Information for ABMP Members on State Updates Regarding COVID-19
We are tracking state updates on COVID-19 closures and reopenings, and updating members as often as possible at www.abmp.com/updates/news/information-abmp-members-state-shutdown-orders.
As states and counties reopen, there are many factors to consider when returning to a post-COVID world. We encourage you to review our Back-to-Practice Guide at www.abmp.com/back-to-practice that addresses these issues and guides you on mitigating risk to help to keep you and your clients safe.
COVID-19 Financial Relief Options for Massage Therapists
ABMP continues to stay on top of Small Business Administration programs, unemployment benefits, and disaster relief aid to help you stay financially afloat during the COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-19 Financial Relief Options for Massage Therapists page, at www.abmp.com/updates/news/financial-benefits-massage-therapists-coronavirus, collects the most current information we have to help you make decisions, but please know that this information can quickly change. We will continue to provide updates as we receive them.
Foot Massage Shown to Reduce Pain in Intensive Care Patients
In a randomized, parallel, single-blind controlled trial, researchers examined the effects of foot massage on pain in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Seventy-five subjects were divided into three groups: foot massage provided by a nurse, foot massage provided by the patient’s family, and a control group that did not receive massage.
In the massage (intervention) groups, Swedish massage was performed for 5 minutes on each foot, once a day for six days. Pain scores were examined before the intervention, immediately after the intervention, and one week following the intervention. The mean pain scores in both massage groups showed a significant reduction in pain as compared to the control group.
The results suggest that foot massage, performed by both family members and nurses, can reduce the pain of ICU patients.
Read the full study in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine at www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2020/3450853.