Chair massage for treating anxiety in patients withdrawing from psychoactive drugs

Context: Therapeutic massage has been proven to be an effective, nonpharmacologic, alternative for managing state and trait anxiety in a variety of clinical situations. However, no controlled study has investigated this effect in an addiction treatment setting. Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of chair massage for reducing anxiety in persons participating in an inpatient withdrawal management program for psychoactive drugs. Design: The design was a randomized, controlled clinical trial conducted from June 2008 to January 2009. Subjects: Eighty-two (82) adult patients received inpatient treatment for psychoactive drug withdrawal (alcohol, cocaine, and opiates). Setting: This study was conducted at the Withdrawal Management Services at the Capital District Health Authority, Halifax, Nova Scotia. Interventions: Subjects were randomly assigned to receive chair massage (n=40) or a relaxation control condition (n=42). Treatments were offered for 3 consecutive days. Standard counseling and pharmacologic management were also offered concurrently to patients in all conditions. Measurements: The primary outcome measure was anxiety assessed using the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). State and trait anxiety scores were determined immediately prior to and following each treatment intervention. Results: Analysis of STAI scores showed a significant reduction in state and trait anxiety for both interventions (p<0.001). The magnitude in the reduction in state (p=0.001) and trait (p=0.045) anxiety was significantly greater in the chair massage group where the effect on state anxiety was sustained, at least in part, for 24 hours. Conclusions: Within the clinical context of this study, chair massage was more effective that relaxation control in reducing anxiety. Further investigation of chair massage as a potential nonpharmacologic adjunct in the management of withdrawal related anxiety is warranted.