Effect of massage therapy on pain, anxiety, relaxation, and tension after colorectal surgery: A randomized study

• We evaluated the effects of massage therapy after colorectal surgery.
• We examined changes in pain, anxiety, tension, and overall relaxation.
• Patients who underwent colorectal surgery benefitted from massage therapy.
• Massage may be beneficial in the recovery from colorectal surgery.

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. Vital signs and psychological well-being (pain, tension, anxiety, satisfaction with care, relaxation) were assessed before and after each intervention. The study results indicated that postoperative massage significantly improved the patients' perception of pain, tension, and anxiety, but overall satisfaction was unchanged. 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.