Massage vs. talk therapy: which changes your brain chemicals more?

NCT ID NCT06987786

Not yet recruiting Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Duke University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study will compare how massage and talk therapy affect stress and bonding hormones (cortisol and oxytocin) in people with chronic neck or back pain. Twenty-five adults with pain lasting at least 3 months will try both treatments in random order. Researchers will measure hormone levels from saliva before and after each session to see if the patient-therapist relationship influences pain and mood.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: massage (soft tissue mobilization) and talk-based therapy
What this could lead to: If successful, this could help explain how the bond between patient and therapist affects pain relief, potentially improving non-drug treatments for chronic pain.
What could go wrong: This is a very small early study (25 people) looking at hormone levels, not a treatment itself. Results may not apply to everyone and may not lead to new therapies.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Low Back Pain Neck Pain vertebral column disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

LOW BACK PAIN NECK PAIN SPINE

Contacts and locations

Locations

CORE 2200 West Main Street

Durham, North Carolina, 27705, United States

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