Effects of Massage on Post-operative Pain in Urologic Patients

Effects of Massage on Post-operative Pain in Urologic Patients

The purpose of this study is to determine the effect that receiving massage therapy post-operatively has on reducing perceived anxiety and pain in urology patients. Secondarily, the result of massage on patient satisfaction, length of hospital stay, and narcotic use will also be studied.

Post-operative pain for Urology patients can be an anxiety-provoking and distressing recovery process. Massage therapy for post-operative pain has been shown to reduce pain and anxiety levels in various surgical patients however no study has assessed massage therapy effect on post-operative pain in patients who have gone through urological procedures.

This study will investigate the effects of hand massage interventions during the post-operative period of Urology patients. Perception of pain and anxiety levels will be assessed, as well as vital signs before and after massage therapy will be measured. These findings may lead to both subjective and objective improvements in patients undergoing urological surgeries and procedures.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Urology patients over the age of 18 years old who are post-operative day 1 to post-operative day 4.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Given pain medication in the past hour