Massage Therapy: An Alternative To Drugs For Back Pain Relief

October 1, 2025
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Massage Therapy: An Alternative To Drugs For Back Pain Relief

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At a Glance

Massage Therapy as Effective as Drugs for Back Pain, Studies Show

 

The term ''alternative therapy'' generally is used to describe any medical treatment or intervention that is used in place of conventional medicine. A recent study has proven that massage therapy can be a great alternative to the standard drug treatment.   

 

“Recently a study of 401 back pain patients demonstrated that massage works as well as the standard treatment for back pain - acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and physical therapy,” writes Alison Walsh, a massage therapy expert and contributing writer for spine-health.com.

 

Massage Therapy: A Proven Superior Treatment for Back Pain

 

Walsh writes that, interestingly, at 10 weeks and again at 6 months, the patients receiving massage therapy reported less pain and greater ability to perform daily activities than the patients on standard therapy. “The type of massage made no difference,” she writes, adding, “In other words, massage worked sooner than standard therapy to relieve back pain and to get people back to their normal daily activities.”

 

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Massage Therapists
Shaun Castor

Shaun Castor

Registered Massage Therapist

Shaun Castor, is the owner and operator of Wellness on Wheels, a premier mobile massage service based in Winnipeg, MB. As a Registered Massage Therapist with 9+ years of experience, Shaun offers a comprehensive and customizable mobile massage experience, catering to clients' convenience and comfort. 

After a decade performing professionally in the Canadian musical theater, Shaun transitioned to a career in massage therapy. His expertise lies in blending deep tissue techniques, such as trigger point therapy and myofascial release, with relaxing Swedish massage techniques. Shaun also provides a range of specialized services, including Personalized Massage, Couples Massage, and Chair Massage for the Office with the highest standards of professionalism and care. 

Shaun's journey in massage therapy began in 2014 at the Massage Therapy College of Manitoba (now Evolve College), where he laid the foundation for his practice. He further honed his skills at the Ontario College of Health and Technology to recertify in the regulated province. Expanding his knowledge, Shaun is continuing education in acupuncture, integrating new techniques to enhance his treatments.

Shaun's social media presence keeps his clients informed and connected. With a commitment to excellence and client satisfaction, Shaun and Wellness on Wheels are the go-to choice for those seeking expert massage therapy in Winnipeg. Outside of work, Shaun enjoys spending time with his partner Joseph and their dog Ernie.

massage for back pain relief

Massage Therapy: An Alternative To Drugs For Back Pain Relief

Published On:
March 28, 2016
Updated On:
October 1, 2025

Massage Therapy as Effective as Drugs for Back Pain, Studies Show

 

The term ''alternative therapy'' generally is used to describe any medical treatment or intervention that is used in place of conventional medicine. A recent study has proven that massage therapy can be a great alternative to the standard drug treatment.   

 

“Recently a study of 401 back pain patients demonstrated that massage works as well as the standard treatment for back pain - acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and physical therapy,” writes Alison Walsh, a massage therapy expert and contributing writer for spine-health.com.

 

Massage Therapy: A Proven Superior Treatment for Back Pain

 

Walsh writes that, interestingly, at 10 weeks and again at 6 months, the patients receiving massage therapy reported less pain and greater ability to perform daily activities than the patients on standard therapy. “The type of massage made no difference,” she writes, adding, “In other words, massage worked sooner than standard therapy to relieve back pain and to get people back to their normal daily activities.”

 

Table of Contents

Massage Therapy as Effective as Drugs for Back Pain, Studies Show

 

The term ''alternative therapy'' generally is used to describe any medical treatment or intervention that is used in place of conventional medicine. A recent study has proven that massage therapy can be a great alternative to the standard drug treatment.   

 

“Recently a study of 401 back pain patients demonstrated that massage works as well as the standard treatment for back pain - acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and physical therapy,” writes Alison Walsh, a massage therapy expert and contributing writer for spine-health.com.

 

Massage Therapy: A Proven Superior Treatment for Back Pain

 

Walsh writes that, interestingly, at 10 weeks and again at 6 months, the patients receiving massage therapy reported less pain and greater ability to perform daily activities than the patients on standard therapy. “The type of massage made no difference,” she writes, adding, “In other words, massage worked sooner than standard therapy to relieve back pain and to get people back to their normal daily activities.”

 

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