Chen, T.H., Tung, T.H., Chen, P.S., Wang, S.H., Chao, C.M., Hsiung, N.H., & Chi, C.C. (2016). The clinical effects of aromatherapy massage on reducing pain for the cancer patients: Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2016, 9147974.
STUDY PURPOSE: To investigate the effectiveness of massage in reducing cancer-related pain
TYPE OF STUDY: Meta-analysis and systematic review
PHASE OF CARE: Not specified or not applicable
APPLICATIONS: Palliative care
The pooled standard mean difference was 0.01, showing no effect of aromatherapy massage compared to usual care for reduction in pain.
Findings do not show that aromatherapy massage is effective in reducing pain.
Overall, mixed evidence existed regarding effects of massage therapies for pain management among patients with cancer. This analysis did not show effectiveness of aromatherapy massage, but was very limited by the small number of studies included and small study samples. Massage is a low-risk intervention that may be beneficial for some patients.