Palliative Massage
Ease of suffering and feeling supported during this final chapter in life is a beautiful gift that a knowledgeable and compassionate massage can give.
What is Palliative Massage
With a compassionate touch, palliative massage provides comfort and support to those diagnosed with a serious illness (curative or terminal) and their caregivers. The goal is to use the healing benefits of therapeutic touch to provide the best quality of life during all phases of palliative care from onset of diagnosis, through up to and including the dying process.
Every palliative patient has their own unique priorities in palliative care and massage treatments are designed to address these needs and maximize the therapeutic benefits of touch. This includes: pain and other physical symptomatic relief, maintaining bodily functions, emotional support and reducing stress.
What Are The Health Benefits
During this period of life it helps to address client’s symptoms and other issues, the side effects of various treatments, and the various consequences of living with a curative or terminal illness.
Benefits include relief from and help with:
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Pain
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Fatigue & Stress
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Anxiety &/Or Depression
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Nausea
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Decrease circulation
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Pulmonary congestion
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Digestive problems such as constipation
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Minimization of pressure sores
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Promoting a greater sense of well-being for the patient and their care givers
Beyond the Therapist – Family & Friends
An important aspect to palliative massage is helping family and friend learn how to massage their loved one as it is incredibly therapeutic for everyone involved. The palliative patient is able to receive massages on a more regular basis and provides the opportunity to connect with people in a manner that does not drain patients of energy (in fact, the exact opposite). For family and friends this is a wonderful way to help their loved one during this period of life and to give a sense of giving that can only truly happen through touch. Most people are anxious at the start but quickly learn that the simple act of massaging a hand or foot is more healing for their family or friends than they can imagine.
Have Questions
I imagine you must have many questions and I’m more than glad to answer them for you and help you decide whether massage is right for your family or friends.
Reasons For Requesting Palliative Massage
- The simple act of touch from massage is beneficial on all levels of the mind, body and spirit.
- For the terminally ill person: relief from pain and other discomforts due to serious illness and process of dying, comfort and support, and address other health issues that may be straining the individual
- Educating family and friends on how to massage their loved one
- Supporting the grieving process
Palliative Care Experience:
- Massaged my older brother who passed away from cancer in my youth.
- Massage palliative clients over 6 years
- Schooling in Licensed Practical Nursing
- Mentoring with palliative RMT Christine Sutherland
I hope I can help bring to those in need and their caregivers the opportunity to experience the nurturing support that only massage can bring.
HOME OFFICE
Address:
Near Victoria & Commercial St.
Exact address provided upon booking initial appointment.
HARTWELL CLINIC
Phone: 604-564-2882
www.hartwelltherapy.com
Address:
6468 Main St, Vancouver, BC V5W 2V4