What research is telling us about how massage therapy may help clients better manage common respiratory conditions like asthma and COPD.
by David Malone, August 1, 2026
As with many elements of our health, our ability to breathe freely and easily goes unnoticed until we are unable to do so. A simple walk around the block, climbing a flight of stairs or cleaning the house could leave a person with a respiratory disease like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) struggling to breathe.
Fortunately, recent studies have shown that massage therapy may benefit people experiencing a variety of respiratory ailments.
David Morgan, LMT, owner of Bodhi Bodywork, considers relaxation one of the main benefits massage can offer people experiencing respiratory issues. “The main benefits for individuals with respiratory issues are that massage induces relaxation, decreases anxiety, activates the lymphatic system to improve immune function, increases circulation and skin temperature, and lowers blood pressure,” says Morgan.
Anyone who has ever experienced any sort of respiratory distress knows that the inability to breathe can quickly create panic, which can then exacerbate the respiratory issue, which can lead to more panic. Being able to interrupt that cycle is helpful.
“Narrowing airways along with congestion make the client work to get air in and out of the lungs, which can create panic and even more tightening of the muscles,” says Veronica Galindo-Rios, LMT, RRT. “Just as working out other muscles in the body, the intercostal muscles and diaphragm get overused. All the accessory muscles used to breathe and cough can get ‘sticky.’ This is where we can come in and help release some of those muscles.”
To be clear, massage is not a replacement for common and needed pharmacological assistance, like rescue inhalers and allergy shots that are recommended and used by many people managing asthma and other respiratory disease. Massage therapy, however, can be part of an overall strategy that helps keep some symptoms of respiratory disease in check. For example, helping to relax and release the muscles associated with breathing may help a person breathe more freely between asthma attacks.
Massage therapy can be part of an overall strategy that helps keep some symptoms of respiratory disease in check.
Asthma and COPD are the two most common chronic respiratory diseases, according to the World Health Organization. In the United States alone, more than 27 million people, or 1 in 12, have asthma, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Meanwhile, the American Lung Association estimates that COPD affects 11.7 million people in America.
In various studies, massage therapy has shown promise for helping ease the symptoms of these diseases in both children and adults.
A study1 evaluating the effect of massage therapy on the pulmonary functions of children with asthma divided 60 children with asthma into two groups, a massage therapy group and a control group. The subjects in the massage therapy group each received a 20-minute massage (provided by their parents) every night before bed for five weeks in addition to their standard asthma treatment. The control group received standard asthma treatment.
Spirometry was used to measure forced expiratory flow in one second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC) and peak expiratory flow (PEF) of all participants on the first and last day of the study.
Researchers noted the mean FEV1 of the massage therapy group was significantly higher than the control group, and the FEV1/FVC ratio showed a significant improvement in the massage therapy group as well. There was no significant difference in FVC between the groups.
The study concluded that while further research on a larger scale is needed, massage therapy played a beneficial role in pediatric asthma.
Another systematic review2 sought to evaluate the efficacy of massage as a treatment method for children with asthma. The review and meta-analysis looked at 14 studies with a total of 1,299 patients and found that, compared with control groups, there was a significant increase in FEV1 and PEF in the massage therapy groups.
The researchers concluded that “massage therapy has a significantly positive effect on children with asthma, improves the pulmonary function parameters of large airway, reduces the plasma concentrations of PAF and prostaglandin, and increases the levels of PAF-AH and DP1; therefore, it greatly improves pulmonary function.”
A scoping review3 exploring the benefits of massage therapy for patients with COPD found seven articles that indicated patients receiving massage had improvements in FEV1, dyspnea perception and in the 6-minute walking test.
“This case illustrates that early implementation of comprehensive respiratory physiotherapy during COPD exacerbation can result in functional improvement and symptom relief,” researchers noted. “These findings align with current evidence supporting the benefits of early pulmonary rehabilitation in reducing the impact of exacerbations and improving quality of life in patients with COPD.”
