Part 2 of this article concerns itself with some selected research references into the benefits of massage with particular clinical conditions and clients. As indicated previously, empirical studies of the benefits of massage are still fairly rudimentary and limited. A survey is provided of some of the studies that have been carried out but, clearly, further work still needs to be done: more careful consideration needs to be given to, for example, research design, control groups and placebo effects. Contraindications and precautions in the application of massage are also considered. Part 1 outlined some of the various massage systems and the importance of touch.
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