Massage Therapy Journal Summer 2024

68 • Massage Therapy Journal

References 1. Pryde K, Brusco N, O’Callaghan C, Baird A, Moore R, White J, Bull C, Lee AL, Michael N. “Caregiver delivered massage therapy options in inpatient palliative care: A mixed methods exploratory study.” Complement Ther Clin Pract . 2022 Nov;49:101663. 2. Groninger H, Nemati D, Cates C, Jordan K, Kelemen A, Shipp G, Munk N. “Massage Therapy for Hospitalized Patients Receiving Palliative Care: A Randomized Clinical Trial.” J Pain Symptom Manage . 2023 May;65(5):428-441. 3. Miladinia M, Jahangiri M, Kennedy AB, Fagerstrom C, Tuvesson H, Safavi SS, Maniati M, Javaherforooshzadeh F, Karmpourian H. “Determining massage dose-response to improve cancer related symptom cluster of pain, fatigue, and sleep disturbance: A 7-arm randomized trial in palliative cancer care.” Palliat Med . 2023 Jan;37(1):108–119. 4. Goel AR, Henderson CR, Reid MC. “Do Palliative Care Providers Use Complementary and Integrative Medicine? A Nationwide Survey.” J Pain Symptom Manage . 2022 Apr;63(4):599-609.

It isn’t just the physical side of things that can be draining on a massage therapist. It can be an emotionally difficult experience, too. “This is deeply rewarding and challenging work that isn’t for the faint of heart or the weak of stomach,” says Elder. “It requires ongoing learning, and a genuine desire to be of service to those who are suffering and in difficult situations.” A nationwide survey 4 of physicians, physician assistants and nurse practitioners in palliative care documented recommendation rates of integrative care therapies for target symptoms of palliative care patients. The survey found that massage was the third most recommended integrative care modality behind mind-body interventions like meditation and biofeedback. Pain, anxiety, mood disturbance and distress were the most targeted symptoms. Overall, palliative massage is one component of an integrative care plan that can bring comfort and symptom relief to clients in need. “Interdisciplinary interventions such as massage therapy help manage symptoms while improving a patient’s well-being and quality of life experience,” Elder says. **LMT 1/2 pg 7.125x4.8.125_Layout 1 1/7/24 3:32 PM Page 1

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