Massage Therapy for Caregivers

If you’re a nurse, stress is part of your job description. You spend the entire day on your feet monitoring vital signs, administering medications, handling important paperwork and performing countless other tasks in addition to consistently providing comfort and compassion for people who are sick, frightened and in pain. You’re always acutely aware that the tiniest lapse in judgment or memory could have devastating consequences. Meeting impossible deadlines and dealing with unexpected, life-threatening situations are routine.

While trying to keep up with the overwhelming demands of your work, you endure backaches, joint pain, swollen legs and aching feet from the constant standing. Your muscles are sore and stiff from lifting and turning patients. The physical and mental exhaustion may lead to headaches, anxiety, depression or even total burnout. You need and deserve a break. Dealing with perpetual stress when you barely have time to stop and eat lunch can be a challenge. Some nurses find that deep breathing techniques, visualization, positive affirmations or relaxation programs can help. For physical discomfort, quick stretches, yoga or power naps may provide limited benefits, but the most effective and lasting relief from both mental and physical stress is massage therapy.

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How Does Massage Therapy Reduce Workplace Stress for Nurses?

In 2010, the Mayo Clinic conducted a pilot study to determine if workplace-based massage therapy could reduce pain and stress in the nursing staff at a large teaching hospital. The results were encouraging, but most hospitals and other medical facilities don’t keep a massage therapist on staff for nurses. Fortunately, the benefits of massage are cumulative, so utilizing your time off for therapy sessions can reduce stress and physical pain on an ongoing basis.

One of the best ways to enjoy the benefits of massage is to have a massage therapist come to your home. Home massage allows you to rest and relax in your comfortable home environment instead of using up your precious personal time driving to and from appointments. After a relaxing massage releases your agonizing muscle tension, works out painful trigger points and adhesions, increases your circulation and floods your body with feel-good endorphins, you can relax and enjoy a great night’s rest before you tackle a new work day and all its challenges with renewed vigor.

Your role as a nurse makes you one of the most important people in the healthcare field. You know how to take care of others; don’t forget to take care of yourself. Schedule a professional home massage for your next day off.