The picture above demonstrates the use of a pillow as a ledge for the therapist’s arms and a bridge between therapist and client. Several days into a recent vacation, I realized I had no back pain. One day after returning to work, my back hurt...

The following tips are adapted from Palliative Touch: Massage for People at the End of Life, available soon at https://us.singingdragon.com/products/palliative-touch-massage-for-people-at-the-end-of-life. 1.Warm your hands around a hot mug of tea, or insert hands briefly inside gloves with hand warmers (https://www.uline.com/BL_1198/Hand-and-Foot-Warmers). 2.Provide massage over the patient’s gown,...

Week 8, 140 massages completed since our return to work.  We maintain our commitment to a variety of practices to reduce risk: masks and aprons which are changed between patients, limitations on travel, no “moonlighting” at other facilities, and social distancing from visitors and colleagues. ...

The good news is that despite the necessary physical barriers (gloves, masks, etc), hospice massage is still what it has always been: a profound source of comfort to dying patients and their families. Among the 50 sessions provided at the IPU since April 23rd ....

We’ve spent weeks digesting guidelines and warnings from the AMTA, ABMP, the CDC, OSHA, CMS and numerous leaders in the massage industry, including our esteemed colleagues in oncology care. We’ve consulted the NHPCO, NCHPC, HPNA and other organizations that govern hospice practice, while engaging in...

There is so much happening these days that is out of our control.  You may have been told that you cannot come to work.  Or that you can come to work, but will be screened at the door.  You may have been told by your...

DAY ONE.  Snap!  Following a weekend of home repairs, my hands are covered with tiny cuts and scrapes.  I fail the alcohol test at work on Monday morning, experiencing intense stinging while using hand sanitizer.  Grumbling, I check the supply closet for gloves.  There is...