Clients sometimes ask me whether a particular technique “works.” Often, I have to say that there is limited science on massage and bodywork. On the other hand, there is anecdotal information that people find bodywork to be beneficial. I entered this field because Structural Integration helped me when conventional medicine and PT had not resolved my issues after an injury. Like me, many people are willing to invest time and money in bodywork because they feel better when they receive it.

If you want to explore more about scientific research into massage and bodywork, here are a few sources.

• The University of Minnesota’s page: What does the Research Say About Massage Therapy?

• Massage Magazine’s articles on Research Studies

• The National Institute of Health’s National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health

• Time Magazine: You Asked: Do Massages Have Real Health Benefits?