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) 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) 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)