Massage Therapy

Jason Gabari LMT RN PCCN

Definition of Massage

• “A systematic and scientific manipulation of soft tissues of the body” (Davidson, 20) that has physiologic, mechanical, and psychological effects.

General Uses

• Relaxation• Pain Relief• Reduction of Edema• Increases ROM• Preparation for sporting events

Massage Modalities

• Swedish• Deep Tissue• Myofascial Release• Trigger point• Shiatsu• Thai• Cranio-Sacral• Lymph Drainage• Reflexology• Hot Stone

Medical Uses Supported by Evidence Based Practice

• Back Pain• Anxiety• Depression• Asthma• Sleep Disorders• Post-Traumatic Stress • Drug Abuse

Cardiovascular Benefits

• “reflexology has an acute immediate haemodynamic effect in healthy volunteers”. (Thomson, 210)

• Decreases Cardiac Index• Lowers Blood Pressure• Stimulates Parasympathetic Nervous System

Effects on Pituitary Gland

• Increases Oxytocin Levels• Decreases Argenine Vasopressin• Decreases ACTH• Decreases Cortisol

Benefits to Patients

• Increases patient satisfaction• Relieves pain and stress• Shows that the nurse is present and cares• Can decrease unwanted noise• Improve patients sleeping patterns

Benefits for Nurses

• Giving nurses massages during work hours reduces stress related symptoms

• Improves posture• Energizes nurses to endure 12 hour days

Contraindications

• Cancer• Pressure Ulcers• Wounds• Acute Pain with Inflammation• Bruises

References• Davidson, E.J. (2005). Nurse massage therapy– a growing specialty. Virginia

Nurses Today, 13(2) 20.• Engen, D.J. Whaner-Roedler, D.L., Vincent A., Chon, T.Y., Stephen, S., Luedthe, C.A,

Loehrer, L.L., Dion, L.J, Rodgers, N.J., & Bauer, B.A. (2012) Feasibility and effect of chair massage offered to nurses during work hours on stress-related symptoms: A pilot study. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice,18(4) 212-45.

• Jones, J., Thompson, P., Lauder W., Howie, K., Leslie, S.J. (2012). Reflexology has an acute immediate haemodynamic effect in healthy volunteers: A

double- blind randomised control trial. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice,18(4) 204-11.

• Rapaport, M.H., Schettler, P., & Bresee, C. (2012). A preliminary study of the effects of repeated massage on hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal and immune function in healthy individuals: A study of mechanisms of action and dosage. Journal of Alternative & Complementary Medicine, 18(8) 789-97.