Hospital-Based Massage Therapy: A Comprehensive Guide for Licensed Massage Therapists
In today’s evolving healthcare landscape, hospital massage therapy has become essential to patient care. Recently, four experts joined the Massage Therapy Foundation (MTF) president for a panel, sharing insights on the field’s impact, their roles, compensation structures, and the effects of COVID-19.
Meet the Speakers
Robin Anderson, MEd, LMT, BCTMB, CEAS, is the president of MTF. With 15 years of experience in massage therapy, she also directs Mpower Education, specializing in e-learning for the industry.
Robin Miccio, LMT, CPMT, CEIM, has been a massage therapist for 11 years and currently manages the Integrative Health Program at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
Corrie Frey, LMT, CIMI, CPMT, brings 21 years of experience. She has worked at Nationwide Children’s Hospital for the last decade, focusing on oncology massage.
Cynthia Spake, LMT, has practiced massage therapy for over 30 years and has worked at Blessing Hospital in Quincy, Illinois, for the last three years.
How Massage Therapy Supports Patient Care in Hospitals
The experts discussed the term medical massage, highlighting that it is often environment-driven rather than technique-specific. Anderson noted, “It’s more about adapting to the environment than defining a type.”
Frey emphasized on-the-job training for hospital-based massage, while Spake highlighted the importance of compassionate-touch therapy, particularly in hospice care settings.
Growing Importance of Hospital Massage Therapy in Pain Management
As hospitals seek to reduce opioid use, massage therapy is being added to pain management plans. This hands-on approach relieves pain, reduces stress, and builds emotional resilience. Massage therapy also aids in recovery from surgeries and helps patients manage conditions like high blood pressure, improving both physical and mental health.
Collaborative Care in Hospitals
In hospitals, massage therapists collaborate with physical and occupational therapists to support patient recovery. Working with these teams ensures that patient care addresses both physical and emotional needs.
Advanced Techniques for Hospital Patients
Specialized techniques such as oncology massage and lymphatic drainage are crucial in hospitals for managing pain and supporting healing, especially in fragile patients.
COVID-19’s Impact on Hospital Massage Programs
Panelists discussed changes like mandatory PPE use and a shift to telehealth education for families. Some hospitals continued massage for COVID-19 patients, adapting practices to ensure safety.
About the MTF
The Massage Therapy Foundation is a nonprofit supporting massage research and education since 1990.
Karen Menehan, former editor-in-chief of MASSAGE Magazine, has written recent articles like “As Clients Return, Massage Therapists Vanquish Touch Deprivation.”