During the final stages of life, many people suffer from feelings of pain and discomfort. The symptoms may arise from the side effects of medications or diseases. Massage therapy can be beneficial. It relieves stress and promotes relaxation. Here are a few benefits of massage therapy for hospice patients.
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- Relieving General Pain
Massage therapy provides relief from general aches and pains, scar tissue build-up, and stiffness of joints all through the body. It may seem like a little comfort, but those who have experienced this therapy agree that it has significantly helped to relieve the pain and discomfort associated with their disease. Massage therapy is also useful in improving your range of motion and joint function. It can make it easier for a patient to be mobile and helps avoid serious bedsores.
Different techniques may be used in massage therapy to ease different types of pains and aches, especially those associated with terminal cancer or other serious diseases. Many massage therapists now count on effective pain relief from Theragun massagers for their patients.
- Controlling Swelling
Various techniques can improve hand function and reduce swelling associated with terminal cancer. Working on the arm muscles will increase circulation and improve joint function. It can also provide relief for hand pain, which is common with the loss of bone mass that is often experienced in hospice patients. Controlling swelling throughout the body is essential in relieving the pain and discomfort associated with terminal cancer.
- Relieving Pain
Terminally ill patients face one common problem- the pain associated with osteoporosis or other bone loss conditions. Luckily, a massage therapist can work on these problem areas by using certain techniques that improve joint function and increase circulation throughout the body. Massage can relieve pain and promote general comfort.
- Lowering Blood Pressure
Massage therapy can also help to lower blood pressure and heart rate. It can decrease anxiety and stress levels and improve sleep quality, making it an excellent choice for people suffering from hypertension (high blood pressure) and coronary heart disease. Research has proven that massage therapy reduces the need for medication and may even be as effective as medications to manage symptoms associated with coronary heart disease. It is a great way to improve the quality of life for hospice patients.
- Improving Mental Health
Massage therapy may have positive effects on the mental health of hospice patients. Increasing cognitive processing capacity (ability to understand things), relieving stress and anxiety, improving sleep quality, and reducing feelings of depression makes their lives easier. All of these benefits combined help to increase focus.
Massage therapy is an excellent choice for anxiety-related issues, including post-traumatic stress disorder. It helps resolve anxiety symptoms by increasing serotonin which creates a feeling of well-being and reduces cortisol production.
- Building Immunity
Research shows that massage therapy is an excellent way to enhance immune system response and help the body fight off infections and bacteria. It also acts as a natural anti-inflammatory agent, reducing the swelling and pain caused by arthritis, muscle injury (i.e., tennis elbow), and osteoarthritis.
Although hospice care is geared towards making patients’ lives easier as they near the end of their lives, there is no reason for them to suffer. Massage therapy is one of the most effective treatments for promoting both physical and mental well-being.
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