The evidence suggests that acupuncture massage is more effective than classic massage, but this needs confirmation. Massage might be beneficial for patients with subacute and chronic nonspecific LBP, especially when combined with exercises and education. One study comparing two different techniques of massage concluded in favor of acupuncture massage over classic (Swedish) massage. The beneficial effects of massage in patients with chronic LBP lasted at least 1 year after the end of the treatment. They showed that massage was inferior to manipulation and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation massage was equal to corsets and exercises and massage was superior to relaxation therapy, acupuncture, and self-care education. In the other seven studies, massage was compared with different active treatments. Massage was compared with an inert treatment (sham laser) in one study that showed that massage was superior, especially if given in combination with exercises and education. One study was published in German, and the rest, in English. Three had low and five had high methodologic quality scores. Nine publications reporting on eight randomized trials were included. The studies were analyzed in a qualitative way because of heterogeneity of population, massage technique, comparison groups, timing, and type of outcome measured. Two reviewers blinded to authors, journals, and institutions selected the studies, assessed the methodologic quality using the criteria recommended by the Cochrane Collaboration Back Review Group, and extracted the data using standardized forms. The studies had to be randomized or quasirandomized trials investigating the use of any type of massage (using the hands or a mechanical device) as a treatment for nonspecific LBP. Contact with content experts and massage associations was also made. References in the included studies and in reviews of the literature were screened. We searched MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, HealthSTAR, CINAHL, and dissertation abstracts through May 2001 with no language restrictions. To assess the effects of massage therapy for nonspecific LBP. Proponents of massage therapy claim it can minimize pain and disability and speed return-to-normal function. Low back pain (LBP) is one of the most common and costly musculoskeletal problems in modern society.
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