Cancer treatment usually includes complex medical intervention, but there is also a place for restorative massage 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 a few person suffering from cancer additional help in combating this disease.
How Massage is Used in Cancer Treatment
Massage for cancer patients, or oncology massage, is rapidly gaining a reading. 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 essential to be sure that therapeutic massage for the cancer patient has been approved by his or her doctor.
Massage therapy for cancer patients isn’t a “one treatment fits all” wedding. Many people with cancer look fit and healthy, while others may be weak or in pain. Some patients are approaching the end of their lives, while others expect to make a full recovery. Because of this, it is important to see a plan for the massage therapy for cancer patient that is far more individualized than a therapist might develop for healthier patients. It is also important 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 possibly a change in therapeutic treatment.
Massage Benefits for Cancer Patients
Oftentimes, cancer and cancer treatments result in pain and feeling sick. Massage for cancer patients has been consideration to help reduce pain as well as to help reduce nausea levels. The therapy also boosts serotonin levels, which can encourage the higher rates of depression common in cancer clientele.
In addition towards illness itself, cancer often robs people of their experience of control and can contribute to an adverse body image. Regular oncology massage for those who have cancer has indicated to give them a treatment to look forward to, as well as an experience that assistance improve body image and outlook. While cancer cannot be treated through therapeutic massage alone, regular massage can help to the side effects of treating the disease in many clienteles.
Concerns About Massage and Cancer Patients
There is a longstanding myth that massage for cancer patients can easily spread cancer to other places in you have to. Fortunately, this has been proven incorrect. While massaging a tumor itself is never a competent idea, there are a lot other cancer-free areas with the body that may benefit from oncology therapeutic.
In general, massage in order to light while focusing more around holistic health of the client. Tumors should not be massaged, as they might be tender or may press on body parts and structures, and this could damage the client’s health.
Some cancer treatments can weaken the body, however, so rub for cancer patients ought to be done carefully. Bones may be brittle, and areas where tissue is removed are sometimes source of pain or tenderness for countless years. Other cancer treatments may cause nerve damage, and these areas should be massaged with a light arm.
There are a handful important considerations that a therapist need to keep in mind, as nicely. A person with cancer may stop in any stage of sickness, and you will have to understand the actual client is feeling, and also where they may be weak or sore, before initiating the massage. Customer may a good IV line, radiation burns, or other weak points on his or her body which require creative maneuvering in order to provide safe oncology massage therapy.
Justin Shelley (Licensed Massage Therapist)
1220 N Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19121
(267) 252-7658