The Effectiveness of Massage in Preventing Pressure Sores: A Literature Review

Abstract

The prevention of pressure sores is a major concern of rehabilitation nurses. Through the years, several methods have been used to prevent pressure sores. One of the most commonly used methods is massage of bony prominences and pressure areas. However, according to most contemporary clinical guidelines, massage should be avoided. This article analyzes the extent to which these guidelines are based on research findings through a literature review on the effectiveness of massage in the prevention of pressure sores. The results of the studies that were analyzed led to the conclusion that massage as therapy for preventing pressure sores in subjects at risk for developing them is not recommended.

Massage to prevent pressure ulcers: knowledge, beliefs and practice. A cross‐sectional study among nurses in the Netherlands in 1991 and 2003

“…The current expert opinion is that massage as a preventive treatment for pressure ulcers could be harmful to underlying tissues (Dyson 1978, Buss et al. 1997, Duimel‐Peeters et al.…”

Prática de graduandos de enfermagem referentes a prevenção e tratamento de úlcera de pressão

“…As medidas citadas com maior freqüência foram referentes a mudança de decúbito e uso de colchões e almofadas especiais para alívio da pressão. Dentre as medidas usadas para tratamento 21% são consideradas inadequadas na literatura científica como uso de povidine tópico, violeta de genciana, cobertura da ferida somente com gaze seca (MAKLEBUST & SIEGGREEN (1996), uso de roda d'água (GOULD, 1985) e massagem em regiões de hiperemia (BUSS et al, 1997). Nenhum aluno citou medidas relacionadas a cuidados com nutrição, educação do paciente e família para o auto cuidado ou o uso de escalas para avaliar o potencial de risco para o problema na admissão.…”

Evidence‐Based Education and Nursing Pressure Ulcer Prevention Textbooks: Does It Match?

“…Pressure ulcers result in considerable restrictions to the patients' quality of life, an extended hospital stay with associated expense for health care systems (Leffmann et al 2002; Severens et al 2002; Hopkins et al 2006). Preventive methods recommended in the guidelines are not used sufficiently, while methods that are not recommended are still applied (Buss et al 1997).…”