Massage Therapy Intervention Research Articles

Effectiveness of massage therapy intervention for labour pain management during normal delivery: A literature review

Background: Labor and delivery pain is a common experience experienced by women around the world. Women who give birth normally experience significant levels of pain during labor. Efforts to increase knowledge and use of non-pharmacological interventions to manage labor pain, such as massage therapy, still need to be encouraged in pregnant women, various techniques such as deep back massage, effleurage massage, and foot massage have shown promising results in reducing pain experienced during labor. Purpose: To know and analyze effectiveness of massage therapy intervention for labour pain management during normal delivery Method: Literature study using search engine databases, namely ProQuest, Sciencedirect, Pubmed, and Scopus, with article publications ranging from 2018-2024. The literature search strategy involves keywords related to the topic and title of the study: "Massage" OR "foot Massage" OR "reflexiology" AND "Fatigue" AND "Hemodialysis" OR "Chronic Kidney Disease" AND "Randomised Control" OR "Clinical Trial". Results: Obtained 10 articles that show the effect of massage therapy in reducing pain in patients who are undergoing labor and delivery. Conclusion: Massage therapy carried out within a certain time span can effectively reduce pain levels in patients who are undergoing labor and delivery.

Efektivitas Terapi Foot Massage Dalam Mengurangi Nyeri Pada Pasien Post-Histerektomi Dengan Mioma Uteri

Foot massage therapy is a technique that uses patting, stroking, or pressure to distract and divert connective tissue to increase foot muscle tone, improve circulation, and induce relaxation, by releasing endorphins, it can also increase the pain threshold. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of foot massage therapy in reducing pain in post-hysterectomy patients with uterine myoma. This study uses a descriptive design with a case study approach to nursing care for 3 days with a foot massage therapy intervention for 15 minutes to case study subjects who are evaluated using the Numeric Rating Scale. This case study was conducted at Muhammadiyah PKU Gamping Hospital Yogyakarta on May 8-10, 2024. The results of the intervention evaluation from the first day to the third day showed that patients reported a decrease in pain from a scale of 9 to a scale of 4 after being given foot massage therapy. This decrease in pain level is not only the effect of foot massage therapy alone, but also from the medications taken during treatment. In addition to reducing pain, this therapy can also make patients more comfortable and relaxed.

Swedish massage as an adjunct approach to Help suppOrt individuals Pregnant after Experiencing a prior Stillbirth (HOPES): a convergent parallel mixed-methods single-arm feasibility trial protocol

BackgroundWomen experiencing pregnancy after stillbirth experience high levels of anxiety, fear and depression. Standard antenatal care may be emotionally unsuitable for many women at this time, and there is a lack of evidence on what interventions or approaches to care might benefit these women. Therapeutic massage may assist women after stillbirth by decreasing anxiety, worry and stress.ObjectiveThis paper outlines the objectives, methodology, outcome and assessment measures for the Helping suppOrt individuals Pregnant after Experiencing a Stillbirth (HOPES) feasibility trial which evaluates massage as an adjunct approach to care for pregnant women who have experienced a prior stillbirth. It also outlines data collection timing and considerations for analysing the data.MethodsHOPES will use a convergent parallel mixed-methods, single-arm repeated measures trial design in trained massage therapists’ private clinics across Australia. HOPES aims to recruit 75 individuals pregnant after a previous stillbirth. The intervention is massage therapy treatments, and participants will receive up to five massages within a 4-month period at intervals of their choosing. Primary quantitative outcomes are the feasibility and acceptability of the massage intervention. Secondary outcomes include determining the optimal timing of massage therapy delivery and the collection of measures for anxiety, worry, stress and self-management. A thematic analysis of women’s experiences undertaking the intervention will also be conducted. A narrative and joint display approach to integrate mixed-methods data is planned.DiscussionThe HOPES study will determine the feasibility and preliminary evidence for massage therapy as an intervention to support women who are pregnant after a stillbirth.Trial registration.ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05636553. Registered on December 3, 2022, and the trial is ongoing.

