The effects of Hegu point ice massage on post-sternotomy pain in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting: A single–blind, randomized, clinical trial

Background and Purpose: Pain is considered as one of the most common problems among patients undergoing open heart surgery. We aimed to evaluate the effects of Hegu point ice massage on the level of pain experienced after coronary artery bypass grafting.

Materials and Methods: This is a single–blind, randomized, clinical trial, conducted on 80 patients who were recruited via convenience sampling method. The sample was randomly divided into two groups. In the experimental group, ice massage was performed at the Hegu point on the left hand by applying a medium pressure for 10 min (2 min massage, 15 s rest) in postoperative day 1 and 2. In the control group, glass marbles were applied at the Hegu point on the left hand with no pressure and massage for 10 min. Pain intensity was measured in both groups before the intervention and at 30, 60, and 120 min following the intervention. 

Results: Following the intervention on the postoperative day 1, the mean pain score for the experimental and control groups was 2.97 ± 1.40 and 3.64 ± 1.56, respectively. For the experimental and control groups on postoperative day 2, the mean pain score was 2.35 ± 1.12 versus 3.03 ± 1.40, respectively. Following the intervention on postoperative day 1, the mean pain score was 2.97 ± 1.40 and 3.64 ± 1.56 in the experimental and control groups, respectively. The mean pain score for the experimental group was 2.35 ± 1.12 compared with 3.03 ± 1.40 for the control group after the intervention on the second postoperative day. Statistically significant differences were revealed for the mean pain score between the two groups after the intervention on the first (p = 0.04) and second (p = 0.02) postoperative days. 

Conclusion: Hegu point ice massage is an effective method for relieving pain associated with coronary artery bypass grafting in specific patients.