PURPOSE: This study was conducted to identify and analyze the degree of effect of massage therapy on the range of motion of the shoulder. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The database search was conducted using PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, PsycINFO, RISS, NDSL, NANET, DBpia, and KoreaMed. The meta-analysis was based on 7 studies, covered a total of 237 participants, and used a random-effects model. RESULTS: The effect size estimate showed that massage therapy significantly improved the shoulder range of motion, especially the flexion (SMD 18.21, 95% CI 1.57 to 34.85) and abduction (SMD 22.07, 95% CI 5.84 to 38.30). CONCLUSION: The review findings suggest that massage therapy is effective in improving the shoulder flexion and abduction.

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