Impact of Massage Therapy on Function in Cancer Pain Populations
This systematic review and meta-analysis examines the effects of massage therapy on functional outcomes in cancer pain populations. Cancer-related pain significantly impacts patients’ functional capacity, quality of life, and overall wellbeing, creating demand for effective complementary pain management strategies.
The review systematically identified and analyzed randomized controlled trials evaluating massage therapy for cancer-related pain, with particular attention to functional outcomes including mobility, activities of daily living, and quality of life measures beyond simple pain intensity ratings.
Meta-analytic results demonstrated significant positive effects of massage therapy on functional outcomes in cancer pain populations, with improvements in physical functioning, emotional wellbeing, and overall quality of life. Benefits were observed across diverse cancer types and treatment stages.
These findings support the integration of massage therapy within comprehensive cancer care as a safe, effective complementary approach for improving functional outcomes and quality of life for patients experiencing cancer-related pain.