Sometimes the simple way is best. A prime example may be the discovery by researchers that patients who have had major surgery suffer less pain if they have their feet rubbed.
Massage has long been thought to have a role in controlling pain. Scientists at the Stepping Hill Hospital in Stockton, England, have conducted studies aimed at measuring how it actually does reduce suffering.
They examined 60 women admitted for surgery, half of whom were given painkillers alone, such as morphine or a mixture of codeine and paracetamol, and the other half the same drugs plus a 10-minute foot massage by a skilled acute pain nurse. Researchers found that those receiving the foot massage reported "significantly less" agony than those on painkillers alone.
The massage is thought to work by relaxing the patients and thus raising their pain threshold. Experts say the findings could offer hope to thousands of post-operative patients who are still in agony despite heavy doses of painkilling drugs.
