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Massage in hypertrophic scars.

Various attempts have been made to intervene with the formation of hypertrophic scarring (HTS) or to ameliorate it once it has developed, but none have yet proved effective. Massage therapy is routinely used by therapists for the treatment of various conditions, and there have been reports of increased scar pliability and decreased scar banding with the use of massage. This study examines the use of friction massage over a 3-month period in a group of 30 pediatric patients with HTS. The patients were randomly assigned to receive either therapeutic massage sessions of 10 minutes per day in combination with treatment with pressure garments or they were treated with pressure garments alone. A modified Vancouver Burn Scar Assessment Scale was used to measure the characteristics of the identified scars (10 cm by 10 cm) before and after the implementation of massage therapy. The study failed to demonstrate any appreciable effects of massage therapy on the vascularity, pliability, and height of the HTS studied, although there were reports of a decrease in pruritus in some patients. Further studies, with prolonged treatment intervals, are necessary to conclusively demonstrate the ineffectiveness of this therapy for HTS.

Burns↗

A meaningful relief from suffering experiences of massage in cancer care.

The experience of massage in an oncology ward was the focus of this study. Eight female cancer patients were given massage for 10 consecutive days and then interviewed using phenomenology as a theoretical framework. The essential meaning of getting massage as part of the daily care for female cancer patients was described as getting a meaningful relief from suffering. The findings identified five themes: the relief is meaningful because it offers the patient an experience of being "special." The massage contributes to the development of a positive relationship with the personnel, to feeling strong, and to a balance between autonomy and dependence. The massage also brings about a meaningful relief from suffering because it just "feels good." The findings of this study can be of use to health care professionals as it shows that the relatively short period of massage can result in physical and emotional benefits for cancer patients.

Activities of Daily Living↗

Effect of massage technique on sentinel lymph node mapping for cancer of the breast.

Sentinel lymph node (SLN) mapping has substantially changed the nature of surgery for cancer of the breast. Variables such as tracer type, volume, injection site, timing, and surgical experience have all been extensively evaluated. However, little attention has been paid to the technique of massage for SLN procedures. We sought to evaluate the effects of three different massage techniques on mapping success or accuracy of SLN mapping for breast cancer. All lymphatic mapping procedures for breast cancer at our tertiary-care center were performed by three experienced surgeons using both colloid and dye followed by a 5-minute massage. All data pertaining to SLN identification, histopathology, tumor characteristics, and patient demographics were entered into the Breast Care Center database. Consistent and uniquely differing massage techniques classified as resuscitative, buffer, or knead-like were each used by a specific surgeon. The last 25 consecutive cases performed by two surgeons and the last 24 by one surgeon were evaluated. The overall rate of SLN identification was 97 per cent, and the overall accuracy was 98.7 per cent. There was no statistically significant difference in the rate of SLN identification or accuracy between techniques. The proportions of blue-stained SLNs were similar, but the resuscitative technique yielded fewer hot SLNs (Fisher's exact test, P = 0.02). This method also yielded one false negative case. The three different massage techniques yielded a similar number of blue-stained SLNs. The resuscitative technique yielded fewer hot SLNs than the kneading and buffer methods. Our results failed to demonstrate a superior breast massage technique for identifying sentinel nodes. A larger randomized trial is needed to confirm these findings.

Adult↗

Oil massage in neonates: an open randomized controlled study of coconut versus mineral oil.

INTRODUCTION: Oil massage for newborns is reported to improve weight gain by better thermoregulation. A role for transcutaneous absorption has also been suggested. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This study was undertaken to compare the effect of massage with coconut oil versus mineral oil and placebo (powder) on growth velocity and neuro-behavior in well term and preterm babies. STUDY DESIGN: Open Randomized Controlled trial. SETTING: The Premature unit and the postnatal wards of a major teaching hospital in a metropolitan city. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Intramural preterm appropriate for gestational age babies weighing between 1500 to 2000 grams and term births weighing more than 2500 grams fulfilling the inclusion criteria constituted the two gestation age categories studied. Babies in each group were randomized to receive massage with either coconut oil, mineral oil or with placebo. Oil massage was given by a trained person from day 2 of life till discharge, and thereafter by the mother until 31 days of age, four times a day. Babies were followed up daily till discharge and every week after discharge for anthropometry. Neuro-behavioral outcome was assessed by the Brazelton Score at baseline, day 7 and on day 31. RESULTS: Coconut oil massage resulted in significantly greater weight gain velocity as compared to mineral oil and placebo in the preterm babies group; and in the term baby group, as compared to the placebo. Preterm infants receiving coconut oil massage also showed a greater length gain velocity compared to placebo group. No statistically significant difference was observed in the neurobehavioral assessment between all three subgroups in term babies as well as in preterm babies.