A 2025 case study4 explored the effects a 10-day individualized respiratory rehabilitation intervention, which included vibration massage, would have on acute exacerbations of respiratory symptoms and airflow limitation triggered by a human metapnemovirus infection in a 66-year-old woman with COPD. The rehabilitation intervention started the second day of hospitalization and was conducted twice per day.
Researchers noted that significant clinical improvements were observed by the patient, including reduced dyspnea, increased FEV1 and extended distance on the six-minute walk test, with no exertional desaturation. Inflammatory markers also returned to normal.
Researchers interested in nonpharmacological interventions for childhood asthma undertook a systematic review and network meta-analysis focused on evaluating the efficacy of diverse nonpharmacological approaches to managing asthma.5
Seven English and Chinese databases were searched for randomized-controlled trials related to nonpharmacological interventions in childhood asthma. A total of 41 studies comprising 3,164 participants were included, and traditional therapeutic massage therapy was a listed intervention, alongside structured exercise programs, controlled breathing exercises, traditional moxibustion therapy and psychological interventions.
Outcomes were measured using FEV1, FVC, PEF, pediatric asthma quality of life questionnaire (PAQLQ), and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO). Researchers concluded that all five nonpharmacological interventions demonstrated efficacy in alleviating childhood asthma symptoms, with massage therapy showing superior efficacy in enhancing PEF, PAQLQ scores and FeNO levels.
Pediatric asthma patients in the remission stage of bronchial asthma were given acupoint massage and ear point pressing beans in a 2025 study investigating the effects of these two treatments.6 The study comprised 120 patients randomly divided into an experimental or control group with 60 patients in each group.
Both groups were treated with salmeterol and fluticasone inhalation powder, one puff, twice a day. The control group also received acupoint massage once per day for 30 minutes. The patients in the experimental group received acupoint massage and added ear point pressing beans that comprised pressing each ear point for one minute, three to five times per day.
Changes in pulmonary function and asthma control were observed before and after each treatment, and outcomes of FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC ratio and the asthma control test were measured and compared. After eight weeks of treatment, all outcomes improved in both groups to different degrees. “In terms of the effective control rate, the total clinical effective control rate of patients in the experimental group was significantly higher than that in the control group,” researchers noted.
For some patients who need noninvasive mechanical ventilation (NIPPV) to help manage acute exacerbation chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD), massage has shown some promise in helping relieve the stress of the procedure.
A 2025 retrospective study7 comprising 160 AECOPD patients needing NIPPV equally divided participants into groups, one receiving NIPPV and the other receiving NIPPV accompanied by acupoint and massage therapy. Changes in comfort, stress indicators, satisfaction, time using NIPPV, and blood gas indicators before and after NIPPV treatment were measured.
Results showed that the integration of acupoint therapy and massage with NIPPV markedly enhanced patient comfort and reduced stress levels. Researchers found patients in the experimental group substantially reduced their anxiety index, alleviated frontal sinus pain and abdominal bloating, reduced the duration of offline periods and hospital stays, and increased both eating and sleep quality.
Research suggests Swedish and deep tissue massage may provide the most benefit when working with clients managing respiratory health conditions. Beyond technique, however, there are specific areas to target during a massage.
“Abdominal massage with guided breathing cues is most effective,” says Galindo-Rios of her own experience. “So many important areas can be addressed with anterior chest and abdominal massage, as well as side-lying serratus and intercostal work. Graston Technique IASTM (instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization) is also effective in releasing the diaphragm from the lower ribs and intercostal muscles.”
When working with a new client, Galindo-Rios typically starts with the feet. “I usually start with the feet to give me an overview of the body,” she says. “This allows the client to begin to feel comfortable with my touch. I then address the whole body. I work the abdomen toward the end of the session.”
The abdomen is saved for last because it is the most vulnerable area to work. By saving it for last, it allows the client to become comfortable with the massage therapist’s touch. Consent is required regardless, however, so before doing any abdominal work, check in with the client first and ask for verbal confirmation that they are OK with being massaged in the area.
