Abstract: Background and Objectives: Chronic non-specific low back pain (CNSLBP) is a leading cause of disability worldwide. Although conventional physiotherapy is widely used, its effectiveness is often modest. Massage-based interventions have gained attention as alternative or adjunct therapies, but their comparative effectiveness remains unclear. The objectives were to systematically evaluate and compare the effectiveness of conventional physiotherapy and various massage techniques in the management of CNSLBP.
Methods: A systematic search of databases including PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, PEDro, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science was conducted. A total of 103 records were identified, of which 28 studies (2003–2025) met the inclusion criteria, including randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses. Outcomes assessed included pain intensity, functional disability, mobility, and quality of life.
Results: Most interventions demonstrated significant short-term improvements in pain and function. Massage therapies showed consistent short-term benefits, though no clear superiority among different techniques was observed. Manual therapy combined with exercise demonstrated enhanced outcomes compared to isolated interventions. Exercise therapy showed limited correlation between physical performance improvements and disability reduction. Evidence for electrotherapy modalities (UST, TENS, LLLT) was mixed, with no clear superiority. Overall, the magnitude of clinical benefit across interventions was modest, and long-term effects remain uncertain.
Conclusion: Both conventional physiotherapy and massage-based interventions are effective in CNSLBP management, with no single approach demonstrating clear superiority. A multimodal, individualized rehabilitation strategy appears most beneficial. Further high-quality comparative studies with long-term follow-up are needed to establish optimal treatment approaches.
Keywords: Non-specific low back pain, Massage therapy, Conventional physiotherapy.
Title: Massage Therapy Versus Conventional Physiotherapy for Chronic Non-Specific Low Back Pain: Evidence from Randomized Trials and Systematic Reviews
Author: Shivangi Sharma, Dr. Shyamal Koley
International Journal of Healthcare Sciences
ISSN 2348-5728 (Online)
Vol. 13, Issue 2, October 2025 - March 2026
Page No: 466-472
Research Publish Journals
Website: www.researchpublish.com
Published Date: 25-March-2026
