How massage is helping our patients and families
PRIMROSE Hospice’s Complementary therapist has been teaching families and carers massage techniques to help comfort patients.
Before the second lockdown, Julie Guest visited a patient and their family as well as a carer to show them how to carry out treatments.
She wore gloves and PPE and followed all Government guidelines relating to the Coronavirus pandemic.
Julie saw one patient, who is very unwell, to give them a short treatment but at the same time teach her mother and sister how to do them.
While giving a short, very light foot massage and a short hand massage to the woman, she spoke with her mother and sister telling them about the movements, pressure and the benefits of the treatment.
She also showed them areas of the feet relating to the body as mapped out in a reflexology chart.
Julie said: “The nicest thing was that it was the first hands-on treatment I had given to someone since the first lockdown!
“And the other lovely thing was the patient’s reaction to my hands on them, they relaxed visibly and drifted off into a light sleep, breathing deepened and slowed which are great signs of being relaxed.
The second treatment was carried out on a carer to show them how to do massage on feet and hands for the patient.
The carer came to Primrose Hospice to have a short treatment again following Government advice and hospice PPE guidelines. They also kept their mask on throughout the treatment as well.
“Again, I explained the movements, benefits and pressure,” Julie said.
“I showed them the areas of the feet to work on. The benefit was twofold because it gave the carer time for themselves and a space to talk.
“I have spoken to the patient since and they are enjoying the massage in the evening to help them relax ready for sleep.”
Massaging the feet and hands can help with anxiety and stress while massaging the feet is also grounding and relaxing for patients.