Administration, Topical↗

Transcutaneous absorption of topically massaged oil in neonates.

OBJECTIVE: To study the transcutaneous absorption of traditionally massaged oil in newborns and to specifically compare the effects of (i) essential fatty acid (EFA) rich - safflower oil and (ii) saturated fat rich coconut oil, on fatty acid profiles of massaged babies. DESIGN: A short term randomised controlled study. SETTING: Tertiary care NICU of a large teaching hospital and a research laboratory of a University complex. METHODS: 120 study babies were randomly assigned to three oil groups (i) safflower oil (n = 40) (ii) coconut oil (n = 40) and (iii) no oil controls (n = 40). In each group, babies were selected in three subsets as per their gestational ages viz (a) less than 34 weeks, (b) 34-37 weeks, (c) greater than 37 weeks. 5 mL of the designated oil was massaged four times a day for five days under controlled conditions of temperature and feeding. Pre and post oil massage samples of blood were analysed for triglycerides and fatty acid profiles using gas chromatography. RESULTS: Post oil triglyceride values were significantly raised in both the oil groups and also in controls. However, the quantum of rise was significantly higher in oil groups as compared to controls. Fatty acid profiles (gas chromatography) showed significant rise in EFAs (linolenic acid and arachidonic acid) in safflower oil group and saturated fats in coconut oil group. Changes were more evident in term babies. There were no side effects associated with the massage. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that topically applied oil can be absorbed in neonates and is probably available for nutritional purposes. The fatty acid constituents of the oil can influence the changes in the fatty acid profiles of the massaged babies.

Fatty Acids↗

[Clinical observation and mechanism study on acupuncture combined with massage for treatment of vertebrobasilar insufficiency].

OBJECTIVE: To search for the best program increasing clinical therapeutic effect on vertebrobasilar insufficiency (VBI) and to study the mechanism. METHODS: The patients were randomly divided into an acupuncture plus massage group, an acupuncture group and a massage group. Their therapeutic effects were observed and compared. And transcranial Doppler (TCD) was used for detection of systolic flow velocity (Vs), enddiastolic peak flow velocity (Vd), mean peak flow (Vm) and pulsatility index (PI) before and after treatment. RESULTS: The cured rate and the total effective rate in the acupuncture plus massage group were significantly higher than the acupuncture group and the massage group (P < 0.05). And there were significant differences in Vm, PI and DI in the left vertebral artery (LVA), the right vertebral artery (RVA) and the basilar artery (BA) before and after treatment (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Acupuncture combined with massage can improve Vm, PI, DI of VA-BA and the clinical therapeutic effect on VBI as well. It is superior to the simple acupuncture therapy and simple massage therapy. At present, it is one of the best therapy for VBI.

Acupuncture Therapy↗

Effect of a back massage and relaxation intervention on sleep in critically ill patients.

BACKGROUND: Critically ill patients are deprived of sleep and its potential healing qualities, although many receive medications to promote sleep. No one has adequately evaluated holistic nonpharmacological techniques designed to promote sleep in critical care practice. OBJECTIVES: To determine the effects of (1) a back massage and (2) combined muscle relaxation, mental imagery, and a music audiotape on the sleep of older men with a cardiovascular illness who were hospitalized in a critical care unit. METHODS: Sixty-nine subjects were randomly assigned to a 6-minute back massage (n=24); a teaching session on relaxation and a 7.5-minute audiotape at bedtime consisting of muscle relaxation, mental imagery, and relaxing background music (n=28); or the usual nursing care (controls, n=17). Polysomnography was used to measure 1 night of sleep for each patients. Sleep efficiency index was the primary variable of interest. One-way analysis of variance was used to test for difference in the index among the 3 groups. RESULTS: Descriptive statistics showed improved quality of sleep among the back-massage group. Initial analysis showed a significant difference among the 3 groups in sleep efficiency index. Post hoc testing with the Duncan procedure indicated a significant difference between the back-massage group and the control group; patients in the back-massage group slept more than 1 hour long than patients in the control group. However, the variance was significantly different among the 3 groups, and reanalysis of data with only 17 subjects in each group revealed no difference among groups (P=.06). CONCLUSIONS: Back massage is useful for promoting sleep in critically ill older men.

