I recently read a report designed to study the use of massage for postoperative pain reduction. The report was published in 2007 by Mitchinson, et al in the Archives of Surgery.

The study chronicles the first five days after major surgery for over 600 veterans. Two hundred participants were in the group receiving a basic, daily back massage. The authors of the study found significant decrease in pain intensity and pain unpleasantness measured for the massage group compared to the control group.

The researchers conclude “massage is an effective and safe adjuvant therapy for the relief of acute postoperative pain in patients undergoing major operations.”

Here is a link to an article about this study. To read the full report you will have to have a subscription.