Therapeutic massage to enhance family caregivers’ well-being in a rehabilitation hospital

Abstract Background and purpose A massage therapy program was implemented to address the psychological well-being of family caregivers to patients in a rehabilitation hospital. The impact of massage “dosage” on caregiver stress and psychological well-being was examined in this study. Participants’ perspectives on the program were also explored. Materials and methods Thirty-eight family caregivers were randomized to receive either one massage per week or three massages per week for two weeks. Caregivers reported psychological symptoms and stress pre- and post-program. Program acceptability was assessed via responses on an exit survey. Results Overall, 79% of massages were received (89% among program completers). Post-program symptom scores were lower than baseline scores for both groups ( F (1, 31) = 8.74 - 24.50, P Conclusion Findings suggest that massage services would be welcomed, utilized, and beneficial for improving the psychological well-being of family caregivers in a rehabilitation hospital.