Last Updated on February 11, 2026 by MASSAGE Magazine
Deep-tissue massage was found to reduce blood pressure and heart rate in a study involving 263 participants. The research examined changes in systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial blood pressure, as well as heart rate, before and after a single massage session.
Published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine (March 1, 2008, 14(2): 125–128), the study offers measurable data on how deep-tissue massage may influence cardiovascular markers immediately following treatment.
Who Participated in the Study?
The study included 263 volunteers who received a deep-tissue massage.
Participants were:
- 12 percent male and 88 percent female
- Average age of 48
- Experiencing significant pain prior to the study
- Reporting moderate or severe overall muscle spasm or strain
Individuals who had never received massage therapy before were excluded from participation.
Where and How Were the Massages Performed?
All massages were performed at a day spa in Lubbock, Texas, between November 2004 and March 2006.
The therapist providing the deep-tissue massage had 22 years of experience. Each session lasted between 45 and 60 minutes.
During the sessions, 21 different CDs of soothing music were played at barely audible levels in the background.
How Were Blood Pressure and Heart Rate Measured?
Blood pressure and heart rate were measured immediately before and after each massage session.
Baseline diastolic, systolic and mean arterial blood pressure readings were taken using an automatic blood-pressure cuff. Data were stored electronically using a HEM-704C blood-pressure monitor.
Following the massage, the same measurements were taken again and compared to baseline values. The resulting data were analyzed using analysis of variance with post-hoc Scheffe’s F-test.
What Changes Were Observed After Deep-Tissue Massage?
After completion of the massage sessions, researchers observed measurable reductions in both blood pressure and heart rate.
On average:
- Systolic blood pressure decreased by 10.4 millimeters of mercury
- Diastolic blood pressure decreased by 5.3 millimeters of mercury
- Mean arterial pressure decreased by 7.0 millimeters of mercury
- Heart rate decreased by 10.8 beats per minute
These changes were recorded immediately following the massage session.
Did Background Music Influence the Results?
The researchers reported that the variety of music played during the sessions was not associated with reductions in blood pressure or heart rate.
Because the music was played at barely audible levels, the authors noted it was unlikely to have significantly altered hemodynamics.
What Did the Authors Conclude?
“The present study demonstrates a high correlation between deep-tissue massage and reduction in blood pressure and heart rate,” the authors stated.
They added that the data were “encouraging and positive,” representing optimism for future research in this area.
What Do These Findings Suggest?
This study suggests that a single session of deep-tissue massage may result in immediate reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure, and heart rate in individuals experiencing significant muscle spasm or strain.
Although the study focused on short-term effects measured immediately after treatment, the results contribute to ongoing research on the relationship between massage therapy and cardiovascular markers.
As with many clinical investigations, further research is necessary to determine long-term implications and mechanisms. However, this study provides quantitative evidence supporting the physiological effects of deep-tissue massage on blood pressure and heart rate.