MM Chapter 24: Massage for Special Populations

There is limited research on the benefits of massage for end-of-life care. However, it is likely that massage reduces pain, increases relaxation, improves mood, supports better sleep patterns, reduces anxiety, and provides a sense of comfort for people at the end of life. One study shows that massage reduced anxiety and evoked feelings of calmness […]

The Hospice Patients Alliance describes two phases of approaching death.40 The first phase is called the preactive phase of dying, which begins approximately two weeks before death. In this phase, a person demonstrates increased restlessness and confusion. They find it difficult to remain in one position and change positions frequently. The person withdraws from social

A terminal illness is a disease that is considered ultimately incurable and likely to cause death within a short period (typically a life expectancy of 6 months or less, although people often outlive their life expectancy). An illness is considered terminal when there are no standard therapies to eliminate or cure it from the body.

Mental health disabilities are functional impairments caused by mental health disorders that interfere with or limit one or more major life activities.33 Mental health disorders are mental, behavioral, or emotional patterns associated with subjective distress that are not part of normal development or culture. The National Institute of Mental Health estimates that tens of millions

An intellectual or cognitive disability is broadly defined as any disability that affects mental processes. Cognitive disabilities range from mild to severe and may be present from birth or may develop later in life. Many organizations have their own definitions of cognitive disabilities related to certain challenges to access. There are a number of terms

A sensory disability can involve any of the five senses, although the inability to smell or taste is often not considered a disability. Visual and hearing impairments are the primary disabilities that limit access or create life challenges. Visual Impairment Visual impairment refers to a loss of visual capacity. In the United States, the terms

Physical disability or impairment refers to disabilities that affect the muscular, skeletal, nervous, respiratory, and cardiovascular systems. Physical disabilities related to sensory organs are discussed separately. Physical disabilities may result from congenital causes, an injury, amputation, or a disease such as muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, heart disease, pulmonary disease, or others. Some physical

If you do not have a disability or have not often interacted with people with disabilities, you may not understand disabilities in a way that supports effective care during massage. If you are uncomfortable or lack awareness, your behaviors may be subtly patronizing, discriminatory, or dehumanizing, even without an intention to offend. For example, you

People-first language is a form of disability etiquette that aims to diminish the subconscious dehumanization that can occur when discussing people with disabilities. It puts the person before the disability and helps to decrease the discrimination people with disabilities experience in society by raising awareness and understanding. It describes what a person has, not who

Depending on the client’s overall physical condition and session goals, you can use various massage techniques. Because larger clients often have breathing issues, it can be very beneficial to include the diaphragmatic breathing or pursed-lipped breathing exercises described in Chapter 10 to open the session. Remember that the client may not be able to lay