The Relaxing Effects of Massage Therapy

A gentle touch can sometimes be the best medicine for patients. Massage therapy is one of the complementary therapies available to Ohio’s Hospice of Miami County patients.

It can be hugely beneficial.

“People who have pain or want a holistic approach taking as little pain medication as possible like massage therapy,” says Massage Therapist Jo Monroe. “Massage can give patients that floating feeling, almost like a dance. Gentle range of motion feels like they have some control again and is not painful.”

Almost any Ohio’s Hospice of Miami County patient can benefit from massage therapy.  Our massage therapists provide care for patients at our inpatient unit at Upper Valley Medical Center or in the comfort of the patient’s home or extended care facility.

Patients find relief from symptoms such as:

• Anxiety
• Headaches
• Pain
• Insomnia
• Tension
• Restlessness

Patients who have nerve pain, swelling, ALS, COPD, MS, cancer, and many other illnesses feel relief from symptoms that come with these illnesses following massage therapy sessions.

After treatment, some patients feel more mobile. The warmth and touch of another reduces their sense of loneliness. The therapy can also enable patients to let go of any tension and frustration.

Our massage therapists look for nonverbal and verbal cues to know when the patient is relaxing. They listen to the breathing – a sigh of relief is a good indicator of comfort –  relaxed muscles in the face, shoulders, hands, and some vocalize how good the massage feels.

Massage therapists at Ohio’s Hospice of Miami County must have completed their education from a school accredited by the American Massage Therapy Association and have at least two years experience in massage therapy.

We thank our massage therapists for providing superior care and services to patients at Ohio’s Hospice of Miami County and helping in our mission to celebrate the lives of those we have the privilege of serving.