“To aid respiratory health, target the rectus abdominis, intracostals, pectorals, trapezius, levator scapulae and supraspinatus, as this is the approach that successfully increased chest circumference by decreasing fascial restrictions,” Morgan notes.
For some people with COPD, lying flat can exacerbate their breathing difficulties, so with these clients, Morgan suggests a semi-reclined or side-lying position.
Additionally, use caution with scented candles and essential oils. “Eucalyptus and mint could help open airways, but each client is different,” Galindo-Rios says.
Overall, massage therapy has proven to be an effective means of helping individuals who suffer from respiratory ailments and diseases when used in conjunction with any doctor prescribed medications and treatments.
Research suggests Swedish and deep tissue massage may provide the most benefit when working with clients managing respiratory health conditions.
Another systematic review2 sought to evaluate the efficacy of massage as a treatment method for children with asthma. The review and meta-analysis looked at 14 studies with a total of 1,299 patients and found that, compared with control groups, there was a significant increase in FEV1 and PEF in the massage therapy groups.
The researchers concluded that “massage therapy has a significantly positive effect on children with asthma, improves the pulmonary function parameters of large airway, reduces the plasma concentrations of PAF and prostaglandin, and increases the levels of PAF-AH and DP1; therefore, it greatly improves pulmonary function.”
A scoping review3 exploring the benefits of massage therapy for patients with COPD found seven articles that indicated patients receiving massage had improvements in FEV1, dyspnea perception and in the 6-minute walking test.
“This case illustrates that early implementation of comprehensive respiratory physiotherapy during COPD exacerbation can result in functional improvement and symptom relief,” researchers noted. “These findings align with current evidence supporting the benefits of early pulmonary rehabilitation in reducing the impact of exacerbations and improving quality of life in patients with COPD.”
A 2025 case study4 explored the effects a 10-day individualized respiratory rehabilitation intervention, which included vibration massage, would have on acute exacerbations of respiratory symptoms and airflow limitation triggered by a human metapnemovirus infection in a 66-year-old woman with COPD. The rehabilitation intervention started the second day of hospitalization and was conducted twice per day.
Researchers noted that significant clinical improvements were observed by the patient, including reduced dyspnea, increased FEV1 and extended distance on the six-minute walk test, with no exertional desaturation. Inflammatory markers also returned to normal.
Researchers interested in nonpharmacological interventions for childhood asthma undertook a systematic review and network meta-analysis focused on evaluating the efficacy of diverse nonpharmacological approaches to managing asthma.5
Seven English and Chinese databases were searched for randomized-controlled trials related to nonpharmacological interventions in childhood asthma. A total of 41 studies comprising 3,164 participants were included, and traditional therapeutic massage therapy was a listed intervention, alongside structured exercise programs, controlled breathing exercises, traditional moxibustion therapy and psychological interventions.
Outcomes were measured using FEV1, FVC, PEF, pediatric asthma quality of life questionnaire (PAQLQ), and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO). Researchers concluded that all five nonpharmacological interventions demonstrated efficacy in alleviating childhood asthma symptoms, with massage therapy showing superior efficacy in enhancing PEF, PAQLQ scores and FeNO levels.
Pediatric asthma patients in the remission stage of bronchial asthma were given acupoint massage and ear point pressing beans in a 2025 study investigating the effects of these two treatments.6 The study comprised 120 patients randomly divided into an experimental or control group with 60 patients in each group.
Both groups were treated with salmeterol and fluticasone inhalation powder, one puff, twice a day. The control group also received acupoint massage once per day for 30 minutes. The patients in the experimental group received acupoint massage and added ear point pressing beans that comprised pressing each ear point for one minute, three to five times per day.
Changes in pulmonary function and asthma control were observed before and after each treatment, and outcomes of FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC ratio and the asthma control test were measured and compared. After eight weeks of treatment, all outcomes improved in both groups to different degrees. “In terms of the effective control rate, the total clinical effective control rate of patients in the experimental group was significantly higher than that in the control group,” researchers noted.
