The Effectiveness of Therapeutic Massage in Alleviating Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: A Scoping Review

Anand Kumar  Singh; Karina  Kapoor; Ruchir Bhasin  Bhatnagar; Himanshu  Mathur; Chandan  Kumar; Shikha  Singh; Kanika  Wadhwa

doi:10.18502/jimc.v9i3.21815

Anand Kumar Singh Department of Physiotherapy, G D Goenka University, Haryana, India
Karina Kapoor Department of Physiotherapy, G D Goenka University, Haryana, India
Ruchir Bhasin Bhatnagar Department of Physiotherapy, G D Goenka University, Haryana, India
Himanshu Mathur Department of Physiotherapy, Jaipur National University, Jaipur, India
Chandan Kumar Department of Physiotherapy, Galgotias University, Uttar Pradesh, India
Shikha Singh Department of Physiotherapy, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana, India
Kanika Wadhwa Department of Physiotherapy, G D Goenka University, Haryana, India

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/jimc.v9i3.21815

Keywords: Antiemetics, Antineoplastic agents, Massage, Nausea, Vomiting

Abstract

Background: Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting (CINV) is a challenging side effect for cancer patients, often impacting their well-being and adherence to treatment. While antiemetic medications are available, some patients continue to experience persistent symptoms. This has led to growing interest in complementary therapies like therapeutic massage to help manage CINV. This scoping review explores the potential of therapeutic massage in alleviating CINV, examines existing research, and highlights areas that require further study.

Methods: A systematic search was conducted in accordance with the Arksey and O’Malley framework and PRISMA-ScR guidelines across PubMed, Scopus, Embase, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Library for studies published from 2015 to 2024. Studies were eligible if they involved any type of cancer and chemotherapy regimen where therapeutic massage was administered as a supportive intervention for CINV.
Notably, studies were not limited to those showing only positive effects; both supportive and non-supportive evidence were included to ensure an unbiased synthesis of available literature.
Given heterogeneity in study designs, a narrative synthesis was employed to integrate findings across diverse methodologies and settings.

Results: A range of massage techniques-including Swedish massage, foot massage, abdominal massage, and slow-stroke back massage-were evaluated across different cancer types and treatment protocols. Several studies indicated reductions in nausea and vomiting severity, especially when massage was combined with complementary methods such as aromatherapy or music therapy. However, findings were mixed, and some studies reported no significant differences compared to control groups, emphasizing the need for standardized intervention protocols and improved methodological quality.

Conclusion: Therapeutic massage shows potential as an adjunctive intervention to alleviate CINV by enhancing relaxation and reducing psychological distress. However, further rigorous studies are required across diverse cancer types and chemotherapy protocols to confirm efficacy, optimize techniques, and integrate massage into routine cancer care.