The third year massage therapy students are looking for participants for their final year research projects. If you would like to help these students learn what it is like to conduct research, and receive free massage therapy in the process, contact Amanda Baskwill, Program Coordinator (amanda.baskwill@humber.ca; 416.675.6622 x.5173) or Dwynwyn Droppo, Clinic Manager (mtclinic@humber.ca; 416.675.6622 x.5055). Individuals who complete the study process will receive a gift certificate to the Massage Therapy Clinic at Humber College to use following the study. If you are not sure if you are eligible or need more information before you commit, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Here are some of the people we are looking for. When you call or email, please reference the study number.

 Effects of Massage Therapy on Quality of Sleep in an Adult Suffering from Insomnia
Study #: 12MT001

We are looking for an individual who has been diagnosed with insomnia for at least 6 months. The individual chosen for this study must demonstrate at least one classification symptom (difficulty initiating or maintaining sleep or non-restorative sleep lasting for at least one month). Those whose insomnia results from another medical or psychiatric condition are not eligible for this study. In addition, individuals who have a new medication or a medication that successfully controls their insomnia are unable to participate in this study.

The treatments would take place on Wednesday or Thursday afternoon or evenings.

Treatment of Symptoms of Insomnia by Massage Therapy
Study #: 12MT002

We are looking for an adult who has experienced insomnia for longer than three months. Those individuals who are receiving pharmacological treatment (medication), or who have a psychiatric disorder or acute insomnia are not eligible for this study.

The exercise and treatments would take place on Tuesday afternoon or evenings.

Massage Therapy and Fibromyalgia
Study #: 12MT003

We are looking for someone who has been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia (FM). To participate, your diagnosis must have been at least 2 years ago and you cannot have any other medical conditions, except those specifically associated with FM. Participants who are seeking other alternative health care providers (i.e. chiropractors, physiotherapists, and acupuncturist) and who are on any kind of prescribed sleeping medications throughout the duration of the study will be excluded.

The appointments for this study would take place on Wednesday or Thursday afternoons or evenings.

The Effects of Massage Therapy on Temporomandibular Dysfunction
Study #: 12MT004

We are looking for an individual who has suffered from temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMD) for at least 6 months. TMD should have been diagnosed by a registered health care professional. The individual chosen for this study will have myofascial pain and joint stiffness associated with the muscles and joints of the region.

Individuals with pain and dysfunction that is caused by trauma, those with disk displacement of the cervical spine or fractures to the mandible, cervical spine, or facial structures will not be able to participate. Any one suffering from whiplash injury, arthritic conditions of the TMJ, a sinus infection, or is already seeking treatment for TMD (including manual therapy and surgery), will be excluded from the study.

Treatments for this study will take place on Tuesday or Wednesday afternoon or evenings.

Massage Therapy and Scoliosis
Study #: 12MT005

We are looking for an adult diagnosed with functional scoliosis (with more than 10º of spinal curvature). Unfortunately, those who suffer from structural scoliosis or those who have a previous surgery related to scoliosis are not eligible for this study.

If you are interested in participating, we would need you to be available for treatment on Wednesday or Thursday afternoon or evenings.

Massage Therapy and its Effects on Balance in the Elderly
Study #: 12MT006

We are looking for an individual over the age of 65 who is able to perform activities of daily living independently and experiences trouble with balance. Those individuals needing complex medical care, or who require great amounts of assistance with walking or standing are unable to participate in this study.

Treatment would take place on Tuesday or Thursday afternoon or evenings.

Massage Therapy Effects on the Quality of Life of a Patient with Parkinson’s Disease
Study #: 12MT007

We are looking for an individual who has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and is experiencing difficulties in completing daily tasks. Unfortunately, those with psychiatric disorders or cognitive impairments that would prevent them from providing informed consent are not eligible for this study. In addition, individuals will be excluded if they experience secondary health conditions for which the massage therapy treatment would be unsafe.

We would need you to be available on Tuesday or Wednesday afternoon or evenings for treatment.

Anxiety and Massage Therapy
Study #: 12MT008

We are looking for an individual who has been diagnosed with mild to moderate anxiety. Unfortunately, those with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, borderline personality disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, specific phobia, or other psychological disorder requiring complex medical or psychological intervention are not eligible for this study.

Treatments for this study would occur on Tuesday or Thursday afternoon or evenings.

Effects of Massage Therapy on Pain and Function in Individuals with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Study #: 12MT009

We are looking for an individual who has been diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome (MD diagnosis required). Unfortunately, if you are currently receiving treatment for this condition from another health care provider, have recently had surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome, have osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or severe cases of osteoporosis in the wrist and hands you would not be eligible for this study.

We would need you to be available for treatment on Wednesday afternoon or evening.

The Effects of Massage Therapy on Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness
Study #: 12MT010

We are looking for an individual who is in good overall health and experiences delayed onset muscle soreness when working out. If you are currently participating in a competitive sport or actively involved in or completing a weight training exercise program other than that which is prescribed in the study, you will not be eligible to participate. In addition, if you are currently recovering from an injury, have a cardiovascular or respiratory condition, or other conditions which may make the study unsafe, you would not be suited for this study.

Treatments for this study would be held on Thursday afternoon or evenings.

Massage Therapy and Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness
Study #: 12MT011

We are looking for a person who has access to the Humber College training facilities and the ability to perform active movements with the legs. If you have had any recent surgeries or injuries or if you have any health condition that would make exercise unsafe, you will not be eligible to participate in this study.

If you are interested, we would need you to be available for treatment on Wednesday afternoon or evenings.

Massage Therapy Effects on Chronic Low Back Pain
Study #: 12MT012

We are looking for someone who is suffering from chronic lower back pain that they have had for longer than 12 weeks. Preference will be given to someone who has been diagnosed with chronic low back pain by their primary health care provider. If your low back pain is due to a neurological disorder, burn area, deep vein thrombosis, active cancer or tumor, surgery, infections, disc disease or any malfunction which is not related to musculoskeletal dysfunction, you would not be able to participate in this study.

Treatments for this study will take place on Wednesday or Thursday afternoon or evenings.

Massage Therapy and Rheumatoid Arthritis Pain
Study #: 12MT013

We are looking for an individual who has been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, preferably in the hands. However, if you have a condition for which massage therapy is contraindicated, are scheduled for surgery related to your arthritis, or are currently receiving treatment for your arthritis (from a massage therapist, chiropractor, physiotherapist or similar), you would not be eligible for the study.

You will need to be available for treatments on Tuesday or Wednesday afternoon or evening.

The Effects of Massage Therapy on Tension Headaches
Study #: 12MT014

We are looking for someone who has been diagnosed by their physician with tension headaches. Individuals with cancer, cardiovascular conditions, previous head injury (such as whiplash), or medication where a possible side effect is headache are not eligible for this study.

You will need to be able to attend public clinic on Tuesday or Thursday afternoon or evenings.

If you would like more information about any of the studies above or would like to volunteer to participate, please contact Amanda Baskwill (amanda.baskwill@humber.ca; 416.675.6622 x.5173). If you would not like to be part of the study but would like to make an appointment at Humber’s Massage Therapy Clinic, please contact us at mtclinic@humber.ca or 416.675.6622 x.5055.