Autism and Massage Therapy

Massage therapy might also be helpful for autism spectrum disorder, according to one small controlled study.¹⁷

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Safety Issues

Massage is generally safe. ¹ However, it can sometimes exacerbate pain temporarily, even when properly performed. In addition, if massage is performed too forcefully on fragile people, bone fractures and other internal injuries are possible. However, licensed massage therapists have been trained in ways to avoid causing these problems. Machines designed to perform elements of massage may be less safe. ²

1. Ernst E. The safety of massage therapy. Rheumatology (Oxford). 42(9):1101-6.
2. Eliott MA, Taylor LP. Shiatsu sympathectomy: ICA dissection associated with a shiatsu massager. Neurology. 2002;58:1302-1304.

17. Field T, Lasko D, Mundy P, et al. Brief report: autistic children's attentiveness and responsivity improve after touch therapy. J Autism Dev Disord. 1997;27:333–338.