Asuhan Keperawatan Medikal Bedah Efektivitas Finger Hold Relaxation Dan Hand Massage Dengan Minyak Terapi Terhadap Intesitas Nyeri Pada Pasien Post Apendiktomi Di Ruang Dahlia RSUD Dr. T.C Hillers Maumere

Unhealthy eating patterns can cause appendicitis and appendicitis can occur at any age, the way to overcome this is by carrying out surgery or an appendectomy. The consequences of this surgery can cause pain. One way to reduce pain is by using finger hold relaxation and hand massage techniques. The aim of this case study is to determine the reduction in pain scale in post-appendectomy patients after finger hold relaxation and hand massage therapy. The method used in this case study is case study design with a nursing care process approach. The subjects in this case study were 2 patients, obtained from inclusion and exclusion criteria, data collection using the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS). The results of the case study show that the average pain level of the two patients after being given finger hold relaxation and hand massage therapy intervention for 2 days experienced a change from moderate pain to mild pain. The conclusion of this case study shows that there were changes that occurred after the finger hold relaxation therapy intervention and hand massage using therapeutic oil were given to the two patients and they experienced a decrease in the pain scale.

Comparison of manual lymphatic drainage massage and negative pressure massage therapy efficacy in lymphedema patients: a randomized controlled study

Objectives: Lower extremity lymphedema due to secondary causes is a lifelong complication that can be encountered. Its treatment is essential, because it has significant impact on quality of life and daily living activities related to lower extremity involvement. This research aims to compare the effects of Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage (MLD) and Negative Pressure Massage Therapy (NPMT) treatments in order to provide maximum benefit to patients. Methods: This prospective, randomized study included 30 patients with lower extremity lymphedema due to secondary causes. Patients, randomized using computer software, were divided into two groups. The first group (n =15) received 45 minutes, 15 sessions of MLD, while the second group (n =15) received 45 minutes of 15 sessions of NPMT using the LymphaTouch device. Compression bandaging was applied to both groups and self-drainage training was given to all patients. The circumference of the extremity at 6 reference points were measured and their pain and discomfort assessed by the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) were recorded before and after treatment. Changes within the groups and between the groups were compared using the SPSS statistical program. Results: Statistically significant improvement was observed in all parameters in both treatment groups. The decrease in VAS pain and VAS discomfort scores (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01; respectively), circumference measurement of the extremity (p < 0.01) was statistically greater in the NPMT group compared to the MLD group. Conclusions: In conclusion, NPMT appears to be a beneficial non-invasive treatment method for reducing extremity volumes and decreasing subjective pain and discomfort in lymphedema patients.

Effect of effleurage massage therapy on sleep disturbance, fatigue, pain, and anxiety in patients with multiple sclerosis: A quasi-experimental study

BackgroundFatigue, pain, sleep disturbance, and anxiety are prevalent symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS) and frequent complaints in MS patients, which reduce their quality of life. Many studies have shown that massage therapy improves MS patients' symptoms. However, the effect of effleurage massage on sleep disturbance, fatigue, pain, and anxiety in patients with MS is not studied in Egypt. AimTo examine the effect of Effleurage massage therapy on sleep disturbance, fatigue, pain, and anxiety in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). MethodsThis research study has a quasi-experimental design, with control and intervention groups, and pre and post-tests conducted at the multiple sclerosis in-patient clinic at one Egyptian hospital between May 2019 and January 2020. Sixty adult female patients with MS were recruited, with 30 patients in the control group and 30 in the intervention group. The intervention group received Effleurage massage therapy intervention three times a week for two weeks, and each session lasted about 20 min. Patients in the control group received routine hospital care. Data were collected using the patient's demographic and medical data sheet, Insomnia Severity Index, Modified Fatigue Impact Scale, Numeric Pain Rating Scale, and Beck Anxiety Inventory before and after the intervention. ResultsSignificant improvement was observed in pain, sleep, fatigue, and anxiety in the massage group (P < 0.001). ConclusionBased on the current study, Effleurage massage intervention for MS patients could have possible clinical value for improving sleep disturbance, palliating pain, fatigue, and reducing anxiety. Egyptian nurses can integrate massage therapy into the routine nursing care of patients with MS. Effleurage massage could be an adjunct treatment modality for MS patients; however, more significant studies are needed.

