massage-inpatient psych

elkpark · May 7, 2005

I've been a psych nurse for 20 years, in three states, and have visited/surveyed every psych unit or hospital in my home state over the last several years as a state surveyor, and I've never encountered a psych setting that used massage therapy. I have been on a few units that had the electronic massage recliners (that "massage" you while you sit in them, without any person-person contact), but I imagine that's probably not what you're talking about.

Typically, psych people are v. cautious about physical touch/contact of most any kind with clients, for many good reasons.

acat · May 8, 2005

I've been a psych nurse for 20 years, in three states, and have visited/surveyed every psych unit or hospital in my home state over the last several years as a state surveyor, and I've never encountered a
Thanks for the informative reply. What is your home state? Mine is NY. I have 10 yrs. of experience in psych- 5 as a Psychiatric Tech and 5 as an RN. I'm also a Licensed Massage Therapist, and have always wondered about this question.
I'm going to give a short presentation on this topic, and wanted to get some input on existing programs, if any.
Do you have any thoughts, opinions on the topic?
Does anyone one else have an opinion or thought to share on the topic? Thanks again!
acat

CharlieRN · May 11, 2005

I'm in agreement with Elkpark. I also have never heard of it being done. We refer patients to physical therapy if necessary, for neuro muscular complaints. If massage were to be ordered by a physician, with clear discription of what exactly he/she wanted done I can imagin it possibly being done by nursing staff if no specially trained professional could be found. Massage is not a usual, or approved treatment for any psych condition at my facility. This is not to say that it might not make the patient feel better. Making the patient feel better is not an acceptable goal of treatment. Making him function better is.

acat · May 12, 2005

I'm in agreement with Elkpark. I also have never heard of it being done. We refer patients to physical therapy if necessary, for neuro muscular complaints. If massage were to be ordered by a physician, with clear discription of what exactly he/she wanted done I can imagin it possibly being done by nursing staff if no specially trained professional could be found. Massage is not a usual, or approved treatment for any psych condition at my facility. This is not to say that it might not make the patient feel better. Making the patient feel better is not an acceptable goal of treatment. Making him function better is.

Research has indicated that a wide variety of conditions can benefit from massage. Some include; post traumatic stress, stress, anxiety, ADD, Autism, cocaine addiction, Bulimia, anorexia nervosa, and depression. However, it would be of limited use, if any, on an acute in-patient unit. You can probably determine for yourself where it might be beneficial in such an environment.

Bailey500 · May 13, 2005

I'm in agreement with Elkpark. I also have never heard of it being done. We refer patients to physical therapy if necessary, for neuro muscular complaints. If massage were to be ordered by a physician, with clear discription of what exactly he/she wanted done I can imagin it possibly being done by nursing staff if no specially trained professional could be found. Massage is not a usual, or approved treatment for any psych condition at my facility. This is not to say that it might not make the patient feel better. Making the patient feel better is not an acceptable goal of treatment. Making him function better is.

In some psychiatric settings (for example, inpatient geriatric psychiatry), massage could have a huge benefit. and making the patient feel better could be a great goal of treatment, especially in patients who can't begin to function better yet because they simply don't feel good, and lack motivation or means to function better.

PMHNP10 · May 20, 2005

Has anyone worked on an inpatient psychiatric unit or in a behavioral health facility, or have you heard of one, that uses massage therapy on the unit?
Is there any literature or studies on this topic, or any source material that you can refer me to? Thanks!
acat

I've never heard of one, but have actually wondered if there was such an animal. It wouldn't work with everyone, but I can certainly see it being therapeutic for some. In fact the voices told me they think it's a good idea. Where can I sign up?