In 2004 a randomized clinical trial, Cheryl Forchuk, et. al., investigated the potential benefits of postoperative arm massage for women undergoing lymph node dissection surgery. The study aimed to assess the usefulness of arm massage administered by a significant other as a supportive measure following surgery.

The trial employed a pretest-posttest design, with data collection occurring at multiple time points: prior to surgery, within 24 hours post-surgery, within 10 to 14 days post-surgery, and 4 months post-surgery. A total of 59 women, ranging from 21 to 78 years old, who underwent lymph node dissection surgery and had a significant other present during the postoperative period, were included in the sample.

Participants were randomly assigned to either the intervention or control group. Significant others in the intervention group received training on how to perform arm massage, which they then administered as a postoperative support measure. Key variables assessed included postoperative pain, family strengths and stressors, range of motion, and health-related costs.

The findings of the study indicated that participants who received arm massage reported a reduction in pain during the immediate postoperative period, along with improved shoulder function. This suggests that arm massage following surgery may alleviate pain and discomfort while fostering a sense of closeness and support between patients and their significant others.

In conclusion, the results support the therapeutic benefits of arm massage as a postoperative intervention for women undergoing lymph node dissection. This highlights the potential for nurses to incorporate alternative interventions, such as massage therapy, alongside standard procedures to promote optimal health outcomes for patients.

Reference: Forchuk, C., Baruth, P., Prendergast, M., Holliday, R., Bareham, R., Brimner, S., & Yammine, N. (2004). Postoperative arm massage: a support for women with lymph node dissection. Cancer nursing, 27(1), 25-33.