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Massage Therapy in Health Care.By: Anne Goldberg

+How does massage therapy work?

Promotes relaxation

Improves and promotes circulation.

Stimulation through massage advances the body’s natural healing process

Acts as a stress reliever

Endorphins are released.

Increases lymphatic flow- boosts immunity

Reduces cramping, swelling, and spasms

Helps with sleep

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Types of Massage- Swedish- Deep Tissue Massage- Sports Massage- Hot Stone Massage- Aromatherapy Massage

+Exploring types of massage:

SWEDISH THERAPY: the most widely used technique. It involves rubbing the muscles in the direction of blood return. This allows the body to relax, it increases the level of oxygen in the blood, it decreases muscles toxins, and it improves circulation. This is the most easily integrated technique into the hospital

TECHNIQUE: kneading, percussing an area, applying circular pressure with your palms

DEEP TISSUE MASSAGE: Penetrates the deepest layers of muscle tissue, tendons and fascia. Targets chronic muscle tension. Stimulates the release of oxytocin and serotonin which creates a mood boost.

TECHNIQUE: apply deeper pressure, but the movements and technique are similar to that of a Swedish Massage.

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SPORTS MASSAGE: Each athlete receives a massage that targets the overworked areas. Promotes flexibility, improves endurance, helps prevent injuries. Has been proven to decrease muscle soreness.

HOT STONE MASSAGE: promotes deep muscle relaxation through the placement of water heated stones. Has been proven to increase metabolism, circulation and helps ease muscle stiffness. Heat from the stones relax the muscles, and expand blood vessels which provides access to deeper muscles.

+Which patients benefit from this?

Arthritic patients

Asthmatic patients

Burn patients

Hypertensive patients

Patients experiencing menstruation cramps

+Did you know?

Massage therapy used to be a required course in Nursing school

The number one use of massage therapy is to manage patients pain.

70% of the Baby boomer generation have participated in complementary/ alternative treatment

A study was conducted on 64 patients with chronic neck pain that concluded massage therapy was more beneficial in relieving symptoms and improving function.

Ancient civilizations including the Egyptians and Romans practiced massage therapy

+Use caution!

Be gentle, don’t be too rigorous

Be careful with patients on warfarin or other blood thinning medications

Avoid massaging areas with blood clots, fractures, recent areas of surgical intervention, opened wounds, weakened bones caused by osteoporosis

Avoid deep, direct pressure on tumors

+Furthering your knowledge 1,500 massage therapy schools

Body mechanics and proper massaging techniques are taught

There is a Board licensing exam that must be taken (The National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork)

Common Certifications- Licensed Massage therapist, Licensed Massage Practioner, and Certifies

Massage Therapist

+References

Sherman, K., & Ezzo, Jeanette ( August 2010). Massage Therapy: An Introduction. http://nccam.nih.gov/health/massage/massageintroduction.htm

UNH Health Services (2013). Benefits of Massage Therapy. http://unh.edu/health-services/ohep/massage-therapy/benefits-massage-therapy

Assoicated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (2013). Learn The Benefits of Massage. http://www.massagetherapy.com/learnmore/benefits.php

Types of Massage (2011). Massage Envy Spa. http://www.massageenvy.com/types-of-massage/hot-stone-envy.aspx

+Reflective note

This slideshow could be presented to a group of nurses on a floor by a clinical educator. This is a good way for nurses to be exposed to massage therapy and the benefits from providing this type of services to patients. This presentation could be given within the work environment or take home in an email for the employees to read up on on their own.