Benefits of Infant Massage Therapy

Infant massage therapy has gained attention as a safe, non-drug intervention for preterm infants, who are at high risk for slow growth and prolonged hospital stays due to immature organ systems. 

A recent study published in the International Journal of pediatrics analyzed the effects of daily infant massage over 14 days, starting at a corrected gestational age of over 30 weeks, compared with standard care. Each session lasted 15 minutes and involved moderate-pressure tactile stimulation, with careful monitoring for any signs of infant distress.

The study included 38 preterm infants, with 18 receiving massage therapy and 20 receiving routine care. Key outcomes measured were body weight, length, and head circumference, along with the time needed to reach full oral feeding.

Results showed that infants in the massage group gained an average of 63.04 g per day, significantly higher than those in the control group (p = 0.02). The intervention also shortened the time to full feeding, with massage infants achieving it in 18.75 days, compared with 41.88 days in the control group (p = 0.01). Additionally, infants receiving massage spent fewer days on intubation and parenteral nutrition, reflecting overall improvements in clinical stability and health.

The study concluded that messaging low birth weight infants with a moderate -pressure is beneficial and effective, noninvasive approach to support growth and accelerate recovery. It is cost-effective, safe, and free from adverse effects, making it a valuable addition to standard neonatal intensive care unit practices. Integrating massage therapy into routine care may improve outcomes and reduce hospital stays for vulnerable preterm infants.

Reference:

1. Weerakul J, et al. The effects of infant massage therapy on preterm neonatal outcomes: a clinical trial. Int J Pediatr. 2025;2025:2451284. doi:10.1155/ijpe/2451284.; https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11986174/