For some patients who need noninvasive mechanical ventilation (NIPPV) to help manage acute exacerbation chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD), massage has shown some promise in helping relieve the stress of the procedure.
A 2025 retrospective study7 comprising 160 AECOPD patients needing NIPPV equally divided participants into groups, one receiving NIPPV and the other receiving NIPPV accompanied by acupoint and massage therapy. Changes in comfort, stress indicators, satisfaction, time using NIPPV, and blood gas indicators before and after NIPPV treatment were measured.
Results showed that the integration of acupoint therapy and massage with NIPPV markedly enhanced patient comfort and reduced stress levels. Researchers found patients in the experimental group substantially reduced their anxiety index, alleviated frontal sinus pain and abdominal bloating, reduced the duration of offline periods and hospital stays, and increased both eating and sleep quality.
Research suggests Swedish and deep tissue massage may provide the most benefit when working with clients managing respiratory health conditions. Beyond technique, however, there are specific areas to target during a massage.
“Abdominal massage with guided breathing cues is most effective,” says Galindo-Rios of her own experience. “So many important areas can be addressed with anterior chest and abdominal massage, as well as side-lying serratus and intercostal work. Graston Technique IASTM (instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization) is also effective in releasing the diaphragm from the lower ribs and intercostal muscles.”
When working with a new client, Galindo-Rios typically starts with the feet. “I usually start with the feet to give me an overview of the body,” she says. “This allows the client to begin to feel comfortable with my touch. I then address the whole body. I work the abdomen toward the end of the session.”
The abdomen is saved for last because it is the most vulnerable area to work. By saving it for last, it allows the client to become comfortable with the massage therapist’s touch. Consent is required regardless, however, so before doing any abdominal work, check in with the client first and ask for verbal confirmation that they are OK with being massaged in the area.
“To aid respiratory health, target the rectus abdominis, intracostals, pectorals, trapezius, levator scapulae and supraspinatus, as this is the approach that successfully increased chest circumference by decreasing fascial restrictions,” Morgan notes.
For some people with COPD, lying flat can exacerbate their breathing difficulties, so with these clients, Morgan suggests a semi-reclined or side-lying position.
Additionally, use caution with scented candles and essential oils. “Eucalyptus and mint could help open airways, but each client is different,” Galindo-Rios says.
Overall, massage therapy has proven to be an effective means of helping individuals who suffer from respiratory ailments and diseases when used in conjunction with any doctor prescribed medications and treatments.
Massage therapy has shown promise for helping ease the symptoms of asthma and COPD in both children and adults.
When working with a new client, Galindo-Rios typically starts with the feet. “I usually start with the feet to give me an overview of the body,” she says. “This allows the client to begin to feel comfortable with my touch. I then address the whole body. I work the abdomen toward the end of the session.”
The abdomen is saved for last because it is the most vulnerable area to work. By saving it for last, it allows the client to become comfortable with the massage therapist’s touch. Consent is required regardless, however, so before doing any abdominal work, check in with the client first and ask for verbal confirmation that they are OK with being massaged in the area.
“To aid respiratory health, target the rectus abdominis, intracostals, pectorals, trapezius, levator scapulae and supraspinatus, as this is the approach that successfully increased chest circumference by decreasing fascial restrictions,” Morgan notes.
For some people with COPD, lying flat can exacerbate their breathing difficulties, so with these clients, Morgan suggests a semi-reclined or side-lying position.
Additionally, use caution with scented candles and essential oils. “Eucalyptus and mint could help open airways, but each client is different,” Galindo-Rios says.
Overall, massage therapy has proven to be an effective means of helping individuals who suffer from respiratory ailments and diseases when used in conjunction with any doctor prescribed medications and treatments.
Massage and Acute Coronary Disease
Massage therapy’s ability to help people better manage anxiety can benefit patients with acute coronary syndrome.
Halotherapy in a Massage Setting
Explore what halotherapy is, its benefits, and how it can be integrated into your massage therapy practice.