The intentional and systematic manipulation of the soft tissues of the body to enhance health and healing. The primary characteristics of massage are touch and movement.
(Freeman, 2001)
MASSAGE DEFINED
Massage can be applied to the entire body or to specific body parts only.Most commons site specific massages:
Hands
Feet
Back
FULL BODY VS. SITE SPECIFIC
PhysicalRelaxation (decreased anxiety)Relieving of minor aches & painsIncreased blood circulationIncreased flow of oxygen & nutrients to cellsSoftening of contracted musclesIncreased immune function(Field, 1998)
BENEFITS OF MASSAGE
PsychosocialMental & Tactile stimulationUnconditional 1:1 attentionA means of non-verbal communicationSense of nurturing, companionship and pleasureCan ground disoriented individuals by connecting them with physical reality(Sansone & Schmidt, 2000)
Often focuses more on “Compassionate Touch” and gentle movements
Provided for short periods of time (typically interventions of 5 to 20 minutes)
Often provided with individual in seated position (chair/wheelchair) or in bed
MASSAGE WITH CLIENTS AS PART OF A RT INTERVENTION
Individuals with the following conditions often respond well to massage
Muscle achesPoor circulation
Limited range of motionStiffness and painInsomnia, anxiety(Miesler, 1991)
GOOD CANDIDATES FOR MASSAGE
Contraindications
Fever
Hemorrhage/ Uncontrolled bleeding
Varicose Veins
Open wounds/broken bone
Acute injury within 72 hours
Cautions
Poor skin integrity
Blood thinners (bruising)
Undiagnosed diseases or pain
CONSIDERATIONS FOR MASSAGE
Avoid
Areas of inflammation/infection
Site of an injury, surgery, procedure
Fractured ribs
Skin ulcers
Burns, wounds
Physician Order
Obtain physician clearance before administering massage
SelfTake off all jewelry that may
scratch clients (rings, bracelets, watches)
Make sure your nails are short and free of sharp areasWash your hands and have hand sanitizer nearby at all
timesCreate relaxing environment
(lower lights, close doors, reduce noise, etc.)
BEFORE YOU START
ClientRemove unnecessary clothing
items from resident (e.g., jacket, sweater - appropriate
to setting/situation)Be aware of client’s jewelry (remove if they will allow – e.g., remove rings for hand
massage)
Explain what you will be doing (at a level appropriate for the client).
Ask the client to let you know if anything feels uncomfortable or they want you to stop for any
reason. (If individual is non-verbal, identify signal he/she can use).
Anticipate any issues clients may have to touch related to your gender and theirs.
Be sensitive to how touch may be experienced/interpreted in different cultures.
IMPLEMENTATION
Oils – Avoid if possible. Many people find unappealing. Can also damage clothing and linens.
Lotions – Massage lotions will have more “glide” than hand lotions. Use hypoallergenic products.
Creams – Provides most moisture to skin and best “glide.” Use special massage creams.
DIFFERENT TYPES OF LUBRICATION
Effleurage (long, gliding)Petrissage (kneading, squeezing, rolling)Feather strokes, nerve strokesTapotement (percussive)VibrationFriction (deep, for scars)Joint Movements
BASIC MASSAGE STROKES
Most can be done over the clothing if necessary. However, skin to skin
contact is better whenever possible.
Also, human to human contact (without gloves) is
better than object to human contact (wooden
massage tools, etc).
When is it “massage” and when is it “massage therapy”?
MASSAGE VS. MASSAGE THERAPY
Seated Massage Sequence for Sensory Stimulation
Hand Massage
SPECIFIC MASSAGE TECHNIQUES