Massage in Palliative Care

Gentle massage for people in palliative care

Palliative care focuses on improving the quality of life for individuals facing life-limiting illnesses. Massage therapy has become an integral part of this care, offering physical, emotional, and psychological benefits.

In Australia, palliative massage is increasingly recognised in hospitals, aged care facilities, and even home settings as a complementary therapy that enhances comfort and well-being. Palliative care programs include massage as part of a holistic approach to health and wellbeing.

So let’s look at the types of massage used in palliative care, their approaches, and their effects on joints, arthritis, and overall well-being.

Types of Massage in Palliative Care

Massage therapy in palliative care is tailored to the unique needs of each patient. The techniques are generally gentle and focused on comfort rather than deep tissue manipulation. Some common types include:

• Swedish Relaxation Massage: This involves long, flowing strokes to promote relaxation and ease muscle tension. It is particularly beneficial for reducing anxiety and stress.
• Aromatherapy Massage: Essential oils are used to enhance relaxation and provide relief from symptoms like nausea or insomnia (read our article about aromatherapy & massage).
• Reflexology: Focused on the feet, reflexology can alleviate pain and nausea while promoting a sense of calm.
• Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD): This technique reduces swelling caused by lymphedema or fluid retention, common in patients undergoing cancer treatments.

These techniques are often adapted based on the patient’s physical condition. For instance, if a patient cannot lie face-down due to medical devices or discomfort, the therapist may use side-lying or seated positions.

Massage approaches Tailored for Palliative Care

Palliative massage prioritises comfort over therapeutic outcomes like muscle rehabilitation. Therapists employ light pressure and slow movements to avoid overstimulation. Sessions are often shorter—ranging from 10 to 30 minutes—depending on the patient’s energy levels.

A key aspect of palliative massage is its holistic approach. Therapists consider not just physical symptoms but also emotional and even spiritual needs. For example, hand-holding or gentle touch can convey care and reduce feelings of isolation. This nurturing aspect makes massage a powerful tool for fostering connection between patients, families, and caregivers.

Effects on Joints and Arthritis

Arthritis is one of the most common conditions among elderly patients in palliative care. It causes joint pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Massage therapy has been shown to alleviate these symptoms by:

• Increasing blood flow to affected joints
• Reducing stiffness through gentle stretching
• Improving range of motion with techniques like Swedish massage or MLD.

A study published in Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice found that moderate-pressure massage significantly reduced pain and improved joint function in patients with rheumatoid arthritis after four weeks of treatment. Similarly, for osteoarthritis of the knee, weekly massages led to notable improvements in pain relief and mobility.

Enhancing Overall Well-Being

The benefits of palliative massage extend beyond physical relief. Patients often experience:

• Pain Reduction: Gentle touch stimulates endorphin release, acting as a natural painkiller.
• Stress Relief: By lowering cortisol levels (the stress hormone), massage helps patients feel calmer and more relaxed.
• Improved Sleep: Alleviating discomfort promotes better sleep quality—a vital factor in overall well-being.
• Emotional Support: The compassionate touch provided during massage reduces feelings of loneliness and depression while fostering a sense of being cared for.

For patients with advanced illnesses like cancer or dementia, these benefits can significantly enhance their quality of life.

Massage in Retirement Homes and Hospitals

In Australia, palliative massage is widely offered in retirement homes, aged care facilities, hospices, and hospitals. Organisations like Eastern Palliative Care in Victoria provide free massage sessions as part of their services. Similarly, many aged care providers include massage therapy under government-subsidised Home Care Packages (HCP), recognising the role of massage (and touch) in maintaining physical and mental health.

In hospitals such as the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre in Melbourne, oncology massage is integrated into treatment plans to address side effects like fatigue and nausea from chemotherapy. These settings emphasise collaboration between therapists and medical teams to ensure safe and effective care.

Challenges and Future Directions

Despite its benefits, integrating massage into mainstream palliative care faces challenges such as limited funding and access to trained therapists. However, growing evidence supports its efficacy as a low-risk complementary therapy. Studies have shown that even brief sessions—10 to 20 minutes daily—can lead to sustained improvements in pain management and emotional well-being.

To meet the increasing demand, Australian organisations are training therapists specifically for palliative care. This includes understanding contraindications (e.g., avoiding areas with medical devices) and adapting techniques based on individual needs.

The Vital Role of Massage

Massage therapy plays a vital role in palliative care by addressing both physical symptoms like joint pain and emotional challenges such as anxiety or loneliness. Gentle techniques offer comfort while enhancing overall well-being for patients nearing the end of life. In Australia’s aged care facilities, hospitals, and homes, palliative massage continues to grow as an essential component of holistic care.

By prioritising compassion alongside clinical expertise, palliative massage not only alleviates suffering but also fosters dignity and connection during life’s most vulnerable moments—a testament to the profound healing power of touch.