When you think of massage therapy, do visions of relaxation come to mind? While it’s true that massage can be incredibly calming and beneficial for overall wellbeing, it’s impact doesn’t just leave your body feeling relaxed!
Massage therapy offers a wide array of physical benefits, including palliative massage therapy. Specifically tailored to those living with cancer or other life-threatening illnesses, palliative care massage provides comfort and relief on numerous levels throughout the course of healing.
Let’s take a look at how massage therapy can make all the difference in improving quality-of-life for people living in hospice and palliative care.
How to Palliative Massage Done
palliative care massage is done by a massage therapist, who has completed training in a massage therapy program. Taking into serious consideration the patient’s quality of life, and palliative medicine, pathologies from chronic disease, and complementary therapies the patient is undergoing.
After creating a plan with other health care professionals the massage therapist will then put together the best plan for pain and symptom management.
Techniques are used for Palliative Care Massage
There are a few gentler massage techniques that are used during palliative care massage therapy. All ensuring the patient is as comfortable as possible.
Many massage therapists will use:
- Therapeutic touch
- Manual lymphatic drainage
- Foot Massage
- Craniosacral therapy
- Full body massage
- Passive touch
Using any of these techniques, helps with symptom control, pain intensity, and relaxation. Treating the whole person using gentle touch for end-of-life patients.
Where Do Palliative Massage Take Place
Hospice massage therapists are able to travel to you, accommodating palliative care patients in a hospital setting or coming to see you in hospice and palliative care.
They can bring their massage table or provide massage in bed for your comfort.
Massage Therapy Relieves Stress on the Body
Medical treatments for palliative care clients can put a strain on the body’s resources. Not only do the medication, treatment, and fatigue of struggling against the disease take a toll on your body physically – it also inflicts tremendous stress.
Fortunately, massage therapy is a gentle yet potent solution for relieving some of the tension and strain we experience.
According to research from the American Massage Therapy Association, hospice massage can be instrumental in providing consoling relaxation and comfort, helping to reduce pain, stress levels, anxiety, and depression.
Massage Therapy Provides Physical Benefits
Massage therapy not only offers a compassionate touch for palliative care patients, but it can also provide medically stabilizing benefits and pain relief.
Through this treatment, not only can high blood pressure and heart rates be decreased, but endorphins are released as well.
Further still, patients often gain a sense of comfort knowing that they have the support of their therapist; providing relief from fear, depression and anxiety is an additional benefit to this therapy.
Massage Therapists Can Be an Advocate for the Patient
Massage therapists can develop a strong understanding of their patient’s physical and emotional well-being without exchanging a single word.
Skilled massage therapists are health care professionals that utilize therapeutic massage to ensure end-of-life treatment to ensure patients’ quality of life.
Despite the lack of conversation, they are still able to get an intimate sense of how the person is feeling.
Skilled therapists are knowledgeable in comprehending the body and can act as a spokesperson to both physicians and family members on behalf of their patient’s needs.
Patients Can Improve Their Mobility
Massage therapy provides numerous advantages to hospice patients, such as reduced joint stiffness, improved mobility and range of motion, pain management and lymph drainage.
Therapy is tailored to the unique needs of each individual patient, taking into account any concurrent treatment regimens or therapeutic programs.
It Relieves Insomnia and Other Sleep Problems
Sleep is a crucial element of any patient’s health, yet people living with terminal illnesses may suffer from insomnia or other sleep-related issues.
Experiencing life in a hospital bed can lead to an unsteady sleep cycle and lack of daytime activity, which consequently contributes to trouble sleeping at night.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has reported that massage therapy can help senior citizens and those with chronic health conditions to achieve a deeper, more restful sleep.
Through its relaxing effects on the body, it’s able to reduce muscle tension while providing comfort and relaxation.
Emotional Benefits of Massage
Massage is not just beneficial to the body, but also brings forth emotional relief. After a massage session, many people report feelings of serenity and relaxation – reaping psychological benefits along with physical ones.
This is a secure and caring environment for individuals to reconnect with their true selves and gain insight.
Massage is an incredible way to reduce stress and anxiety, while simultaneously amplifying your confidence and quality of life. It will leave you feeling more relaxed and content with yourself, as well as with the world around you!
If you’re struggling with depression, anxiety, or simply feeling overwhelmed by life’s stressors, massage therapy can be a powerful tool for treatment. Massage encourages feelings of comfort and empowerment while promoting greater awareness between the mind and body.
Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, depressed or anxious, a massage therapist can listen to your needs and design an individualized plan that will help reduce tension and alleviate these conditions.
From as little as 15 minutes up to 90 minute-long sessions are available – whichever duration works best for you!
Wrap Up
In one’s last days, feelings of fear and solitude can be overwhelming. Massage therapy provides an invaluable form of comfort as it gives every person the devoted attention they deserve in such moments.
It creates a tranquil and comforting atmosphere that is unmatched by any other care option available for hospice patients.
By receiving massage therapy at this stage, your loved ones will find peace amidst their journey towards death.
