Massage, pressure, vibration, heat, cold, and menthol preparations are used for skin stimulation. For pain relief, massage is most effective when using slow, steady, circular motions. You can massage over or near the area of pain with just your bare hand or with any substance that feels good such as talcum powder, warm oil, or hand lotion. Depending upon where your pain is located, you may do it yourself or ask a family member or friend to give you a massage. Remember, having someone give you a foot rub, back rub, or hand rub can be very relaxing and may relieve pain.
Some people find brushing or stroking lightly more comforting than deep massage.
Use whatever works best for you. If you are having radiation therapy, avoid massage in the treatment area. Pressure can be applied with the entire hand, the heel of the hand, the fingertip or the knuckle, the ball of the thumb, or by using one or both hands to encircle your arm or leg. You can experiment by applying pressure for about 10 seconds to various areas over or near your pain to see if it helps. Pressure is usually most effective if it is applied as firmly as possible without causing pain.