Studies: Effects of Massage in Acute and Critical Care.

Research:

In this systematic review of 22 studies on the effect of massage on relaxation, comfort and sleep, 8 out of 10 research studies indicated that massage significantly decreased anxiety or the perception of tension.

Results:

Seven out of 10 studies showed that massage produced physiologic relaxation. Three studies found massages to be effective in reducing pain. The results on sleep promotion were inconclusive.

Link to Study
Richards KC, Gibson R, Overton-McCoy AL. “Effects of Massage in Acute and Critical Care.” AACN Clinical Issues. 11(1): 77-96, 2000.