Many people have preconceived notions about massage therapy that do not apply in a palliative/hospice setting. A massage table is rarely used. Patients receive massage wherever they are comfortable, typically a hospital bed, reclining chair, or wheelchair.

The therapist will make suggestions regarding propping for comfort. The patient does not need to remove any clothing. A small amount of lotion will be applied to any area of the skin that can be accessed. Relief for dry, distressed skin is one of the primary goals of hospice massage.

Every person, regardless of how vulnerable or close to death they are, can receive some type of gentle touch.

The therapist can provide safe, effective touch for people with advanced illness right up until the last moment of life. The work is so gentle that patients often sleep during the session.

• The session will be provided wherever the patient is most comfortable

• Massage over clothing or accessible skin

• Focus on positioning and propping for patient comfort

• Gentle massage pressure

• The length of the session adjusted to the patient’s energy level

• Avoidance of sensitive areas on the body

• Decreased pain and anxiety

• Decreased perception of shortness of breath

• Improved sleep

• Improved skin health

• Improved digestion and elimination

• Reduced isolation and fear

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a specialized massage technique involving gentle, rhythmic movements to stimulate the lymph vessels under your skin. Each stroke slightly stretches the skin in the direction of the lymphatic flow to encourage the drainage of lymph fluid effectively and efficiently which carries waste products away from the tissues and back towards the heart.

There are many conditions that may benefit from this modality, such as pre and post-cosmetic surgeries, including breast/chest surgeries, during and after cancer treatments, joint pain, arthritis, autoimmune conditions, edema, lipedema and lymphedema management, sprains, whiplash, fibromyalgia, migraines, tinnitus, insomnia, anxiety, and general wellness.

MLD is soothing, restorative and has a natural analgesic effect. We often spend a lot of time in the “fight or flight” (sympathetic nervous system response), and MLD can help promote a (parasympathetic response), allowing us to “Rest and Digest.”

Lymphedema is a lifelong and progressive inflammatory disease caused by a dysfunction in the lymphatic system. As a result, lymphatic fluid (lymph) accumulates in the body, leading to chronic swelling.

Lymphedema occurs most frequently in the legs and arms but can occur anywhere in the body. It cannot be treated with medications; it must be managed by following a specialized treatment program.

https://albertalymphedema.com/

Lymphedema can occur when lymphatic vessels or nodes are dysfunctional and/or have been damaged, destroyed, or removed.

Primary Lymphedema develops due to a genetic predisposition to a faulty lymphatic system. It can appear at birth or develop later in life.

Secondary Lymphedema is typically caused by surgery, radiation, infection, obesity, or trauma that damages the lymphatic system.

Lipedema is a chronic medical condition that forms a symmetrical buildup of adipose tissue (fat) in the legs, arms, and lower trunk. It often causes pain, swelling, heaviness, loose skin, easy bruising, and the feeling of nodules under the skin. These nodules often feel like rice, pearls, or walnuts under the skin.

Lipedema is NOT obesity, although both diseases can sometimes occur at the same time. 

Lipedema bodies come in all sizes, large and small. Regardless of body size, people with lipedema may experience pain and effects on their mobility. Lipedema is often resistant to diet and exercise. People with lipedema sometimes suffer for years trying to lose weight by all methods with little change to affected areas.

For people with lipedema, having a supportive and informed clinician can make all the difference in their quality of life.

https://lipedemacanada.org/