Soft tissue massage in nursing practice: an analysis

Abstract

The use of massage by nurses is a popular activity in many fields of nursing practice. The last ten to fifteen years have seen a rising popularity in the literature. Whilst the literature within nursing is plentiful it often does not present the empirical evidence necessary to support nursing actions. The objective of this analysis is to present the extant literature discussing soft tissue massage from a Western health perspective. Massage has first been contextualised as an ancient as well as modern healing activity. There is evidence of early modern medical interest in the therapeutic benefits of massage for a number of ailments. From this contextual perspective it is then possible to track die evolution of modern complementary health practices since 1980, and the professional and practical issues surrounding their use. Against the backdrop of twenty-first century health care there is increased evidence of the importance of maintaining the human aspect of caring, and massage is seen as an ideal way to provide this. The discipline of modern nursing must increase its awareness of the empirical evidence around the use of massage, to provide safe and effective nursing care. This physiological and psychological evidence is presented and critiqued, based on the principles of evidence-based practice. This critique has enabled some sound research based practical statements as to the effects of massage to be made. These statements will enhance the practice of massage within a nursing context. The final part of the journey has been to explore the actual practice of massage within nursing, including the current use of massage by a sample of New Zealand nurses. The educational opportunities have also been presented, alongside some main professional issues. Massage can now be viewed as a legitimate nursing tool that has value in a range of nursing settings by enhancing die quality of patient care. The techniques are easy to learn, simple to perform and do not add undue workload to nurses. There is a considerable amount of literature to support this, but the quest for further knowledge cannot be ignored.