Massage for the Critically Ill Patient
Massage is in the forefront of treatment for the critically Ill patients. Many times the patient will have conditions that would be contraindicated for a normal patient. However, by adjusting your treatment for the intent and delivery of touch therapy there are literally no contraindications for any disease or ailment. Depending on the patients condition certain precautions should be taken by consulting the physician in charge. Most physicians will tell the massage therapist what to stay away from and for the most part the therapist should simply stay away from open wounds.
The massage therapist intent should simply be gentle and caring touch therapy to bring comfort and pleasure. Allowing the patient to be able to relax through this difficult of time in their lives. Massage will help control discomfort and pain, improve mobility, reduce disorientation and confusion by bring the patient back to a positive awareness of the body and environment that they are surrounded by in their hour of need. Massage will also benefit from reducing the isolation and fear of the situation that the patient is experiencing.
It is important that the massage therapist always be aware of the sourroundings and the needs of the patient. Conditions will dictate how much is done and what precuations that you should take. You should ask the patient first most of the time the patient will be well aware of the precautions that should be taken. It is also fundamentally sound to communicate with the physician and the primary caregiver.
Be aware that the emotional state that the patient is in is in constant fluctuation and can be in need of constant assessment. The therapist should unlike other relaxation massage modalities be in constant communication with the client assessing the visual, verbal, and tactile condition of the patient and adjust the massage accordingly. Most massage techniques are designed for a healthy person so you should always adjust your pressure to be light and soothing in nature.
