05/26/2026
Heart surgeries in the United States are steadily increasing, with projections reaching 1.3 million procedures annually by 2029. As this number grows, so does the need for effective post-surgical recovery strategies.
After surgery, patients commonly experience pain, inflammation, anxiety, and disrupted sleep. In fact, nearly 1 in 4 chronic pain cases begins after surgery, lasting months beyond the initial procedure. This is where massage therapy is gaining clinical attention.
A growing body of research supports massage as a valuable tool in post-operative care. A review published in Pain Medicine found that massage therapy can significantly reduce both pain and anxiety following surgery. Additional studies on cardiac patients show measurable outcomes: reduced pain scores, decreased muscular tension, improved relaxation, and enhanced overall patient satisfaction.
In one study, patients receiving massage reported pain levels dropping from moderate discomfort to minimal levels, while control groups showed no change. Other research also highlights improved mood when massage is introduced within the first week after heart surgery.
For massage therapists, this reinforces an important role—supporting both the physical and emotional recovery of patients through evidence-informed care.