Pengaruh Terapi Pijat Oksitosin Terhadap Kelancaran ASI pada Ibu Nifas di Wilayah Kerja Puskesmas M.Taha Bengkulu Selatan

Baground: The coverage of infants who received exclusive breastfeeding at the M. Taha Health Center was 59.26%, the last of the 14 health centers in Bengkulu Selatan Regency, due to one of the reasons for the lack of milk production. Oxytocin massage is one solution to overcome the non-smooth milk production. Purpose: The purpose of this research is to study the effect of oxytocin massage therapy on the smoothness of breast milk in post partum’s women in the M. Taha Health Center, Bengkulu Selatan Regency. Method: This is research uses a pre-experimental with the One Group Pre-Test and Post Test Design Method. The population is all post partum’s women &lt;24 hours in the working area of ??the M. Taha Health Center, Bengkulu Selatan Regency. Sampling used the Accidental Sampling technique, with a sample of 16 respondents. Data collection using interview techniques and oxytocin massage therapy treatment. Results: The results showed that from 16 respondents, the average value of the smoothness breast milk before the oxytocin massage treatment was 4.19 and the average value of the smoothness breast milk after the oxytocin massage treatment was 8.38. Conclusion: There is an effect of oxytocin massage therapy on the smoothness breast milk in post partum’s women in the Working Area of ??the M. Taha Health Center Bengkulu Selatan Regency. It is recommended to the Puskesmas that oxytocin massage therapy can be used as a permanent procedure as a post partum’s service at the Puskesmas and teach/socialize to mothers about oxytocin massage and its benefits for breast milk mothers.

Effects of massage therapy on pain and anxiety intensity in patients with burns: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to examine the effects of massage therapy on pain and anxiety intensity in patients with burns. A comprehensive, systematic search was conducted in various international electronic databases, such as Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, and Persian electronic databases such as Iranmedex, and Scientific Information Database using keywords extracted from Medical Subject Headings such as 'Massage therapy', 'Musculoskeletal manipulations', 'Acute pains', 'Burning pain', and 'Burn' from the earliest to October 17, 2022. Cochran's tool is used to check the risk of bias for randomised clinical trial (RCT) articles. The methodological index for non-randomised studies was used to assess the risk of bias in quasi-experimental studies. STATA version 14 software was used to perform the meta-analysis. A 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to determine statistical significance. Heterogeneity was investigated with I2 . A P-value less than .1 was considered statistically significant for publication bias value. A total of 733 patients with burns were included in seven studies. Five studies had an RCT design and two studies had a quasi-experimental design. The duration of the study was reported in five studies, with a mean of 42.40 weeks. The duration of the intervention was reported in seven studies with a mean of 22.86 minutes. The results of the meta-analysis showed using various types of massage therapy interventions significantly reduced pain intensity in the intervention group compared with the control group (weighted mean difference: -2.08, 95% CI: -2.55 to -1.62, Z= 8.77, I2 : 67.1%, P< .001). Massage therapy intervention significantly reduced the intensity of anxiety in burn patients (standard mean difference: -7.07, 95% CI: -10.13 to -4.01, Z= 4.53, I2 : 98.2, P< .001). Overall, the present systematic review and meta-analysis showed that massage therapy can reduce the intensity of pain and anxiety in burn patients. Therefore, it is recommended that health managers and policymakers pay special attention to massage therapy as a simple, low-cost, and efficient non-pharmacological treatment to relieve pain and anxiety in burn patients.

Alternative Psychotherapeutic Approaches to the Treatment of Eczema.

