The Effect of Shiatsu Massage on Pain Reduction in Burn Patients

BACKGROUND Burn is a tragedy that follows multiple problems in a patient including pain, anxiety and lack of confidence into medical team. This study evaluated the effect of shiatsu massage on pain intensity of burn patients. METHODS A total of 120 burn patients from Motahhari Burn Hospital and of both genders were randomly divided into 4 groups of undergoing hand massage, leg massage, both hand and leg massages, and the control group. The effect of shiatsu massage in pain relief of burned patients was evaluated. The visual analog scale (VAS) was used to assess pain in burn patients. RESULTS Pain intensity in the control group before and after the intervention was not statistically significant (p=1). In all massage groups, the difference for pain intensity before and after the intervention was statistically significant. CONCLUSION According to our data, shiatsu method over both hands and legs were effective in pain reduction and can be recommended together with analgesics to decrease the dose.