You’re in the trenches of caring for someone who is ill or recovering from injury, and you continue to hear about massage. You’ve heard claims that massage has many benefits and you’re curious. You wonder, “Is it right for my loved one?”
5 simple questions to ask. Is your loved one:
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Stressed or anxious?
Research shows that massage reduces stress and anxiety. As a caregiver, have you received massage? If yes, you likely understand the reality of less stress and anxiety. If no, give it a try; most people love gentle-touch massage.
Mayo Clinic reports:
Massage is generally considered part of complementary and integrative medicine. It’s increasingly being offered along with standard treatment for a wide range of medical conditions and situations.
Studies of the benefits of massage demonstrate that it is an effective treatment for reducing stress, pain and muscle tension.
Beyond the benefits for specific conditions or diseases, some people enjoy massage because it often produces feelings of caring, comfort and connection. Read full article here.
2. Experiencing pain?
Massage can ease pain from immobility and old injuries such as an old shoulder or knee injury. I’ve seen pain scores reduced simply by using various positioning techniques in the bed using pillows, blankets and towels. Some pain will require medical team involvement, however, massage helps.
3. Touch deprived?
Touch is a basic human need. There are studies showing that touch signals safety and trust; warm touch reduces the heart rate and blood pressure; and activates the good hormone, oxytocin.
Dacher Keltner of UC Berkeley reports:
In fact, in other research I’ve found that people can not only identify love, gratitude, and compassion from touches but can differentiate between those kinds of touch, something people haven’t done as well in studies of facial and vocal communication.
“Touch therapy” or “massage therapy” may sound like some weird Berkeley idea, but it’s got hard science on its side. It’s not just good for our muscles; it’s good for our entire physical and mental health. Read full article here.
4. Experiencing dry skin?
The process of providing a gentle massage includes the use of a lubricant such as lotion or oil. Lubricants allow a gentle glide on the skin and they add moisture preventing itching and cracking.
5. Did they enjoy massage prior to this injury or illness?
If your loved-one received massage previously, then they would enjoy it now during illness or injury.
If you answered YES to one question, your loved-one is a good candidate for massage.
Not sure about touching your loved one? In my digital course, A Guide for Caregivers: How to Provide Gentle Touch for Your Loved-One, I provide step-by-step instruction on how to provide a gentle-touch massage. Hang in there with me, the course will be available soon.
Warmly,
Susan
Questions? Comments? As always, I would LOVE to hear from you! 501-915-4012
More ways to connect:
A Guide for Caregivers: How to Provide Gentle Touch for Your Loved-One
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