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