Patients with eczema suffer from high psychological burden, often caused and exacerbated by chronic pruritus, which leads to a vicious itch-scratch cycle. Although much of the literature focuses on treating the physiological factors that lead to pruritus, little attention has been given to the cognitive, behavioral, and social factors associated with the itch-scratch cycle. We conducted a literature review to investigate whether treatments aimed at psychosocial factors could be effective for patients with eczema. A systematic literature review was conducted through PubMed and EMBASE. Original investigative articles that focused on psychotherapeutic interventions for eczema and/or eczema-related psychological morbidities were reviewed. Psychotherapeutic interventions alongside standard medical care are shown to be beneficial compared to conventional treatments alone, both for eczema and for eczema-associated psychological symptoms. Such interventions include meditation and mindfulness, stress-reduction, habit-reversal training, hypnotherapy, music therapy, massage therapy, and standard psychological treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy. It is important to recognize the reciprocal relationship between eczema and psychosocial distress. Alternative treatment options to address psychological factors associated with eczema can improve disease trajectory and quality of life.

Massage Therapy Effectiveness in Rehabilitation on Humeral Shaft Fracture in a Child: A Case Study.

ObjectivesThis case report aimed to explore the process and outcomes of a seven-week massage therapy treatment on post-surgical intervention to reduce humeral shaft fracture.ParticipantAn active 9-year-old girl who recently moved in the region and who underwent two surgeries following a humeral fracture with displacement after a fall at school.InterventionThe treatment used various techniques such as manual lymphatic drainage (MLD), myofascial release (MFR), therapeutic massage, and neuromuscular techniques (NMT) in conjunction with the physiotherapist rehabilitation programme to help the client recover both physically and emotionally from the trauma. Evaluation of the outcome measures (OM) took place throughout the study and after the four-week interim that followed the intervention period.ResultsThe massage therapy intervention indicated improvement regarding range of motion (ROM) and muscular strength. The clients’ progress using the Patient-Specific Functional Scale (PSFS) indicated a gradual evolution to reach almost a 95% gain, and the Upper Extremity Function Index (UEFI) also showed improvement in everyday activities with a 21.5% positive change. The Child Outcome Rating Scale (CORS) and subsequent Child Session Rating Scale (CSRS) monitored therapeutic progress and indicated improvement on biopsychosocial (BPS) aspects throughout the treatment.ConclusionThe client felt strong and more confident after each massage intervention. A combination of techniques and the child’s empowerment positively affected the client’s overall wellness and confidence to return to activities.

The Effectiveness of Massage Therapy on Healing of Diabetic Neuropathy in Diabetes Mellitus Patients

BACKGROUND: Diabetic neuropathy reduces the patient’s quality of life and the quality of diabetes management itself and, as a result, worsens the prognosis of other diabetic complications. Various complaints that are often felt by diabetes mellitus (DM) patients due to neuropathy include pain in the legs, numbness, and weakness in the affected leg, paresthesia, or numbness, and the absence of tendon reflexes in the affected leg. AIM: This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of electric massage therapy on neuropathy healing in DM patients. METHODS: The pre-test and post-test experimental design without a control group was employed. Patients with neuropathy diabetic were recruited as the subject of the study. The total number of participants in the study was 30 people. All the subjects were assessed for neuropathy using the neuropathy assessment instrument and the monofilament test. The Kolmogorov–Smirnov test was employed to analyze the normality of the data. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was employed for non-normally distributed data. The study used a 95% confidence interval, and significance was assessed at alpha &lt;0.05. RESULTS: Mean difference test resulted that the Z value was −4.791; (p &lt; 0.01). These results indicate that there was a statistically significant difference in the level of neuropathy before and after the massage therapy intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Foot massage therapy has a significant effect in reducing the complaints of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). It is recommended for the DPN patients to conduct foot massage independently regularly as an alternative treatment in-home care treatment.

The Experience among Patients with Bone Fractures during Traditional Massage Therapy (Topu Bara): A Phenomenology Study

Background: In Indonesia, traditional medicine called “Sangkal Putung” has become an alternative treatment for fractures. Broken-bones sufferers at any age, anywhere, and in any case go to “Sangkal Putung” and there is even a public hospital that provides surgical services. Especially in Maluku Province, there is a type of traditional massage therapy treatment called “Topu Bara”. &#x0D; Purpose: The study aimed to explore the experiences among patients with bone fractures during traditional massage therapy (Topu Bara). &#x0D; Methods: A phenomenological study that used deep interviews was used from August to September 2021 The participant was taken by purposive sampling, adult aged 25 to 55-years old, and were the second or more of healing series. Data originated from 15 participants. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim, and Collaizi analysis. &#x0D; Results: The results of the study found 7 themes, including causes of fracture, time events, action taken directly after inside, pain experiences during handling in therapy “Topu Bara”, coping of the patients, pain management, and advice given by healer to other participants.&#x0D; Conclusions: Most of them stated that safety and comfort were the priority for fracture healing. The concept of culture in the behavioral alteration of fracture healing can have on the participants.