Aged↗

Evaluating effects of aromatherapy massage on sleep in children with autism: a pilot study.

Previous studies have found beneficial effects of aromatherapy massage for agitation in people with dementia, for pain relief and for poor sleep. Children with autism often have sleep difficulties, and it was thought that aromatherapy massage might enable more rapid sleep onset, less sleep disruption and longer sleep duration. Twelve children with autism and learning difficulties (2 girls and 10 boys aged between 12 years 2 months to 15 years 7 months) in a residential school participated in a within subjects repeated measures design: 3 nights when the children were given aromatherapy massage with lavender oil were compared with 14 nights when it was not given. The children were checked every 30 min throughout the night to determine the time taken for the children to settle to sleep, the number of awakenings and the sleep duration. One boy's data were not analyzed owing to lengthy absence. Repeated measures analysis revealed no differences in any of the sleep measures between the nights when the children were given aromatherapy massage and nights when the children were not given aromatherapy massage. The results suggest that the use of aromatherapy massage with lavender oil has no beneficial effect on the sleep patterns of children with autism attending a residential school. It is possible that there are greater effects in the home environment or with longer-term interventions.

Journal Article↗

Electrophysiologic findings in carotid sinus massage.

Thirty patients with carotid sinus syndrome were electrophysiologically studied. In 14 patients carotid sinus massage was performed during atrial and ventricular stimulation, and the conduction times were measured. The AH-time was prolonged by more than 120 ms in 6 patients (20%); the HV-time was prolonged in 6 patients by more than 55 ms (20%); 5 patients had bundle branch block (16.7%); The sinus node recovery time was prolonged in 7 out of 27 patients (26%). Ten patients (33%) did not have additional electrophysiologic abnormalities. There was a predominance of carotid sinus syndrome on the right side. During carotid sinus massage there was a significant increase of the AH-time, but there were no significant changes of the HV-time or the width of the QRS-complexes. Twenty-one patients developed an atrial asystole and 9 patients an atrial bradycardia and an additional AV-block. There was a longer AH-time and a longer prolongation of the AH-time in the patients who developed an AV-block. Twelve out of 14 patients (85.7%) developed an AV-block during carotid sinus massage and atrial pacing. During ventricular pacing 5 of 14 patients (35.7%) revealed a complete retrograde block before carotid sinus massage and 5 of the remaining 9 patients developed a total retrograde block during carotid sinus massage. Consequently, in 71.4% of the patients with carotid sinus syndrome complete retrograde conduction block and atrial asystole can be expected during attacks of ventricular asystole and simultaneous ventricular pacing. In conclusion, there is a high incidence of additional disturbances of the sinus node function and AV-conduction in patients with carotid sinus syndrome. AAI pacemakers are contraindicated due to the common development of additional AV-block during carotid sinus massage. Physiologic pacing might contribute to better hemodynamics, particularly in patients with the mixed type of carotid sinus syndrome.

Adult↗

Use of aromatherapy products and increased risk of hand dermatitis in massage therapists.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the 12-month prevalence of hand dermatitis among massage therapists, to investigate a potential association between hand dermatitis and the use of aromatherapy products, and to study potential associations with other known risk factors for hand dermatitis. DESIGN: Mailed survey. SETTING: Philadelphia, Pa. PARTICIPANTS: Members of a national massage therapy organization who live in the greater Philadelphia region. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Self-reported and symptom-based prevalences of hand dermatitis. RESULTS: The number of respondents was 350 (57%). The 12-month prevalence of hand dermatitis in subjects was 15% by self-reported criteria and 23% by a symptom-based method. In multivariate analysis, statistically significant independent risk factors for self-reported hand dermatitis included use of aromatherapy products in massage oils, lotions, or creams (odds ratio, 3.27; 95% confidence interval, 1.53-7.02; P =.002) and history of atopic dermatitis (odds ratio, 8.06; 95% confidence interval, 3.39-19.17; P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of hand dermatitis in massage therapists is high. Significant independent risk factors include use of aromatherapy products in massage oils, creams, or lotions and history of atopic dermatitis.

