The Effects of Massage Therapy on Pain and Anxiety after Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to assess the effects of massage therapy on pain management among post-operative patients through a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Results Summary
The meta-analysis showed significant improvement in post-operative pain with single dosage massage therapy (standardized mean difference -0.49; 95% CI -0.64, -0.34; p < .00001) and low heterogeneity.
Population
Post-operative patients
Effective Dosage
Single dosage (specific amount not detailed)
Duration
Not specified
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
massage therapy | decrease | post-operative pain | post-operative patients | -0.49; 95% confidence intervals -0.64, -0.34; p < .00001 | showed significant improvement | #1 |
Pain management is critical for patients after surgery, but current pain management methods are not always adequate. Massage therapy may be a therapeutic complementary therapy for pain. Many researchers have investigated the effects of massage therapy on post-operative pain, but there have been no systematic reviews and meta-analysis of its efficacy for post-operative patients. Our objective was to assess the effects of massage therapy on pain management among post-operative patients by conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis. The databases searched included MEDLINE, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Library's CENTRAL. To assess the effects of massage therapy on post-operative pain and anxiety, we performed a meta-analysis and calculated standardized mean difference with 95% CIs (Confidential Intervals) as a summary effect. Ten randomized controlled trials were selected (total sample size = 1,157). Meta-analysis was conducted using subgroup analysis. The effect of single dosage massage therapy on post-operative pain showed significant improvement (-0.49; 95% confidence intervals -0.64, -0.34; p < .00001) and low heterogeneity (p = .39, I