Massage

Suggested

2 studies · 1 recommendation

Last updated: February 25, 2026

Suggested2 studies

Therapeutic massage reduces pain, anxiety, and fatigue in cancer patients

Two systematic reviews covering 30 studies collectively support therapeutic massage as a beneficial non-pharmacological intervention for cancer patients. One review of 15 articles (2009–2015) plus clinical guidelines from three major oncology organizations (ONS, NCCN, Cancer Care Ontario) endorsed massage for controlling pain and dyspnea in acute care oncology settings. A second systematic review of 15 studies (2000–2012) found consistent immediate improvements in relaxation, emotional well-being, sleep, pain, and fatigue among oncology patients receiving massage therapy. Some studies also demonstrated long-term reductions in anxiety and depression, though results across trials were mixed for these outcomes, with certain trials showing no significant between-group differences. No significant effects were detected for quality of life, stress, or suffering. The evidence supports massage as a safe adjunctive therapy for short-term symptom relief in cancer care, particularly for pain management and psychological well-being.

Evidence

Control of Pain and Dyspnea in Patients with Oncologic Disease in Acute Care: Non-Pharmacological Intervention

Authors: Fonseca, C, Lopes, M. J., Mendes, F, Parreira, P., Ramos, A., Tavares, AP

Published: January 1, 2017

In a systematic review encompassing 15 articles from MEDLINE, CINAHL, and British Nursing Index databases covering 2009–2015, plus clinical guidelines from 3 reference entities (Oncology Nursing Society 2011, National Comprehensive Cancer Network, Cancer Care Ontario), massage was identified among non-pharmacological measures that increase health gains in the control of pain and dyspnea in patients with oncological disease in acute care settings. The review endorsed a comprehensive multimodal approach as essential for adequate symptom control.

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Efeito da massagem terapêutica na saúde mental das pessoas com patologia oncológica

Authors: Alves, Márcia, Freitas, Otília, Gomes, Bárbara, Jardim, Maria

Published: January 1, 2015

A systematic review of 15 studies published between 2000 and 2012 evaluated therapeutic massage in oncology patients across multiple mental health outcomes. Massage therapy produced immediate and, in some studies, long-term reductions in anxiety and depression, though contradictory findings emerged across the 15-study corpus with certain trials reporting no significant between-group differences on these variables. Consistent immediate improvements were observed for relaxation, emotional well-being, sleep patterns, pain, physical-emotional discomfort, and fatigue. No statistically significant differences were detected for quality of life, stress, or suffering. The overall evidence supports short-term mental health benefits of therapeutic massage for people with cancer, while the contradictory anxiety and depression findings across the reviewed trials indicate the need for further research with larger samples and standardized protocols.

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