The effect of Swedish massage on pain in rheumatoid arthritis patients: A randomized controlled trial. (February 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sahraei, Farideh; Rahemi, Zahra; Sadat, Zohreh; Zamani, Batool; Ajorpaz, Neda Mirbagher; Afshar, Mohamad; Mianehsaz, Elaheh
• Is Part Of: Complementary therapies in clinical practice. Volume 46(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-02
• Subjects: complementary Therapies -- Pain -- Rheumatoid arthritis -- Swedish massage; Integrative medicine -- Periodicals; Integrative medicine -- Research -- Periodicals; Alternative medicine -- Periodicals; 615.5
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2021.101524
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1744-3881

Abstract

Abstract: Background and Purpose: Joint pain is one of the most common symptoms in rheumatoid arthritis patients and require medical attention. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of Swedish massage on pain and painkiller consumption in rheumatoid arthritis patients. Materials and methods: A total of 60 patients participated in the experiment, with half assigned to the control group ( n = 30) and half to the experimental ( n = 30) group using the block randomization method. On patients in the experimental group, a 30-min Swedish massage was performed regularly for eight weeks: twice a week for the first four weeks, and three times a week for the last four weeks. The control group received routine care. The visual analogue scale-pain was used to measure pain in the two groups at three points of time: before the beginning of the experiment, immediately after the last session, and one month after the last session of the intervention. Results: The analysis of covariance showed that there were significant differences between the two groups' mean scores of pain and painkiller consumption immediately after and one month after the last session of the intervention (p = 0.01). Furthermore, in the experimental group, the mean scores of pain and painkiller consumption decreased over the three points of time (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Swedish massage can be effective in reducing pain and the need to use painkillers in rheumatoid arthritis patients. Highlights: In the present study, Swedish massage was effective in reducing pain in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Based on our results, Swedish massage can decrease painkiller consumption in rheumatoid arthritis patients. Swedish massage can be a safe and effective intervention for managing pain in rheumatoid arthritis patients.