Swedish abdominal massage technique for managing defecation elimination disorders in the elderly

Abstract

Constipation is a prevalent issue among the elderly, often resulting from decreased gastrointestinal motility, which can exacerbate conditions like haemorrhoids. Elderly individuals frequently experience symptoms such as hard stools, abdominal distension, incomplete defecation, and dependence on laxatives. Non-pharmacological interventions, including Swedish abdominal massage, have been shown to increase intestinal peristalsis and improve defecation patterns. A case study involving a 71-year-old individual with constipation and haemorrhoids utilized a descriptive approach. The initial assessment revealed a bowel movement frequency of less than 2 times per week, hard stools, and abdominal distension, leading to a primary nursing diagnosis of constipation. The implemented interventions included education on a high-fiber diet, regular bowel habits, and abdominal massage therapy, which were carried out over three visits. The evaluation results demonstrated an increase in peristaltic frequency from 10 times per minute to 15 times per minute and successful defecation by the third visit. This therapy proved effective in addressing fecal elimination disorders in the elderly, suggesting that it can be a safe and measurable nursing intervention alternative. The findings support the potential benefits of incorporating abdominal massage into the management plan for constipation in older adults.

Keywords: Abdominal massage, complementary therapy, constipation, haemorrhoids, Swedish technique