Pediatric Massage Therapy Research and Publications

Pediatric massage therapy is a growing field with compelling research demonstrating its benefits for pain relief, neurodevelopment, anxiety reduction, and overall well-being in children—from preterm infants to adolescents with chronic conditions. This curated reference compiles key clinical trials, meta-analyses, and evidence-based protocols to support healthcare providers, parents, and advocates in integrating safe, effective touch therapy into pediatric care.  

Foundations of Pediatric Touch Therapy

• Benefits of Infant & Child Massage
  • Traditional pediatric massage enhanced the skeletal muscle mass
  • NIH Review: Massage for Preterm Infant Growth
  • Touch Therapy & Neurodevelopment (Frontiers in Psychology)
  • Effect of massage therapy on infants with congenital muscular torticollis
  • Massage for Children: Global Ambassadors Change Childrens’ Lives Through Touch
• Clinical Trials (Active & Completed)
  • Pain Management
  • Massage for Pediatric Sickle Cell Pain (ClinicalTrials.gov)
  • Post-Op Massage in Children (PubMed)
  • Impact of Affirmation Relaxation and Back Massage on Depression, Anxiety, and Stress in Mothers Who Have Undergone Caesarean Section
• Anxiety & Stress Reduction
  • Mothers’ experience of infant massage in child health care (PMC)
  • Veterans Facilities Adopts CIH
• Special Populations – NICU & Preterm Infants
  • Benefits of Infant Massage in the NICU
  • Massage for Preterm Weight Gain (JAMA Pediatrics)
• Autism & Developmental Disabilities
  • Tactile Therapy for Sensory Processing (NIH)
• Advocacy & Policy – Research Gaps & Future Directions
  • NIH’s National Center for Complementary Medicine
    *(Search “pediatric massage”)*

Prenatal Massage

• WHO recommendation on Maternal and Newborn Care (WHO)

Burn Scar Therapy

• Massage and Endermotherapy with Burn Survivors

General

• Effects of extracorporeal shockwave therapy versus ultrasonic therapy and deep friction massage in the management of lateral epicondylitis: a randomized clinical trial
• Researchers Publish Largest Study Ever on Massage Therapy Use

Lymphatic Drainage

• Experts Explain the Health Benefits of a Lymphatic Drainage Massage

Videos

Biological Benefits of Frequency of Massage

Massage Therapy Oncology Study

BBC World Services Report

The studies and resources cited here represent a foundation of peer-reviewed, publicly accessible research from institutions like the NIH, JAMA Pediatrics, and Children’s Hospitals Network. By consolidating this data, we empower caregivers and clinicians to make informed decisions, advocate for holistic care, and contribute to the expanding science of therapeutic touch for children. *The evidence is clear: pediatric massage isn’t just comforting—it’s clinically significant.*