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Effect of massage therapy on premenstrual symptoms
Twenty-four women who fulfilled the DSM-IV diagnostic criteria for
premenstrual dysphoric disorder were recruited from gynecological practices.
Participants were separated into two groups, massage therapy and relaxation
therapy. Assessments were completed during the week prior to the onset of
menstruation.
Before the massage and relaxation sessions on the first and last day of the
study, self-rating scales were given and a visual analog scale (VAS) on
perceived pain intensity.
The data reflect an immediate decrease in anxiety after the first massage
therapy or relaxation session for women with premenstrual dysphoric disorder.
Anxiety also decreased on the last session but only for the massage therapy
group. A marked improvement in mood for the women in the massage therapy group
was also noted after the first and last massage session and is of particular
clinical importance because depressed mood is a major symptom of PMS and the
more serious premenstrual dysphoric disorder.
Overall, the present findings suggest that massage therapy may be an
effective long-term support for aid reduction and water retention, and
short-term for decreasing anxiety and improving mood for women with premenstrual
dysphoric disorder. Based on these findings, massage therapy benefits would be
expected to generalize to the milder PMS. Massage therapy treatment is also
compelling because it has no side effects.
M. Hernandez-Reif, A. Martinez, T. Field, O. Quintero, S. Hart and I. Burman;
Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics & Gynecology, March 2000
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