Adult↗

Massage therapy for osteoarthritis of the knee: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Massage therapy is an attractive treatment option for osteoarthritis (OA), but its efficacy is uncertain. We conducted a randomized, controlled trial of massage therapy for OA of the knee. METHODS: Sixty-eight adults with radiographically confirmed OA of the knee were assigned either to treatment (twice-weekly sessions of standard Swedish massage in weeks 1-4 and once-weekly sessions in weeks 5-8) or to control (delayed intervention). Primary outcomes were changes in the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) pain and functional scores and the visual analog scale of pain assessment. The sample provided 80% statistical power to detect a 20-point difference between groups in the change from baseline on the WOMAC and visual analog scale, with a 2-tailed alpha of .05. RESULTS: The group receiving massage therapy demonstrated significant improvements in the mean (SD) WOMAC global scores (-17.44 [23.61] mm; P < .001), pain (-18.36 [23.28]; P < .001), stiffness (-16.63 [28.82] mm; P < .001), and physical function domains (-17.27 [24.36] mm; P < .001) and in the visual analog scale of pain assessment (-19.38 [28.16] mm; P < .001), range of motion in degrees (3.57 [13.61]; P = .03), and time to walk 50 ft (15 m) in seconds (-1.77 [2.73]; P < .01). Findings were unchanged in multivariable models controlling for demographic factors. CONCLUSIONS: Massage therapy seems to be efficacious in the treatment of OA of the knee. Further study of cost effectiveness and duration of treatment effect is clearly warranted. .

Aged↗

Influence of digital rectal massage on urinary prostate-specific antigen: interest for the detection of local recurrence after radical prostatectomy.

BACKGROUND: Following radical prostatectomy, urinary prostate-specific antigen (uPSA) may originate from periurethral glands or from recurrent carcinomatous prostatic cells. We evaluated massage of the urethro-vesical anastomosis as a uPSA-releasing method for the detection of local recurrence. METHODS: PSA was assessed (PSA IMx, Abbott Diagnostic, Rungis, France) in serum and in the first voided urine before and after massage in 59 patients: 7 after cystoprostatectomy for bladder cancer, 22 with prostate in situ, and 30 after radical prostatectomy for prostate cancer. RESULTS: No significant changes of uPSA were induced by the massage in cystoprostatectomy patients and in 4 radical prostatectomy patients with a negative biopsy of the anastomosis. In contrast, a significant increase of uPSA was observed after massage in the patients with prostate in situ and in 6 radical prostatectomy patients with biopsy-proven local relapse. CONCLUSIONS: uPSA before and after massage of the prostatic fossa may constitute a new and efficient tool for the detection of local recurrence, if these preliminary results are confirmed on a larger scale.

Adult↗

Smoking cravings are reduced by self-massage.

BACKGROUND: Attempts at smoking cessation have been correlated with severe withdrawal symptoms, including intense cigarette cravings, anxiety, and depressed mood. Massage therapy has been shown to reduce anxiety and stress hormones and improve mood. METHOD: Twenty adult smokers (M age = 32.6) were randomly assigned to a self-massage treatment or a control group. The treatment group was taught to conduct a hand or ear self-massage during three cravings a day for 1 month. RESULTS: Self-reports revealed lower anxiety scores, improved mood, and fewer withdrawal symptoms. In addition, the self-massage group smoked fewer cigarettes per day by the last week of the study. CONCLUSIONS: The present findings suggest that self-massage may be an effective adjunct treatment for adults attempting smoking cessation to alleviate smoking-related anxiety, reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, improve mood, and reduce the number of cigarettes smoked.

Adult↗

Massage therapy for cancer pain.

Therapeutic massage as a cancer pain intervention appears to be safe and effective. Patients who receive massage have less procedural pain, nausea, and anxiety and report improved quality of life. The use of massage in cancer care centers and hospitals is on the rise. Massage has a positive effect on biochemistry, increasing levels of dopamine, lymphocytes, and natural killer cells. Specialized training of massage therapists in caring for people with cancer is recommended. Most studies to date are small but promising. Exact methodology and best practices warrant further investigation by the industry. More randomized clinical trials and case studies must be conducted.

Humans↗

Massage therapy and sleep behaviour in infants born with low birth weight.

