Cancer treatment usually includes complex medical intervention, a big a place for massage therapy in the treatment plan. Whether it is used to address pain or nausea, to give relaxation and comfort, or even going to boost the immune system, incorporating massage therapy into cancer treatment can offer person suffering from cancer additional help in the fight against this disease.
How Massage is Applied to Cancer Treatment
Massage for cancer patients, or oncology massage, is rapidly gaining a following. As massage builds growing scientific evidence for its provision of measurable health benefits, many people with cancer are seeking restorative massage in addition to standard cancer treatment. Before working on any client, however, it is important to be sure that therapeutic massage for the cancer patient has been approved by his or her healthcare.
Massage therapy for cancer patients isn’t a “one treatment fits all” affair. Many people with cancer look fit and healthy, while others may be weak or in conditions. Some patients are approaching the end of their lives, while others expect to make a full recovery. Because of this, it is important to decide a plan for the massage therapy for cancer patient that is far more individualized than a therapist might develop for healthier patients. It is essential to ask the client at each session however has changed, and to keep attuned to his or her need for less touch, more touch, or a change in therapeutic the treatment plan.
Massage Benefits for Cancer Patients
Oftentimes, cancer and cancer treatments leads to pain and feeling sick. Massage for cancer patients has been shown to help reduce pain as well when it comes to help reduce nausea levels. The therapy also boosts serotonin levels, which can help with the higher rates of depression common in cancer clientele.
In addition on the illness itself, cancer often robs people of their a sense control and can contribute to an adverse body image. Regular oncology massage for those who have cancer has been shown to give them a treatment appear forward to, plus experience that may well improve body image and outlook. While cancer cannot be treated through therapeutic massage alone, regular massage can help to the side associated with treating the disease in many individuals.
Concerns About Massage and Cancer Patients
There is a longstanding myth that massage for cancer patients may well spread cancer to as well as in entire body. Fortunately, this has been proven incorrect. While massaging a tumor itself is never the idea, there are a variety other cancer-free areas with the body that can benefit from oncology massage.
In general, massage must be light and focus more across the holistic health of customer. Tumors should not be massaged, as they could be especially tender or may press on internal organs and structures, and can damage the client’s health.
Some cancer treatments can weaken the body, however, so massage therapy for cancer patients ought to be done carefully. Bones may be brittle, and areas where tissue recently been removed could be a source of pain or tenderness for a long time. Other cancer treatments may cause nerve damage, and these areas should always be massaged with a light kids finger.
There are some important considerations that a therapist should keep in mind, as competently. A person with cancer may wear any stage of sickness, and it is important to understand the actual way the client is feeling, as well as where this individual may be weak or sore, before initiating the massage. The client may the IV line, radiation burns, or other weak points on ones own body which will require creative maneuvering to be able to provide safe oncology massage treatment.
Justin Shelley (Licensed Massage Therapist)
1220 N Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19121
(267) 252-7658