Manual therapy modalities and depression: a systematic review.
Paulyna Schulz, Teodor Huzij
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In 30 seconds
This systematic review assessed published studies of manual-therapy modalities and depressive symptoms, including studies involving people with diagnosed mood disorders. The review included 97 studies, and all modalities received a B rating under the Strength of Recommendation Taxonomy. Among 17 studies involving participants with specific psychiatric diagnoses, 15 (88.2 %) reported significant reductions in depression symptoms. The authors concluded that manual therapy may have a role as a complementary approach, while emphasizing that further research—particularly in psychiatric populations—is needed to substantiate its efficacy.
Key findings
- Of 17 studies involving participants with specific psychiatric diagnoses, 15 (88.2 %) reported significant reductions in depression symptoms.
- Acupressure showed improvement in 6/6 (100 %) studies; craniosacral therapy in 3/3 (100 %); and massage therapy in 32/45 (71.1 %).
- All reviewed modalities received a B rating based on the Strength of Recommendation Taxonomy.
Why it matters
Depressive symptoms were reported to improve in many studies of manual therapies, suggesting these approaches warrant consideration as complementary options rather than replacements for established treatments. The findings also show variation across modalities and a limited number of studies in populations with specific psychiatric diagnoses, underscoring the need to interpret the evidence cautiously.
What to keep in mind
The review reports that only 17 studies involved participants with specific psychiatric diagnoses and calls for further research, particularly in psychiatric populations.