Complementary therapies in clinical practice
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Complement Ther Clin Pract · Aug 2015
Randomized Controlled TrialEffect of massage therapy on pain, anxiety, relaxation, and tension after colorectal surgery: A randomized study.
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. ⋯ 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.