Integrative Therapies Complement Traditional Medical Care

Hospice philosophy blends unique services that address the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of those living with terminal illness. Care is focused on the management of pain and symptoms rather than cure-oriented therapies and interventions. It is patient-centered and emphasizes comfort, peace and quality of life.

Complementary Therapies have a similar focus and are often utilized in hospice care. These therapies are non-drug symptom management tools that work together with or complement conventional medicine and are administered by professional therapists and specially trained volunteers. Medical research has demonstrated that they can be instrumental in relieving stress, decreasing pain, and adding quality to one’s remaining days. Hospice professionals can guide patients in making informed decisions about their care and incorporating Complementary Therapies into a comprehensive plan of care.

Dr W Nat Timmins, Chief Medical Officer at Pikes Peak Hospice & Palliative Care says that pharmaceutical solutions are just one way to manage pain. “In case after case, I’ve seen integrative therapies, like massage, aromatherapy, and pet therapy, make a real difference in a patient’s physical and emotional comfort.”

Complementary Therapies often utilized in hospice care include:

Touch Therapies which incorporate massage and other types of touch modalities to help with a patient’s level of pain and stress. Touch Therapies offer the physical and emotional benefits of human touch.

Massage Therapy includes a multitude of massage therapy techniques that offer numerous benefits for hospice patients. Tight muscles are softened and relaxed resulting in improved circulation which, in turn, reduces aches and pains. Massage also helps with pain and stress management and overall relaxation.

Reflexology provides gentle pressure to the feet or hands to restore a state of balance and relaxation.

Reiki (pronounced ray-key) uses “laying on hands” providing a gentle touch for energy flow.

A number of other touch modalities may also be appropriate for some hospice patients.

Aroma Therapy is the use of therapeutic-grade essential oils extracted from plants to relieve physical and emotional symptoms. This therapy aids hospice patients in the management of symptoms such as anxiety, pain, nausea, edema, and emotional issues. Formulations are individually prepared to address specific symptoms. The oils can be diluted and applied to the skin with massage or by inhaling the scent.

Pet Therapy involves specially trained human-animal teams who visit patients and family members to provide a special kind of love and affection. Contact with dogs and other animals can calm or lift spirits unlike other forms of communication. It can provide a moment of joy, bring back a cherished memory, or even help facilitate the expression of thoughts or emotions. Touching and interacting with animals provides stress relief and has even been shown to help lower a person’s blood pressure.

Music Therapy lets musicians use the universal language of music to soothe, inspire and bring joy to patients, families and friends. Soothing sounds can ease physical pain, agitation, sleeplessness and spiritual and emotional suffering for patients and their loved ones.

Additional Complementary Therapies that are often used in hospice settings include Acupuncture, Hypnotherapy, Art Therapy, and other activities that use creative outlets and provide time for reflection, such as meditation or prayer to relax the body and mind.

The cost of providing complementary therapies is not funded by hospice insurance benefits, so the availability of services varies dramatically from hospice to hospice. The ability to cover the cost of offering Complementary Therapies often comes from donations from the community and in-kind services provided by licensed professionals.

Kori Schaulis, LMT, Complementary Therapies Coordinator at Pikes Peak Hospice & Palliative Care concludes, “As a licensed massage therapist, I understand the importance of touch and its benefits for patients. And, we develop a special bond with the hospice patients who need our services.  It is uplifting.”

To learn more, you can contact Pikes Peak Hospice & Palliative Care at 719-633-3400 or visit our website at www.pikespeakhosice.org.