Therapeutic Massage in Post-Stroke Rehabilitation: An Integrative Review of Clinical Outcomes, Patient Experiences, and Evidence Gaps
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.33755/jkk.v12i4.1058Keywords:
Therapeutic massage, stroke rehabilitation, patient experiences, complementary interventions, integrative literature reviewAbstract
Background: Post-stroke rehabilitation often requires long-term management of persistent physical and psychosocial consequences. Therapeutic massage has been studied as a complementary intervention, but evidence on patients’ lived experiences remains limited.
Objective: To synthesize clinical, psychological, and experiential evidence on therapeutic massage among post-stroke patients.
Methods: An integrative literature review was conducted using PubMed, PubMed Central, ScienceDirect, and supplementary Google Scholar searching for literature published from 2020 to 2025. Primary quantitative and qualitative studies formed the direct evidence base, while systematic reviews were used for contextual synthesis and protocols were classified as ongoing research rather than outcome evidence. Seven sources were retained overall.
Results: Completed primary studies examined Tuina or massage combined with rehabilitation, tactile massage, and abdominal 'I LOV U' massage. Quantitative evidence suggested possible improvements in selected functional and gastrointestinal outcomes, while one small massage-specific qualitative study described comfort, relaxation, calmness, and temporary relief from worry. Review-level evidence was interpreted separately, and protocol publications were not treated as efficacy evidence.
Conclusion: Therapeutic massage may have a complementary role in post-stroke rehabilitation, but the evidence base is heterogeneous and direct qualitative evidence on patient experience is sparse. Findings from reviews and protocols should not be treated as equivalent to completed primary research. More rigorous primary qualitative, mixed-methods, and controlled studies are needed
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