Researchers have been studying how massage therapy and transcutaneous muscle stimulation (TENS) may benefit treatment and increase pain relief after laparoscopic surgery.

A recent study included 138 patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy (gall bladder removal). Participants were randomly divided into three groups: massage plus medications, TENS plus medications, and conventional medication.

Massage and TENS was applied three consecutive times after patients regained consciousness and intensity of pain was evaluated using a visual analog scale before and after each 20-minute treatment.

Results

Both massage therapy and TENS showed a significant reduction in pain intensity when compared to the control group.

The findings suggest that the use of massage therapy and TENS techniques can reduce post-laparoscopic pain.