BACKGROUND Constipation affects many people with multiple sclerosis (MS), negatively impacting on their quality of life. The use of abdominal massage has been reported in several populations and has been shown to increase the frequency of defaecation. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to determine the feasibility of undertaking abdominal massage in people with MS. METHODS Following ...

This article describes the introduction of abdominal massage techniques by a community team as part of a total bowel management programme for people with learning disabilities. A trust-wide audit of prescribed laxative use by this client group raised concerns, and led to a more systematic approach to managing constipation in people with learning disabilities. An education programme for carers p...

A service development initiative was conducted to assess the impact of abdominal massage on chronic constipation in children with physical disabilities and learning needs. Twenty-five parents engaged in an abdominal massage training programme led by a specialist health visiting team (children's disability). Participants were asked to carry out abdominal massage for a total of 20 minutes per day...

BACKGROUND Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a life-long condition primarily affecting younger adults. Neurogenic bowel dysfunction (NBD) occurs in 50-80% of these patients and is the term used to describe constipation and faecal incontinence, which often co-exist. Data from a pilot study suggested feasibility of using abdominal massage for the relief of constipation, but the effectiveness remains unc...

The aim of the present study was to clarify the effects of intervention by foot massage and abdominal breathing on insomnia and accessory symptoms. Eleven outpatients with insomnia and accessory symptoms, the subjects of the present study, were massaged on the foot for 15 minutes in the supine position on a bed. They were instructed to breathe abdominally for the first 5 minutes during the mass...

AIM The effect of muscular training, abdominal massage and diaphragmatic breathing was compared with medical treatment in a prospective randomized trial of patients with chronic functional constipation. METHOD Patients aged 4-18 years old with functional constipation according to the Rome III criteria were randomized to physiotherapy or medical treatment. In the physiotherapy group, exercises...

Sigmoid volvulus is common in some developing countries. We describe a new method of decompression using a Urograffin and saline enema with additional extra-abdominal manual massage.

Background: Despite the reduction of infant mortality in the world, complication of preterm birth is a major cause of infant mortality. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of abdominal massage and non-nutritive sucking on physiological parameters of preterm infants in neonatal intensive care units in Emam Reza Hospital in Kermanshah, Iran. Materials and Methods: In this randomized co...

Background: Delay in healing- and increasing use of narcotics and anesthetics are some of the accompanying problems with anxiety before the surgery. Massage Aromatherapy and massage are two of the complementary medicine components to decrease anxiety. Aim: to compare the effects of massage aromatherapy and massage on anxiety level of the patients in the preoperative period. Methods: In this cli...