It was once thought that massage
therapy was contraindicated for people with cancer, across the board.
Until recent years, massage students were taught it was one of the
big “no-no's” in massage, without exception; and many doctors
avoided the treatment because they didn't have a full understanding
of how it could interact. But research that has been developed over
the last 20 years is showing that in most cases massage therapy is
not only authorized for cancer care, it's actually very beneficial.
The concern once was that massage therapy may spread cancer cells
based on it's actions on the circulatory system, but these concerns
are unfounded. With advancements in our understanding, we now know
there are more factors necessary for metastasis to occur, none of
which are related to massage therapy.
Knowledge of cancer has developed
beyond the concept of a single disease, but rather a complex system
of diseases and symptoms. The focus of cancer care has shifted over
the decades from simply searching for a cure to also improving the
quality of life for those living with cancer.
Massage is often used now as a
complement to cancer treatments to assist with many of the symptoms
and side effects. Research has discovered that massage therapy can
benefit cancer patients in many ways, including: relieving muscle
soreness, decreasing nausea, increasing range of motion, increasing
relaxation, decreasing edema and lymphedema, increasing alertness and
mental clarity, improving sleep, providing pain relief, decreasing
anxiety and depression, and providing relief from isolation. One of
the most important effects massage therapy can have for a cancer
patient and many other people with serious chronic illness is a sense
of control over their own lives that many people loose after the
numerous doctor visits and treatment appointments. It requires a
great quality of emotional and mental strength to live not only with
the disease, but with all the physical, mental, and social effects
of living with cancer. The quality of that living should not be
strained any further than necessary. The role of massage in the care
of patients with cancer or other serious, chronic illnesses is to
provide the person with the ability to determine their own control
and comfort.
Utilizing massage therapy as part of
your multidisciplinary care is a personal chose. Always discuss
these treatment options with your doctor, and do your own research.
If you do decide to include it, make sure the therapist has some
training in cancer care as there are adjustments that need to be made
in the massage.
Kat Farber, LMT has a
Clinical Massage private practice in Cordova, TN focusing pain
management, injury reduction/prevention, and oncology massage. Please
feel free to contact her with any questions.
www.SailleHealingPath.com
Resources:
- MacDonald, Gayle. Medicine Hands: Massage Therapy for People with Cancer. Findhorn Press. 2007.
- Fritz, S., Chaitow, L., Hymel, G. Clinical Massage in the Healthcare Setting. Mosby Elsevier. 2008.
- Drackley NL, Degnim AC, Jakub JW, Cutshall SM, Thomley BS, Brodt JK, Vanderlei LK, Case JK, Bungum LD, Cha SS, Bauer BA, Boughey JC. Effect of massage therapy for postsurgical mastectomy recipients. Clin J Oncol Nurs. 2012 Apr 1;16(2):121-4.
- Collinge W, MacDonald G, Walton T. Massage in supportive cancer care. Semin Oncol Nurs. 2012 Feb;28(1):45-54.
