OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of massage on symptom control in rheumatologic diseases. METHODS: Studies accessed between 2000 and 2023 using English and Turkish keywords in CINAHL, Cochrane Library, ProQuest, PubMed, Science Direct, Web of Science and ULAKBIM databases were included in the study. The study was based on the PRISMA-P checklist and Cochrane Risk of Bias. The inclusion criteria were studies that included participants aged 18 years and older, who reported symptoms related to rheumatologic disease, had a randomized controlled trial design, and were published in English and Turkish. RESULTS: We reviewed 3,704 studies and identified 16 randomized controlled trials that met the inclusion criteria. It was found that massage decreased pain intensity, analgesic use, anxiety, depressive state, morning stiffness, and increased sleep quality and range of motion. One study included in the review found that massage did not reduce sleep problems, while two different studies found that massage did not benefit symptom management in the long term. CONCLUSION: Although there is no optimal duration and technique for massage in symptom control of rheumatologic diseases, massage is frequently used in osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia. Massage application increases the physiological and psychological well-being of patients by providing symptom control. Therefore, it is recommended to include massage in nursing care practices in symptom control.

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