What drives our passion is the profound sense of connection and wholeness experienced by both therapist and patient.

Our role as massage therapists is to provide comfort and rest to the sick and dying. We don’t try to “fix” symptoms or change outcomes. Numerous studies document the benefits of massage at the end of life. But the research is not what drives our passion for this work. What drives our passion is the profound sense of connection and wholeness experienced by both therapist and patient. As one advanced cancer patient said, “I can come here to receive massage and not have to be anything for anybody. I can just be.”

DOCUMENTED BENEFITS OF MASSAGE AT THE END OF LIFE INCLUDE:

Enhanced relaxation, reduced anxiety
Reduced fear and confusion; grounding; a connection with something familiar
Improved sleep
Reduced pain
Lubrication of the skin
Improved quality of life
Social interaction, companionship
Reduced feelings of isolation
Nonjudgmental one-on-one contact
Comfort for grieving loved ones

A SAMPLE OF STUDIES

Suncoast Study

Conducted at The Hospice Institute of the Florida Suncoast, the nation’s largest not-for-profit community-based provider of hospice and palliative care. Patients who received massage reported 52% reduction in pain scores; 53% reduction in anxiety; 52% increase in peacefulness. Publinski, Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, July 2005

Grealish Nursing Intervention

Hospitalized cancer patients received 10-minute foot massages by RNs on three consecutive evenings. Reported significant drop in pain and nausea, significantly increased relaxation, and a drop in heart rate. Grealish, Cancer Nursing, 2000

Health Care Worker Intervention

Healthcare workers with one day of training providing light stroking for 20 minutes of either hand and forearm or foot and lower leg. Patients reported meaningful relief from suffering, positive relations with staff, experience of being special, feeling of greater strength, and greater balance between autonomy and dependence. Billhult, Cancer Nursing, 2001

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