Pain - Clinical issues of the AACN.

Pain - Clinical issues of the AACN.

Studies: Effects of massage in acute and intensive care.

Research:

In this systematic review of 22 studies on the effect 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 massages led to physiological relaxation. Three studies found that massages were effective in relieving pain. The results for promoting sleep were inconclusive.

Read 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.