title: Integrating massage therapy within the palliative care of veterans with advanced illnesses: an outcome study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To describe the integration of massage therapy into a palliative care service and to examine the relationship between massage and symptoms in patients with advanced illnesses.
  
  
  METHODS
  Between April 1, 2009, and July 31, 2010, 153 patients received massage at the VA Ann Arbor Health Care System. Data on pain, anxiety, dyspnea, relaxation, and inner peace were collected pre and post massage. Diagnoses, chronic pain, and social support were also abstracted. Analysis of covariance was used to examine changes over time.
  
  
  RESULTS
  All short-term changes in symptoms showed improvement and all were statistically significant. Pain intensity decreased by 1.65 (0-10 scale, P < .001), anxiety decreased by 1.52 (0-10 scale, P < .001), patients' sense of relaxation increased by 2.92 (0-10 scale, P < .001), and inner peace improved by 1.80 (0-10 scale, P < .001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Massage is a useful tool for improving symptom management and reducing suffering in palliative care patients.
authors: 1VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
authors: Allison
authors: A
authors: Mitchinson
authors: Carol E
authors: CE
authors: Fletcher
authors: Hyungjin Myra
authors: HM
authors: Kim
authors: Marcos
authors: M
authors: Montagnini
authors: Daniel B
authors: DB
authors: Hinshaw
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001007:Anxiety / Q000628:therapy; D004417:Dyspnea / Q000628:therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008405:Massage / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D059408:Pain Management / Q000379:methods; D010166:Palliative Care / Q000379:methods*; D012063:Relaxation; D012944:Social Support; D014728:Veterans
keywords: massage therapy; pain management; palliative care; symptom control