceptual Framework for Conservative Treatment and Rehabilitation of Ankle Sprains: An Evidence-Based Paradigm Shift. J Athl Train.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31135210

Powden et al. (2019). A 4-Week Multimodal Intervention for Individuals With Chronic Ankle Instability: Examination of Disease-Oriented and Patient-Oriented Outcomes. J Athl Train.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30589387

Ross et al. (2018). Exercise for posterior tibial tendon dysfunction: a systematic review of randomised clinical trials and clinical guidelines. BMJ Open Sport Exerc Med.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30271611

Stefansson et al. (2019). Using Pressure Massage for Achilles Tendinopathy: A Single-Blind, Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing a Novel Treatment Versus an Eccentric Exercise Protocol. Orthop J Sports Med.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30915381

Tu, P. (2018). Heel Pain: Diagnosis and Management. Am Fam Physician.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29365222

Vuurberg et al. (2018). Diagnosis, treatment and prevention of ankle sprains. Br J Sports Med.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29514819

HISTORY OF MASSAGE THERAPY

Jacobson, E. (2011). Structural Integration: Origins and Development. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21875349

Iorio et al. (2018). Healing bodies: the ancient origins of massages and Roman practices. Medicina Historia
http://mattioli1885journals.com/index.php/MedHistor/article/view/7473

Nomikos et al. (2010). The use of deep friction massage with olive oil as a means of prevention and treatment of sports injuries in ancient times. Arch Med Sci.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22419918/

Pettman, E. (2007). A History of Manipulative Therapy. Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2565620/

Sherman et al. (2006) Development of a taxonomy to describe massage treatments for musculoskeletal pain. BMC Complement Altern Med.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16796753

Terlouw, T. J. (2007). Roots of Physical Medicine, Physical Therapy, and Mechanotherapy in the Netherlands in the 19th Century: A Disputed Area within the Healthcare Domain. Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19066646

ACUPUNCTURE

Fernández-de-Las-Peñas, C., & Nijs, J. (2019). Trigger point dry needling for the treatment of myofascial pain syndrome: current perspectives within a pain neuroscience paradigm. J Pain Res.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31354339

Vickers et al. (2018). Acupuncture for Chronic Pain: Update of an Individual Patient Data Meta-Analysis. J Pain.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29198932

Zhang et al. (2014). Mechanisms of Acupuncture–Electroacupuncture on Persistent Pain. Anesthesiology. 
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24322588