The Effectiveness of Massage Therapy in Reducing Pain and Anxiety in Postoperative and Cardiac Patients: A Review

Background: Postoperative pain and anxiety are significant challenges in clinical settings, particularly among cardiac surgery patients. Massage therapy has emerged as a promising non-pharmacological intervention. This review aims to synthesize evidence on the efficacy of massage therapy in reducing pain and anxiety in postoperative and cardiac patients. Methods: A systematic search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. Studies were included if they evaluated the effects of massage therapy on pain and anxiety in postoperative or cardiac patients. Data extraction and quality assessment were performed independently by two reviewers. Results: Thirty studies were included, encompassing 3,200 participants. Massage therapy significantly reduced pain intensity (p < 0.05) and anxiety levels (p < 0.01) in postoperative and cardiac patients. Foot and hand massage were the most effective modalities. Conclusion: Massage therapy is a safe and effective non-pharmacological intervention for reducing pain and anxiety in postoperative and cardiac patients. Further research is needed to standardize protocols and evaluate long-term effects.