The effect of reflexology massage and passive music therapy intervention before burn dressing on pain, anxiety level and sleep quality

BackgroundThe pain, anxiety, and sleep disorders that burn patients experience due to burn dressing negatively affect their treatment process. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of reflexology massage and passive music therapy intervention before burn dressing on pain, anxiety level and sleep quality. MethodsThis study was a randomized controlled trial. The study sample consisted of 36 patients who were hospitalized in the Burn Center of a University Hospital. After obtaining written consent, patients were enrolled to study according to inclusion criteria and then, divided into Reflexology Massage (n = 12), Reflexology Massage with Passive Music Therapy (n = 12) and Control (n = 12) groups using simple random allocation. In the experimental groups, in addition to standard care, interventions were performed for consecutive three days. Interventions were done before dressing for 40 min in the patient’s room. The control group received only standard care during this time. Severity of pain in three groups was measured using “Visual Analog Scale” twice a day (before dressing change and 2 h after dressing change). Severity of state anxiety and sleep quality in three groups was measured using “State Anxiety Scale” and “Richards-Campbell Sleep Questionnaire” once a day (before dressing change). Severity of trait anxiety in three groups was measured using “Trait Anxiety Scale” for two times (before and after study). The drugs used by the patients for 3 days were recorded in the “Opioid and Analgesic Drug Form.” Data were analyzed using Pearson Chi-square, Independent Samples T-test, One-Way ANOVA, Bonferroni, Paired Sample T-Test, Repeated Measures ANOVA tests were used. ResultsThe results showed no significant difference in severity of pain, anxiety, and sleep quality (p > 0,05) between the three groups on the first day. However, the mean pain scores showed a significant difference between the experimental and control groups in the third (p < 0,05) and fourth (p < 0001) days after intervention. Anxiety scores also showed a significant difference between the experimental and control groups on the fourth (p < 0001) day. Sleep quality of the experimental groups was higher than the control group on the fourth day (p < 00001). No significant difference using of opioid and analgesic drugs between the three groups (p > 0,05). ConclusionsOur results showed reflexology massage and passive music therapy before burn dressing reduced pain and anxiety level, and increased sleep quality.

The Effects of Massage Therapy on a Patient with Migraines and Cervical Spondylosis: a Case Report.

BackgroundMigraines involve moderate-to-severe neck and face pain that lasts four to 72 hours, and are followed by fatigue and stiffness. Migraines are treated using medications, massage therapy (MT), and non-pharmacological alternatives. Cervical spondylosis (CS) is characterized by degeneration of the intervertebral discs, neck pain, and involvement of soft tissues in the cervical area. CS is treated using medications and manual therapy, including MT.ObjectiveTo determine the effects of MT on cervical range of motion and daily function in a patient with migraines and CS.Case PresentationThe patient was an active 56-year-old female diagnosed with migraines and CS. Initial evaluation included cervical range of motion (ROM), goniometry, reflexes, myotomes, dermatomes, local sensation testing and orthopedic tests. Assessment was followed by five MT treatments. Swedish massage, myofascial trigger point release, and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) stretching were applied to the back, neck, head, and face. The Headache Disability Index (HDI) was administered on the initial and final visits to evaluate patient function. Cervical ROM was measured pre- and posttreatment using a universal goniometer. Treatment was conducted by a second-year MT student at the MacEwan Massage Therapy Teaching Clinic in Edmonton, Alberta.ResultsAll cervical ranges of motion improved. The Headache Disability Index score decreased, but was not considered significant. The patient reported decreased stiffness in the upper back and shoulders, reduced migraines, and better sleeping patterns after the MT intervention.ConclusionMT was effective in increasing cervical ROM, but had no significant effect on daily function. Further research is warranted on effects of MT on CS and migraines.

