The author wishes to acknowledge the valuable manuscript review provided by Mary Jane Bernier, RN, PhD, at the University of Texas Medical Branch, Nursing Doctoral Program, in Galveston, Texas.
1741-6787/asset/WVN_top_left.gif?v=1&s=923f24519e503c1ef8101f9f42019f5dd4c65f97)
1741-6787/asset/WVN_right.gif?v=1&s=6e4a343efb5ec5318c6488d9344e4953e3d86f28)
The Healing Potential of Back Massage
Article first published online: 23 APR 2004
DOI: 10.1111/j.1524-475X.1999.00075.x
Issue
1741-6787/asset/cover.gif?v=1&s=7d3f140e420add7f6716c28e7841e579d5c53d68 "Worldviews on Evidence‐based Nursing presents the archives of Online Journal of Knowledge Synthesis for Nursing")
Worldviews on Evidence-based Nursing presents the archives of Online Journal of Knowledge Synthesis for Nursing
Volume E6, Issue 1, pages 75–80, July 1999
Additional Information
How to Cite
Gauthier, D. M. (1999), The Healing Potential of Back Massage. Worldviews on Evidence-based Nursing presents the archives of Online Journal of Knowledge Synthesis for Nursing, E6: 75–80. doi: 10.1111/j.1524-475X.1999.00075.x
Publication History
- Issue published online: 23 APR 2004
- Article first published online: 23 APR 2004
- Abstract
- Article
- References
- Cited By
Keywords:
- back massage;
- back rub;
- massage;
- nursing research;
- integrative review
Abstract
(1) The experience of illness and/or hospitalization often elicits a stress response which may manifest as sleep disturbances, increased heart rate, increased systolic and diastolic blood pressure, anxiety and general discomfort. The diagnosis and treatment of a person's response to illness or other event is key tenet of nursing. The well-established nursing intervention, back rub or back massage, has been utilized as a time-honored comfort measure. This research review summarizes the studies that have evaluated the effect of massage on psychophysiologic outcome measures. Research demonstrates that back massage has the ability to elicit a relaxation response in the majority of study subjects.