Abdominal massage for constipation
It decreased the severity of gastrointestinal symptoms, according to researchers at Umeå University in Sweden.
First, the details.
- 60 people with constipation were randomly assigned to 2 groups.
- Abdominal massage in addition to an earlier prescribed laxative
- Control group that took only laxatives according to earlier prescriptions
- Gastrointestinal function was assessed with the Gastrointestinal Symptoms Rating Scale (GSRS) at the start of the study, week 4 and week 8.
And, the results.
- Abdominal massage significantly decreased severity of gastrointestinal symptoms, constipation, and abdominal pain.
- Abdominal massage was associated with a significant increase of bowel movements compared to the control group.
- There was no difference in the amount of laxative used after 8 weeks.
The bottom line?
Based on the finding that laxative use did not change, the researchers concluded, “Abdominal massage could be a complement to laxatives rather than a substitute.”
There’s limited research in this area. A PubMed search of massage and constipation yielded the following studies.
Functional bowel disorders
- Massage therapy was used by 12% of patients
Children with cancer
- A review of the literature revealed that massage therapy might be useful to treat constipation and other symptoms.
A video that illustrates abdominal massage technique is here.
2/18/09 17:23 JR