[91B]

So does anyone have any experience with massage therapists working with patients in a hospital setting? I have seen some brief articles on it here and there, but was curious if any of you have had first hand experiences with this. I know that most people feel that massage therapy is merely a luxury that carries no physiological benefit, but I don't fall into that category.

I would have to think that at least for some patients, having some manipulation of extremities while stuck in a bed would provide some physical relief and stimulation, and perhaps help give them a better state of mind as well.

Thoughts?

[Ricu]

I'm in favor of massage therapy because I personally have benefitted. The nearest option we offer under "complementary holistic therapies" is Reiki which is a widely accepted and effective treatment here.

R

[cassioo]

They don't offer it at my hospital but it would be a great idea. They do get PT/OT for patients on bedrest (which is also a bad idea for pregnant patients)

When I had my first child (24 years ago) there wasn't a massage therapist but one of the nurses aids would come around every night and offer a back rub....she was a well known woman in the area who had 19 children the last was 6 months old when her husband died in an accident. So she knew about back aches in pregnancy LOL.

[BeachyCEN]

Originally Posted by 91B

So does anyone have any experience with massage therapists working with patients in a hospital setting? I have seen some brief articles on it here and there, but was curious if any of you have had first hand experiences with this. I know that most people feel that massage therapy is merely a luxury that carries no physiological benefit, but I don't fall into that category.

I would have to think that at least for some patients, having some manipulation of extremities while stuck in a bed would provide some physical relief and stimulation, and perhaps help give them a better state of mind as well.

Thoughts?

91B, have you tried doing a literature search on this? It might be worth it if you are trying to get information to make a case at your hospital. I do know that soft tissue massage can be a part of PT but I am thinking that you are looking for something more?

I agree that there are benefits to massage....it promotes circulation just to name one!

[91B]

I have looked into this some, I am surprised, there are more hospitals that I would have first thought offering these services, not just for PT, but as part of the post op and recovery services.

The reason I brought it up is becuase my wife is a Massage Therapist, and we had tossed the idea around of her going to some of the hospitals here in Austin to see if there was interest in these kind of services.

[cassioo]

I have thought about trying to get some services together for our pregnant moms who have long term hospitalization either as services offered to get more business or that mom's couldl pay for themselves but include massage therapy, hair dressers, nail tech, video stores, knitting lessons, scrapbook lessons...just anything that could help pass time or make moms feel better while not being able to get out....maybe someday I'll put that plan into action.
It wouldn't hurt to have her go to the hospital and offer the services or she could offer some discount for HR to buy massage packages they could give to nurses for prizes for any prize/gift giving event.

[BeachyCEN]

The reason I brought it up is becuase my wife is a Massage Therapist, and we had tossed the idea around of her going to some of the hospitals here in Austin to see if there was interest in these kind of services.

I would think there would be a market - especially for long hospitlizations. But I am sure you (or her) would have to prove the benefits,etc. I think it a great idea...good luck!

[feelyou]

The American Massage Therapy Association offers massage therapy information and resources for AMTA members