The Effect of Combining Two Methods of Massage Therapy and Mental Imagery in Reducing Pain in Children Suffering From Cancer

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of combining two methods of massage therapy and mental imagery in reducing pain in children suffering from cancer. Method: The statistical population included all children suffering from different types of cancer who were admitted in Taleghani and Mofid Hospitals in Tehran. 41 pair of children were selected and randomly divided into two experimental and control groups. Children were visited twice. At the first visit, both groups underwent routine care and on the second visit, the experimental group received cognitive interventions and the control group received routine care. The data were collected throughdemographic information questionnaire, Ocher scales, visual analog CHAOS (Children s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Pain Scale) of current practice in pediatric medicine.Findings: The results showed that massage therapy and the mental image of the child could reduce pain and distress level. There was a significant correlation between the severity of the pain and the distress level. Conclusion: Combining two methods of massage therapy and mental imagery in the treatment of children suffering from cancer can reduce pain and distress. Therefore, in order to reduce the psychological complications of cancer and the side effects of its various treatments, teaching the authorities these two methods is recommended since their use can be effective

Keywords:

Mental imagery , Anger , Childhood Cancer , Massage Therapy