Comparing the effect of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and massage therapy on post laparoscopic shoulder pain: a randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND: Shoulder pain is a common clinical problem after laparoscopic surgeries. The use of non-pharmacological massage and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) as an adjunct to routine treatment is increasing to provide optimal pain relief. Therefore, we aimed to determine the effect of TENS and massage therapy on post laparoscopic shoulder pain (PLSP). METHODS: This study was conducted on 138 patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Patients were randomly divided into three groups: massage plus conventional pharmacological treatment (n = 46), TENS plus conventional pharmacological treatment (n = 46), and conventional pharmacological treatment (n = 46). Massage and TENS were performed three consecutive times after the patients regained consciousness in the inpatient wards. The intensity of Shoulder pain was evaluated using a visual analog scale before and 20 min after each treatment. RESULTS: Both massage therapy and TENS led to a significant reduction in the intensity of PLPS compared to the control group in all three measured times (p < 0.001). However, no significant difference was observed between TENS and massage at any of the three-time points. CONCLUSIONS: This study’s findings demonstrated that massage and TENS techniques could reduce PLSP. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Registered in the Iranian registry of clinical trials (www.irct.ir) in 05/02/2022 with the following code: IRCT20200206046395N1.