Massage can be relaxing and rejuvenating, but for those in hospice care, massage can also provide special benefits. Angela Hospice’s massage therapists shared their insights on how massage is used in hospice care, and how this specialized treatment can provide relief for hospice patients.
BENEFITS OF MASSAGE THERAPY IN HOSPICE
Massage is an additional therapy that can be used to help patients who need extra support beyond what medications provide. Massage can help with:
- Pain management
- Reducing anxiety
- Decreasing muscle tightness
- Promoting sleep
In some cases, massage can even help individuals to release emotional pain.
WHO RECEIVES MASSAGE THERAPY?
It is important to note that massage therapy is not appropriate for all hospice patients. This therapy is available as an option for patients when medically-indicated based on their specific condition and symptoms.
There are some situations in which massage is not able to be provided. For instance, if someone has a fever, that would be a contraindication for massage. Because having a massage can raise one’s body temperature, it could be harmful for someone with a fever to receive a massage. This is just one example of the factors the Angela Hospice team considers before recommending massage therapy.
EMOTIONAL & SOCIAL BENEFITS
For hospice patients, touch can be powerful and connective. Sometimes family members and friends feel afraid to touch their loved one in hospice care, worried they might hurt them. For patients experiencing a lack of touch, the impact of massage includes the power of human connection. It is a tangible expression of caring support that provides real relief.
HOW IS MASSAGE PROVIDED?
Contrary to what people might imagine when they think of massage, in hospice massage can be provided wherever and however the patient is comfortable. For some, this may be sitting at their dining room table. Massage can take place over clothing as well.
WHO PROVIDES MASSAGE?
Angela Hospice’s licensed massage therapists are deeply caring individuals who are devoted to practicing massage. One interesting fact is that they both left their careers as massage therapists to pursue other caring disciplines. Rayleen Justice became a registered nurse and Melissa Tapp earned her social work degree, but ultimately they both came back to their love of massage and caring for hospice patients.
“We are both drawn to caring for others, and we love to do that through massage,” said Melissa.
For both Melissa and Rayleen, massage in hospice care is very meaningful experience. As Rayleen explained it:
“Our hospice patients commonly experience a broad range of emotions, including fear, sadness, anxiety, anger, loneliness, and confusion. Being present with these emotions reminds me of the depth of the human experience during the end-of-life journey. Massage therapy reinforces the importance of being present, offering pain relief, compassion, and creating a safe space where patients and their families feel heard and supported. Providing comfort in these moments goes beyond physical care — it is about honoring their emotional and spiritual needs as well.”
Massage is one element of the holistic care Angela Hospice provides. For more about Angela Hospice services, call our team at 734.464.7810 or use our contact form.
