Effect of massage therapy on pain, anxiety, relaxation, and tension after colorectal surgery: A randomized study.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to evaluate the effect of postoperative massage on pain, tension, anxiety, and satisfaction in patients undergoing abdominal colorectal surgery.
Results Summary
Postoperative massage significantly improved patients' perception of pain, tension, and anxiety, but did not affect overall satisfaction with care. The study concluded that massage may be beneficial during postoperative recovery for these patients.
Population
Patients undergoing abdominal colorectal surgery (n=127).
Effective Dosage
20-minute massage on postoperative days 2 and 3.
Duration
2 days (postoperative days 2 and 3).
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
postoperative massage | decrease | patients' perception of pain | patients undergoing abdominal colorectal surgery | - | significantly improved | #1 |
postoperative massage | decrease | patients' perception of tension | patients undergoing abdominal colorectal surgery | - | significantly improved | #2 |
postoperative massage | decrease | patients' perception of anxiety | patients undergoing abdominal colorectal surgery | - | significantly improved | #3 |
postoperative massage | no change | overall satisfaction | patients undergoing abdominal colorectal surgery | - | unchanged | #4 |
The purpose of this randomized controlled trial was to evaluate the effect of postoperative massage in patients undergoing abdominal colorectal surgery. One hundred twenty-seven patients were randomized to receive a 20-min massage (n = 61) or social visit and relaxation session (no massage; n = 66) on postoperative days 2 and 3. Vital signs and psychological well-being (pain, tension, anxiety, satisfaction with care, relaxation) were assessed before and after each intervention. The study results indicated that postoperative massage significantly improved the patients' perception of pain, tension, and anxiety, but overall satisfaction was unchanged. In conclusion, massage may be beneficial during postoperative recovery for patients undergoing abdominal colorectal surgery. Further studies are warranted to optimize timing and duration and to determine other benefits in this clinical setting.