Recently published studies confirm that massage therapy is becoming the most frequently offered complementary therapy in hospice and palliative care. Along with medical treatment, non-medical therapies provide comfort and have a positive effect. One therapy that has proven to be very effective during this period is massage.

Many hospices nationwide are now adding massage, and touch therapy, to their regular care for patients.  

The quality of life for people in hospice and palliative care is often compromised. Research has shown that massage therapy can provide comfort and relaxation and help alleviate the following symptoms and conditions commonly associated with this population: pain, anxiety, loss of sleep, depression, mood disorders, stress, nausea and fatigue.

Touch has been known to create a rise in blood pressure of people in a deep coma and to penetrate the nonverbal state of late stage Alzheimer's patients who, suddenly during a massage, may blurt out a sentence.

For the hospice care's patients, geriatric massage techniques are used which are directed toward the amelioration of pain, rather than the vigorous approaches of deep tissue work or acupressure.

Providing touch therapy for someone in the end stages of their life is quite rewarding for the practitioner, as well as the client. Any certified massage therapist undergoes a volunteer orientation and a massage course with the hospice program.

Family members should be also trained to participate in the physical care of the patient. The techniques are not difficult to master and can be learned with the help of a massage course in London.