The Effect of Massage Therapy Method, Therapy Duration and Injuries on the Reduction of Pain in Knee Ijuries

The aim of the study was to explain the effect of effriction and frirage massage therapy, with a therapyduration of 10 minutes and 15 minutes in helping to reduce movement pain around the injured joint, theinjured joint was the ACL ligament which was injured for 1 month and 2 months but pain in the surroundingmuscles. ACL at the time of massage therapy was still felt by injured patients. This study was an experimentby providing 2 types of therapy, namely effriction and frirage therapy. Each therapy is a combination of twomassage method to get maximum results in reducing pain during flexion and extension of the thigh muscles.With a factorial design with a sample size of 64 people with the criteria to be the sample, namely purposivesampling with injury for 1 month and 2 months. Physical assessment test instruments for pain with an analogvisual scale are used to map changes and decreases in pain before treatment and after therapy and changesin range of motion in the knee to support the healing process assisted by these therapeutic method duringthe effriction massage therapy intervention. Subjective reporting on the level and function of pain is alsodocumented. The results of the study for the homogeneity test mean that the data are homogeneous, andthere is a significant difference between the 1 month and 2 month injuries. It was obtained that for massagetherapy with an effriction treatment, the duration of the injury was 1 month with a duration of 10 minutes oftherapy, which experienced a significant reduction in pain by 0.047 and for effriction therapy with a durationof 15 minutes, it had a significance of 0.049 so that for effriction therapy the duration of the injury was 1month and for frirage therapy the duration of the injury was 1 month. months with 15 minutes of therapy inthis group alone experienced a significant reduction. So that for 1 month there was no interaction betweenthe independent variables and the dependent variable for the duration of 2 months there was an interactionbecause many factors influenced the reduction of pain and must be described in other studies. Effrictionmassage therapy is determined as a complementary therapy that is effective in helping to reduce pain reliefin knee injuries, especially for 1 month injuries with a duration of 10 minutes and 15 minutes and frirage cansignificantly reduce pain in the injury duration of 1 month with a therapy duration of 15 minutes, and thetype for this therapy there was a non-significant reduction in injury duration of 2 months.

Effects of Psychoactive Massage in Outpatients with Depressive Disorders: A Randomized Controlled Mixed-Methods Study.

The clinical picture of depressive disorders is characterized by a plethora of somatic symptoms, psychomotor retardation, and, particularly, anhedonia. The number of patients with residual symptoms or treatment resistance is high. Touch is the basic communication among humans and animals. Its application professionally in the form of, e.g., psychoactive massage therapy, has been shown in the past to reduce the somatic and mental symptoms of depression and anxiety. Here, we investigated the effects of a specially developed affect-regulating massage therapy (ARMT) vs. individual treatment with a standardized relaxation procedure, progressive muscle relaxation (PMR), in 57 outpatients with depression. Patients were given one ARMT or PMR session weekly over 4 weeks. Changes in somatic and cognitive symptoms were assessed by standard psychiatric instruments (Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD) and the Bech–Rafaelsen–Melancholia–Scale (BRMS)) as well as a visual analogue scale. Furthermore, oral statements from all participants were obtained in semi-structured interviews. The findings show clear and statistically significant superiority of ARMT over PMR. The results might be interpreted within various models. The concept of interoception, as well as the principles of body psychotherapy and phenomenological aspects, offers cues for understanding the mechanisms involved. Within a neurobiological context, the significance of C-tactile afferents activated by special touch techniques and humoral changes such as increased oxytocin levels open additional ways of interpreting our findings.

