Use of tactile massage as an effective therapy for elderly : A qualitative literature review
Iglesias Franco, Patricia (2018)
Iglesias Franco, Patricia
Yrkeshögskolan Novia
2018
All rights reserved
Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2018121621801
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2018121621801
Tiivistelmä
The application of complementary therapies to reduce and in certain cases replace the continued use of drugs for the treatment of many typical conditions of elderly patients such as pain, insomnia or lack of functionality is a trend in continuous growth. Therapeutic massage, among other complementary care interventions, is already part of the role of nurses and it approaches nursing profession in a holistic manner. In this sense, there is no doubt about the importance that direct communication, human and affective contact, closeness, intimate connection and respect with the patient have in nursing care (Erikson’s theory describes such relationship in the concept of caring communion). Massage therapy is to some extend a way of communication that acquires special meaning in patients with whom it is more difficult to communicate due to pathologies such as dementia or Alzheimer's. This paper is the result of a content qualitative analysis of fifteen articles on the effects of massage on the well-being, socialization as well as on the physical and psychological health of elderly. The revision of the literature targeted in this study demonstrate a positive impact of massage and highlights that besides the primary effects such pain relief and relaxation, the use of massage enhances the well-being, health and quality of life of elderly.