Thai Massage: 5 Benefits And Side Effects - Medical News Today

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Medical News TodaySubscribeWhat are the potential health benefits of Thai massage?

Medically reviewed by Kerry Boyle D.Ac., M.S., L.Ac., Dipl. Ac., CYT — Written by Jamie Eske — Updated on October 25, 2024

Health benefits
Benefits for athletes
How often?
What to expect
Side effects
Summary

Many believe Thai massage has various health benefits, including lowering stress, boosting energy, and improving athletic performance.

The technique that Thai massage practitioners use is very different from what people in the West may be accustomed to. Unlike Swedish or shiatsu massage techniques, in which a person passively lies on a bed, the client lies on the floor and participates more actively in the massage.

This article will look at the benefits of Thai massage and some of the side effects that people may experience.

Reported health benefits of Thai massage

Massage practitioner pressing down on someone's back — Stereo Shot/Stocksy

Thai massage has many health benefits, from lowering stress to relieving muscular tension.

While people may find benefits in Thai massages, it is important to note that many of the following reported benefits of Thai massage have little or no rigorous scientific backing.

1. Lowers stress

Many people report lower feelings of stress following massage therapies.

While Thai massages may be more physically involved than some other forms, it is possible they still may provide stress relief, although research in this area is lacking.

For example, a limited, older 2015 study found that Thai massage significantly reduces levels of a certain stress marker present in the saliva, called sAA. The researchers concluded that Thai massage is more effective at reducing stress in healthy people than simply resting.

Larger, higher-quality studies are necessary to fully assess the efficacy of Thai massage for stress relief.

2. Boosts energy

Research has shown that Thai massage can increase people’s physical energy levels. One 2018 randomized trial examined the effects of Thai and Swedish massages in people who were experiencing fatigue.

The results revealed that Thai massage increased energy and mental stimulation, while Swedish massage was more likely to improve relaxation and sleep.

3. Relieves headaches

Court-type is a specific form of Thai massage that involves applying pressure to specific energy channels.

One 2015 study found that court-type Thai massage is an effective treatment for chronic tension headaches. However, further studies have not confirmed these findings.

4. Stimulates circulation

Thai massage may promote the circulation of both blood through gentle stretches and muscular manipulations.

A 2020 study examined the benefits of Thai foot massage in people with peripheral neuropathy, a common complication of diabetes. Researchers found that traditional Thai massage improved blood flow in the skin and increased the range of motion of the ankle joint. An older study from 2017 reported similar findings in the legs.

5. Improves range of motion

Thai massage incorporates yoga-like stretches to reduce stress and improve circulation. Advocates claim that this gradual, gentle stretching will enhance the person’s flexibility over time, allowing a greater range of motion.

A 2017 study found that Thai massage was as effective as joint mobilization therapy in the short-term relief of nonspecific lower back pain.

Thai massage for athletes

Athletes are prone to fatigue, muscle and joint pain, and injury during their training. That is why many athletes work with specialized sports massage therapists.

A 2024 study found that Thai massage can help specific muscular fatigue recovery following exercise. Other research also suggests Thai massage may help relieve localized muscular pains and improve joint mobilization. These three factors may be of notable benefit to athletes.

However, it is important to note that these studies do not represent conclusive evidence for the benefit of Thai massage in sports recovery. While some people may benefit from the practice, it is not always suitable.

Working with a range of healthcare professionals to develop a full-spectrum treatment plan is typically the most effective way to improve and maintain athletic performance.

How often do you get Thai massages?

There are no guidelines for how often a person should get a Thai massage. People should try to incorporate daily maintenance routines that involve stretching and relaxation techniques. This will help them remain flexible for a long time after their massage.

People should also listen to their bodies. If someone experiences lasting pain or discomfort in one area of their body, they should see their healthcare provider, as this could indicate an underlying health condition.

What to expect during a Thai massage

For a Thai massage, the client usually lies on the floor, fully clothed. A licensed massage therapist will slowly work the client’s body through various stretches. The therapist may use their hands, knees, legs, or feet to help manipulate the person’s body into different positions.

This should not cause pain or discomfort, but a person should alert their massage therapist if they do experience either of these things.

Side effects and risks

While Thai massage has many health benefits, the technique also has limits. Due to its impact on the circulatory system, people with the following health conditions should consult their healthcare provider before seeking a Thai massage:

high blood pressure
diabetes
heart disease
osteoporosis
coronary artery disease

Trained massage therapists can adjust the intensity and pressure to suit their clients. However, a person should avoid Thai massage while recovering from an injury.

People who have cancer, are pregnant or are recovering from surgery should not undergo a Thai massage. The physical intensity of this massage technique could lead to health complications or worsen preexisting injuries.

Summary

Despite its ancient origins, Thai massage remains a relatively new technique in Western culture. Some research suggests that Thai massage is associated with many health benefits, such as improved circulation, an improved range of motion, and reduced levels of stress.

While a person of any age can get a Thai massage, it is not appropriate for everybody. People with certain health conditions, such as cancer or cardiovascular disease, those who are pregnant, and those who have just undergone surgery should not get a Thai massage, as the technique could pose health risks.

If someone is considering getting a Thai massage but is concerned that their medical history may prevent them from doing so, they should consult a healthcare professional first.

Anxiety / Stress
Primary Care
Sports Medicine / Fitness
Complementary Medicine / Alternative Medicine

How we reviewed this article:

SourcesMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Buttagat V, et al. (2024). The influence of traditional Thai massage on recovery from gastrocnemius muscle fatigue: A single-blind randomised controlled trial.https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S096522992400044X
Chatchawan U, et al. (2019). Immediate effects of self-Thai foot massage on skin blood flow, skin temperature, and range of motion of the foot and ankle in type 2 diabetic patients.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32349513/
Juntakarn C, et al. (2017). The effectiveness of Thai massage and joint mobilization.https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5495387/
MacSween, A, et al. (2018). A randomized crossover trial comparing Thai and Swedish massage for fatigue and depleted energy.https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1360859217302383
Meier M, et al. (2020). Standardized massage interventions as protocols for the induction of psychophysiological relaxation in the laboratory: a block randomized, controlled trial.https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-71173-w
Sripongngam T, et al. (2015). Immediate effects of traditional Thai massage on psychological stress as indicated by salivary alpha-amylase levels in healthy persons.https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4599180/
Srikaew N, et al. (2022). Effectiveness of court-type traditional Thai massage plus meditation in patients with myofascial pain syndrome on upper trapezius.https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2212958821000550
Viravud Y, et al. (2017). The anatomical study of the major signal points of the court-type Thai traditional massage on legs and their effects on blood flow and skin temperature.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28285619/

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Medically reviewed by Kerry Boyle D.Ac., M.S., L.Ac., Dipl. Ac., CYT — Written by Jamie Eske — Updated on October 25, 2024

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