Can massage help breast cancer patients recover faster?
Beyond anecdotal evidence, many research studies have indicated that massage eases pain and increases feelings of relaxation, among other benefits, for breast cancer patients. Ideally, the best approach is to massage a few days pre-surgery and another the day before surgery.
What type of massage is best for cancer patients?
Cancer doctors and complementary therapists usually advise you to try gentle massage and avoid vigorous, deep tissue massage. Your massage therapist can change the pressure for your comfort.
Why is it important to be gentle with massage therapy?
It is also important to be particularly gentle if: you have a low platelet count (platelets are cells that help the blood to clot). If you usually bleed or bruise easily, or if you have cancer in your bones, speak to your cancer doctor before having massage therapy.
How should bodyworkers deal with cancer patients who receive massages?
When working with clients who are in, or just finished with, treatment, bodyworkers should confer with the person’s oncologist and then proceed with the massage sessions in a gentle and careful manner. They should err on the side of caution, combine heart and head, intention and knowledge.
Is it OK to get a massage if you have cancer?
Absolutely. Light, relaxing massage can safely be given to clients at any stage of their cancer journey. Massage can help with many of the temporary side effect of chemotherapy and radiation, lower anxiety and pain, improve energy, and decrease nausea.
Can massage make cancer worse?
There is no credible evidence that massage spreads cancer. In fact, many cancer patients find massage helpful, improving their overall psychological wellbeing and relieving some symptoms related to treatment.
Should cancer patients avoid massage?
People with cancer should avoid very deep massage. Gentler types may be safer. Some people worry that having a massage when you have cancer may make the cancer cells travel to other parts of the body. But no research has proved this to be true.
What type of massage is best for cancer patients?
Gentle massage is tolerated by most people with cancer, and is sufficient to release "endorphins," the "feel good" chemicals released by the brain that can reduce pain. For those who have muscle tightness and stiffness, stronger methods of massage, such as Swedish massage, may be needed.
Can you go to a spa if you have cancer?
Can you enjoy a spa when undergoing cancer treatment? Yes. In fact, spas can be a wonderful way to promote wellness and relaxation, both during treatment and during recovery.
Can lymphatic massage spread cancer?
Over the years, there has been a general concern that massage can increase the risk of cancer cells spreading to other parts of the body. However, there is no evidence that this happens.
Can I get a massage while on chemo?
If you are receiving chemotherapy: You must not have a full-body regular massage the day of or the day after infusion. If you do, you will end up feeling very ill and may experience flu-like symptoms. The therapist should not work anywhere near or on the infused arm (if you do not have a port).
How does massage therapy help cancer patients?
Massage Therapy Benefits for Cancer Patients:Reducing pain.Alleviating stress.Relieving nausea.Reducing depression and anxiety.Improving sleep and lessening fatigue.Preventing chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy.Relieving lymphedema.
Can cancer patients use massage chairs?
A massage chair can help a cancer patient feel just that little bit more relaxed in between treatments. This complementary therapy helps to relax the body and move the muscles.
Is it OK to get a massage while on chemo?
People undergoing chemotherapy may have a decrease in red and white blood cells, so with deep massage, there is a risk of bruising. Since deep massage can be taxing to a system already vulnerable from chemotherapy and radiation, it is not recommended for people currently in treatment. Light massage can be used instead.
Who should not get a lymphatic massage?
There are some conditions and circumstances where lymphatic drainage massage is not recommended: You have a heart condition. You have kidney failure. You have blood clots.
Can manual lymphatic drainage spread cancer?
Although MLD facilitates lymphatic drainage, it may increase the opportunity for tumor spread through the lymphatics, thereby increasing the risk of recurrence of breast cancer.
How long after chemo Can I have a massage?
Some other general guidelines suggested by Salvo include: Postpone massage after chemotherapy for at least one day, as this treatment often leaves people feeling especially tired. “I wouldn't massage the day before or the day after a chemotherapy treatment,” Salvo said.
What is the best treatment for mood disorders?
Acupuncture, healing touch and stress management can be selectively offered for improving mood disturbance and depressive symptoms.
Is massage good for you?
Massages can be good for your brain, body, and spirit, so share this information with someone who needs a massage!
Is massage good for cancer patients?
So yes, massage is safe. And it can be very beneficial for cancer patients when the correct types of therapy are given to combat the specific types of symptoms the patient has. This is the first endorsement ASCO has made in the field of integrative oncology, but experts in the field believe it won’t be the last.
Why do women need massage?
Massage allows a woman to let go of fear, anger and loneliness and deal with her altered self-image. During the painful process of reconstruction, touch provides a message of connection and support. Massage reconnects a woman and brings her back into her body by feeling the hands on her skin. And, last but not least, it simply feels good.
What is massage therapy?
Massage allows the release of emotions and feelings such as fear, anger, guilt, loneliness and helplessness. The internal benefits decrease muscle contractions, lower blood sugar, and increase digestive enzymes and peristalsis. Touch is a respite from physical pain and discomfort, emotionally as well as spiritually.
How many new breast cancer cases were diagnosed in 2015?
An estimated 232,000 new breast cancer cases will be diagnosed in the U.S. in 2015, according to the report, Cancer Facts & Figures 2015, published by the American Cancer Society. Will you be one of the specially trained massage therapists capable of offering healing touch to this very deserving population?
What is Breast Cancer Awareness Month?
