Pain – Clinical Questions from the AACN.

Pain – Clinical Questions from the AACN.

Studies: Effects of massage in acute and intensive care.

Research:

In this systematic review of 22 studies on the effects of massage on relaxation, well-being, and sleep, 8 out of 10 research studies showed that massage significantly reduced anxiety or feelings of tension.

Results:

Seven out of 10 studies showed that massage led to physiological relaxation. Three studies found that massage is effective for pain relief. The results regarding the promotion of sleep were inconclusive.

Read the full study
Richards KC, Gibson R, Overton-McCoy AL. “Effects of Massage in Acute and Critical Care.” AACN Clinical Issues. 11(1): 77-96, 2000.