This study attempts to evaluate the impact of massage therapy on sleep behaviour in infants born with low birth weight (LBW) in St. Petersburg, Russia. Fifty infants (22 boys, 28 girls) who were born in St. Petersburg between 2000 and 2002 and defined as LBW babies (<2500g at birth) were enrolled onto the study at the age of 2 months. Of these, 41 (19 boys, 22 girls) were light and pre-term infants (gestational age < or =36 weeks), and 9 (3 boys, 6 girls) born light at term. The control group consisted of 50 healthy infants born with LBW who were cross-matched with an experimental group of babies and controlled for gender, gestational age, weight and date of birth. The groups were also matched for proximal geographical distribution in the city. Babies in the experimental group were assigned massage intervention therapy that include gentle rubbing, stroking, passive movements of the limbs and other means of kinaesthetic stimulation performed by professionals until the infant is 8 months old. The findings suggest that 8-month-old LBW infants who received massage intervention were less likely to snore during sleep, required less feeding on waking-up at night, and appeared more alert during the day. These apparent correlations remained significant after adjustment was made for major potential confounders. No statistically significant difference was found in sleep behaviour between LBW infants exposed to massage therapy who were either born pre-term or at term. It is suggested that massage may be a valuable approach to improve quality of sleep and reduce sleep-disordered breathing in infants born with LBW. It is acknowledged that whilst this study does not represent a large sample, it is felt that the findings suggest further investigation and offer an insight into an area previously relatively unexplored.

Analysis of Variance↗

The effects of slow-stroke back massage on anxiety and shoulder pain in elderly stroke patients.

This study explores the effect of slow-stroke back massages on anxiety and shoulder pain in hospitalized elderly patients with stroke. An experimental quantitative design was conducted, comparing the scores for self-reported pain, anxiety, blood pressure, heart rate and pain of two groups of patients before and immediately after, and three days after the intervention. The intervention consisted of ten minutes of slow-stroke back massage (SSBM) for seven consecutive evenings. One hundred and two patients participated in the entire study and were randomly assigned to a massage group or a control group. The results revealed that the massage intervention significantly reduced the patients' levels of pain perception and anxiety. In addition to the subjective measures, all physiological measures (systolic and diastolic blood pressures and heart rate) changed positively, indicating relaxation. The prolonged effect of SSBM was also evident, as reflected by the maintenance of the psycho-physiological parameters three days after the massage. The patients' perceptions of SSBM, determined from a questionnaire, revealed positive support for SSBM for elderly stroke patients. The authors suggest that SSBM is an effective nursing intervention for reducing shoulder pain and anxiety in elderly patients with stroke. From a nursing perspective, this nursing practice provides a challenge and an opportunity for nurses and family caregivers to blend alternative therapies with technology to provide more individualized and holistic patient care.

Aged↗

Effects of hand massage on comfort of nursing home residents.

Patient comfort is a goal of therapeutic nursing practice and a primary nursing function. Residents in nursing homes have many comfort needs including physical, psychospiritual, sociocultural, and environmental. These comfort needs are addressed by various caregivers including nurses, nursing assistants, and family members. Hand massage is a simple comfort intervention that can be incorporated readily into routine nursing care activities and conveys caring through touch, individual attention, and presence. As an intervention, hand massage promotes comfort and facilitates communication between care recipients and caregivers. The purpose of this study was to test the effectiveness of hand massage as an intervention that affects nursing home residents' comfort and satisfaction. Results are presented for 35 participants who received hand massage and 25 participants in a comparison group. Findings showed no significant differences in comfort levels or satisfaction with care over time. Significant group differences, however, were found for comfort and satisfaction when measured at specific time periods. The discussion highlights these mixed findings and presents implications for further development of hand massage as part of nursing home residents' care.

Aged↗

Effects of ice massage on neuropathic pain in persons with AIDS.

Peripheral neuropathic pain is a unique form of chronic pain that afflicts up to 50% of persons with AIDS. The purpose of this pilot study was to examine the effects of ice massage to reduce neuropathic pain and improve sleep quality and to determine the feasibility of a larger study. A repeated measures design was used. The three treatments consisted of ice massage, dry-towel massage, and presence. Consecutive sampling was used to select 33 persons with AIDS who had neuropathic pain. Although the results of the study were negative, there was a decrease in pain intensity over time with both the ice massage and towel massage, suggesting that the intervention has some clinical benefit.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