The role of therapeutic massage in alleviating pain during the active phase of labour
An integrative review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.14528/snr.2026.60.2.3317Keywords:
pain management, childbirth, massage therapy, non-pharmacological method, labour painAbstract
Introduction: Labour pain can be managed using pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods. As non-pharmacological methods, such as massage, do not cause side effects, pregnant women are increasingly interested in giving birth without pharmacological interventions. The aim of this integrative literature review was to investigate the effectiveness of therapeutic massage on relieving labour pain during the active phase of labour.
Methods: An integrative literature review was conducted. The PubMed and ScienceDirect databases were searched in March 2023 using the following combination of Boolean operators and keywords: labour, labor, childbirth, pain, effects, massage, active, active stage, active phase. The results were critically evaluated using the MMAT tool.
Results: Eight randomised controlled studies were included in the review. Six studies identified a reduction in labour pain throughout the active phase of labour, and one study found a reduction in labour pain limited to specific phases of labour. Only one study found no effect of massage on labour pain.
Discussion and conclusion: Direct comparison of research results is limited by the diversity of massage techniques employed. Given the positive effects of massage on the course of labour, it would be beneficial to include it in clinical practice. Further research is needed to provide a more comprehensive assessment of the effects of massage on labour.
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