“…Stress is associated with physiologic and psychological symptoms, including headache, hypertension, fatigue, insomnia, and the release of stress hormones, as well as depression, anxiety, and anger. 8 In addition, anxiety and stress can increase the need for higher doses of anesthetics and sedatives during surgery, as well as extend recovery and interfere with pain management after surgery. 8,9 Prior studies have demonstrated the benefits of massage in terms of decreased anxiety, decreased stress, decreased blood pressure and less pain, improved appetite in patients receiving cancer treatment, improved mood, and decreased depression.…”