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which aims to educate the public about breast cancer prevention and treatment. This campaign was co-founded by the American Cancer Society and a breast-cancer drug company in 1985. Since that founding, massage therapy for breast cancer survivors and patients has been adopted as a relaxing, ...
What is the best treatment for cancer?
Instead, light massage and techniques such as CranioSacral Therapy or energy work are best. Energy modalities work very well in all phases of cancer. Combining both energy work and gentle massage is ideal.
What is touch massage?
Touch is a respite from physical pain and discomfort, emotionally as well as spiritually. Presurgical massage prepares the body for an operation by gently releasing trigger points, softening muscles and connective tissue, and alleviating body trauma and tension. Postoperatively, massage alleviates surgical pain and edema.
Does massage help with breast cancer?
Beyond anecdotal evidence, many research studies have indicated that massage eases pain and increases feelings of relaxation, among other benefits, for breast cancer patients.
How is breast cancer treated?
There are several ways breast cancer is treated, depending on the type and stage of the disease These include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, hormone therapy and targeted therapy . Side effects of these treatments include fatigue, headache, depression, anxiety, pain and numbness, lymphedema ...
What age do women get breast cancer?
The National Cancer Institute statistics review states that fewer than five percent of women diagnosed with breast cancer in the U.S. are younger than 40. Rates begin to increase after age 40 and are highest in women over age 70. Further, the median age of diagnosis of breast cancer for women in the U.S.
What is lymphatic drainage massage?
The light, supportive touch of a lymphatic drainage massage therapist will help breast cancer survivors deal with anxiety, pain and difficulty of adjusting to life after treatment.
How many cases of breast cancer are there in 2019?
The American Cancer Society estimates there will be 271,270 new cases of breast cancer in 2019. It’s the most prevalent type of cancer, and the risk of developing it increases with age.
Is lymphedema a complication of breast cancer?
Lymphedema is often the most dreaded complication of breast cancer treatment, along with pain and loss of range of motion. In addition, physical therapists and nurses are not trained in lymphatic drainage. A massage therapist trained in lymphatic drainage is a valuable part of a cancer patient’s health care team.
Which age group has the highest incidence of breast cancer?
Caucasian women have a higher incident rates of breast cancer compared to African-American women, specifically between the age of 60 and 84; however, African-American women have a higher incidence rate before age 45 and are more likely to die from breast cancer at every age.
Can massage therapy help with breast cancer?
With so many women undergoing a breast cancer diagnosis and treatment, massage therapists are well advised to learn about the hands-on care that can help this potential clientele, especially related to specific conditions they may present with.
How does massage help with cancer?
Massage can be used to: relax your mind and body. improve your mood. relieve tension and pain in muscles or tissue. improve circulation. Some studies of people with cancer suggest that massage therapy may also help reduce anxiety, depression and fatigue.
What is massage therapy?
About massage therapy. Massage is a form of structured or therapeutic touch. This type of complementary therapy is often offered as part of cancer care in cancer centres, hospices, community health services and some GP surgeries. It can be done by specialist massage therapists, physiotherapists, nurses or complementary therapists.
What is reflexology massage?
Reflexology is a type of foot or hand massage . The reflexologist applies gentle pressure to specific points on the feet or hands. This is based on the belief that different areas on the feet or hands represent, and are connected to, different parts of the body. But, there is no evidence to support this belief.
What is radiotherapy area?
This includes: areas that are directly over a tumour or any lymph nodes (glands) affected by cancer. areas that are bruised or sensitive. areas being treated with radiotherapy, during treatment and for a few weeks after it finishes. the area around intravenous catheters (such as central lines) and pain relief patches.
Can a massage therapist treat cancer?
The massage therapist must also be properly trained and qualified to treat people with cancer. They should have some knowledge of cancer and its treatments . They can sometimes teach family members or friends how to do basic massages, so they can support you at home.
Can reflexology help with cancer?
Some reflexologists claim that reflexology can help to diagnose health problems, improve symptoms, such as feeling sick (nausea) and prevent illnesses. But, there is no convincing evidence that it has any of these effects. So reflexology should not be used in this way as part of cancer care.
Can a massage be uncomfortable?
Massages can be soft and gentle, or more active. Some may be uncomfortable. Cancer doctors and complementary therapists usually advise you to try gentle massage and avoid vigorous, deep tissue massage. Your massage therapist can change the pressure for your comfort.
Who is the founder of Touch for Cancer?
Morag, founder of Touch for Cancer, is a wealth of knowledge, and I learned so much from her. The main thing I want to tell my readers is this: It’s important to feel good during and after cancer, and I believe that spa treatments-particularly massage-can help reduce side effects and produce pain-killing endorphins.
Can spa treatments cause lymphedema?
She goes on to warn, however, that regular spa treatments and pressure may trigger lymphedema, or exacerbate an existing case of it. Other things that may put you at risk of injury include a recent surgery, fragile skin (that may tear), pain, neuropathy, wounds, or radiation burns.
Does massage help cancer patients?
Look at this research that says “The researchers concluded that massage therapy may provide some immediate relief for patients with advanced cancer.”
Can a therapist remove lymph nodes?
Particularly if you’ve had lymph nodes removed, be very cautious in your selection. A therapist who doesn’t know any better may perform the wrong technique or massage too close and increase your risk of lymphedema, a long-term condition that can create chronic and painful swelling.
