The effect of Swedish massage on pain in rheumatoid arthritis patients: A randomized controlled trial

研究概要

Sixty patients with rheumatoid arthritis were randomized to receive 8 weeks of Swedish massage therapy plus routine treatment (n=30) or routine treatment alone (n=30). The outcomes of interest included pain scores on a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and painkiller consumption, measured upon completion of the treatment program and 1 month after the last session. The results of the analyses showed Swedish massage to result in significantly lower pain scores and painkiller consumption both after treatment and 1 month after the last session.