In 2011, a study conducted by Tiffany Field, Miguel Diego, Jeannette Delgado, Daniel Garcia, and C.G. Funk has revealed promising results for individuals suffering from hand pain. The research, involving 46 adult participants, compared the effects of massage therapy against standard treatment methods.

Participants were randomly assigned to one of two groups: a massage therapy group and a control group receiving standard treatment. Those in the massage therapy group received professional massages on the affected hand once a week for four weeks and were also instructed on self-massage techniques to be performed daily.

The findings were significant. The massage therapy group experienced notably less pain and increased grip strength compared to the control group, with improvements evident after both the first and last sessions. Additionally, this group reported reduced anxiety and depression levels.

Over the four-week period, participants in the massage therapy group showed a greater overall decrease in pain and a notable increase in grip strength. They also had lower scores on scales measuring anxiety, depressed mood, and sleep disturbances.

This study suggests that incorporating massage therapy into treatment plans for hand pain could provide substantial benefits, enhancing physical strength and mental well-being.

Reference: Field, T., Diego, M., Delgado, J., Garcia, D., & Funk, C. G. (2011). Hand pain is reduced by massage therapy. Complementary therapies in clinical practice, 17(4), 226-229.