Effects of Massage Therapy on Multiple Sclerosis: a Case Report

Background: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is characterized by degeneration of the myelin sheath of an axon resulting in decreased transmission of nerve impulses. It is an autoimmune disease with periods of exacerbation and remission. Types of MS include relapsing-remitting, acute progressive, chronic progressive attack-remitting, and benign. Symptoms vary from patient to patient. Common symptoms include fatigue, spasticity, swelling, and altered gait. MS is commonly treated with medications that help relieve symptoms and prolong disease progression. Massage Therapy (MT), specifically Swedish techniques, have been effective in treating MS.&#x0D; Objective: To examine the effects of MT on mobility, fatigue, and edema in a patient with MS.&#x0D; Methods: An MT student from MacEwan University’s 2,200-hour Massage Therapy program administered five MT treatments over a six-week period to a 58-year-old female diagnosed with MS 11 years earlier. She presented with symptoms of decreased mobility, fatigue, and left ankle edema. Assessment included active and passive range of motion (ROM), myotomes, dermatomes, reflexes, and orthopedic tests. Goals for the treatment sessions were to increase mobility, decrease fatigue, and decrease edema. Assessment measures included the Timed-Up-and-Go (TUG) test for mobility, the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS) to measure fatigue, and Figure-8 ankle measurement to measure edema. Techniques used included Swedish massage, passive ROM, manual lymphatic drainage (MLD), and home-care exercises.&#x0D; Results: Little change was noted in mobility. The patient’s fatigue level and left ankle edema decreased.&#x0D; Conclusion: The results suggest that MT is effective in reducing fatigue and edema in a patient with MS. Future studies are needed to evaluate the correlation between mobility and massage.

The Use of Massage Therapy as a Nonpharmacological Approach to Relieve Postlaparoscopic Shoulder Pain: a Pediatric Case Report

Postlaparoscopic shoulder pain (PLSP) has been well documented to effect patients following an abdominal or thoracic laparoscopic surgery. PLSP is characterized by referred pain that can occur both unilaterally or bilaterally, and is typically caused by phrenic nerve irritation. Current literature has focused on pharmacological treatment; however, there is limited evidence for the use of nonpharmacological management of PLSP in the pediatric population. This retrospective case report study explores the use of a single-session massage therapy treatment for a 17-year-old patient with PLSP following laparoscopic abdominal surgery. Therapy intervention included a 25 min Swedish massage involving the effected shoulder with an emphasis on passive touch to the shoulder and at the level of the diaphragm. Pain was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pre- and postintervention. Following therapy the patient reported 0/10 pain. This case report provides evidence for the use of massage therapy treatment as a noninvasive, nonpharmacological approach to reducing or eliminating PLSP in a pediatric patient.

The Effect of Reflexology Massage and Passive Music Therapy Intervention Before Burn Dressing

The Effect of Reflexology Massage and Passive Music Therapy Intervention Before Burn Dressing

Massage therapy for symptom reduction and improved quality of life in children with cancer in palliative care: A pilot study

BackgroundFor children with cancer in palliative care, pain and worry are common and frequently under-managed, which negatively impacts quality of life (QOL). Massage therapy (MT) can lead to reduced pain in children with chronic illnesses. Children with cancer have experienced lower anxiety after MT. No studies have examined the effects of MT in pediatric oncology patients receiving palliative care. ObjectiveConduct a MT intervention to determine intervention acceptability and initial effects on ratings of pain, worry reduction, and quality of life. DesignPre-post single group pilot study. Setting/SubjectsEight children with cancer (age 10–17) and one of their parents were recruited from a palliative care service. Procedure/MeasurementsBaseline (one week prior to intervention): demographics, MT expectations, QOL, and pain measures. Intervention (one month): MT was provided once per week, with children’s pain and worry ratings occurring immediately before and after each MT session. Follow Up (4–6 weeks after baseline): QOL, pain, and MT/study acceptability questionnaires. ResultsParticipants reported significant decreases in pain following two MT sessions, and worry following one session. No significant changes in pain symptoms and QOL were found between baseline and follow up. Participants positively endorsed the study and the MT intervention, and there were no adverse effects reported. ConclusionsMT may lead to immediate decreases in pain and worry in children with cancer who are receiving palliative care, however the effects may not be sustained long term. Difficulties regarding protocol feasibility including recruitment and study compliance remain important considerations for future work.