PENERAPAN TERAPI SLOW STROKE BACK MASSAGE (SSBM) UNTUK MENGURANGI NYERI KEPALA PADA LANSIA HIPERTENSI DI DESA SARI GALUH

Abstract

Hypertension is a condition of sustained increase in systemic arterial blood pressure. Hypertension is a silent killer with symptoms similar to other diseases. Fatigue, headaches or stiffness in the neck, palpitations, ringing in the ears, blurred vision, and nosebleeds are some of its symptoms. Headaches in hypertensive patients are caused by increased blood flow to the brain due to increased heart activity pumping blood throughout the body. This leads to increased pressure on the blood vessels in the brain, which compresses the nerves in the brain and causes headaches. One way to reduce headaches is through the slow stroke back massage technique. Slow stroke back massage (SSBM) is a technique performed by gently massaging the back. Massage or touch is an action that provides comfort, relieves tension, calms a person, and improves blood circulation. This application aims to determine the therapeutic effects of Slow Stroke Back Massage in reducing headaches in hypertension patients in Sari Galuh Village. This study used a pre-test-post-test experimental design. The study involved four elderly individuals experiencing headaches due to hypertension. The intervention was conducted over three days, with one session lasting 15 minutes. The success indicators for pain intensity were measured using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) and an observation sheet. The results showed a significant reduction in pain intensity after receiving the Slow Stroke Back Massage (SSBM) therapy for three days. This therapy has proven effective as a non-pharmacological method for reducing headaches in elderly hypertensive patients. It is hoped that this method can be used as an alternative self-care option and a complement to conventional medical therapy.