A Guide to Massage Therapy for Cancer Patients

ByZero Health Care

Treatment for cancer may be as stressful as, if not more so, than the disease itself. Nausea, vomiting, persistent pain, and hair loss are some of the treatment side effects, which can range from mild to severe. While a patient is undergoing cancer treatment, creating a comfortable home environment is critical, and there are certain alternative wellness therapies that can help alleviate some of the suffering.

Massage therapy is a common therapeutic option for cancer patients who are suffering unpleasant treatment side effects, as long as an oncologist has allowed it. Massage therapy, while not a cure for cancer, has been shown to assist patients cope with the negative effects of chemotherapy. The best choice is a skilled oncology massage therapist, followed by any product suggestions made by an oncologist.Before scheduling any sessions or purchasing anything, people should be informed of the hazards connected with massage treatment for cancer patients.

What Are the Benefits of Massage Therapy for Cancer Patients?

Massage therapy is effective for a variety of reasons, including cancer treatment side effects. The following are some of the most common massage advantages for cancer patients, many of which have been scientifically examined and proven:

  • Pain relief

  • Nausea relief

  • Reduction in anxiety/depression

  • Stress reduction

  • Improved sleep

  • Improved circulation

  • Decreased inflammation

  • Reduction in fatigue 

Massage therapy should not be used to substitute cancer treatment, despite the fact that these advantages can make a cancer patient feel a lot better. Massage is only suggested as a complementary care therapy.

What Types of Massage Therapy Are Best for Cancer Patients?

Because cancer treatment can result in pain, inflammation, and heightened sensitivity to touch, it’s critical that patients and massage therapists select massage techniques that won’t cause additional suffering or harm.

The following are some of the most common massage therapy techniques used to treat cancer patients:

Massage might be Swedish or classical

Swedish massage, which combines lengthy, gentle strokes with mild tapping, promotes both relaxation and enhanced energy by releasing muscular tension. On cancer patients or those who are prone to bruising, this approach is very mild.

Release of myofascial tension

Myofascial release is the practise of massaging trigger points in the face to relieve tension, which is used to treat chronic facial discomfort or indirectly target pain elsewhere in the body. Myofascial release is an excellent alternative to full-body massage for sensitive skin or muscle tissue, and it can help with headaches.

Massage treatment in Japan

Japanese massage treatment, also known as shiatsu or acupressure, includes applying pressure to muscles, manipulating joints, and stretching limbs with the fingers, thumbs, feet, and palms.

Massage of the deep tissues

This therapy isn’t usually utilised during active cancer treatment, but it can be used thereafter to aid with persistent pain and limited flexibility in the limbs due to scar tissue or stiffness.

These methods are no longer confined to professional massage therapists, thanks to technological breakthroughs. At home, you may get a good massage from:

Massage chairs: When it comes to personalisation, massage chair technology has advanced tremendously in recent years. A massage chair’s intensity, heat levels, and even the combination of techniques utilised during a single session may all be programmed by the user. Massage chairs are also quite convenient, as they may provide a full-body massage in the privacy of one’s own home.

Targeted massagers: Massagers that target a specific area of the body, such as the shoulders or feet, are known as targeted massagers. If there is an available source of energy, these gadgets are frequently portable and handy to keep at the office or take on the road.

Massage guns : are portable gadgets that allow users to effortlessly target any part of their body and are especially useful for on-the-go massage. All you have to do is point and push a button!

Cancer patients should check with an oncologist before purchasing or trying any of these items to ensure that they are a safe complement to their treatment.

How to Find the Right Oncology Massage Therapist?

While broad massage therapy training can help with a variety of physical and medical issues, there are massage therapists who specialise in helping cancer patients. An oncologist can most likely recommend and even connect patients with a professional oncology massage therapist.

When looking for a massage therapist, there are four crucial elements to consider:

Education: Is the therapist a graduate of an approved massage school? Are they licenced to practise in the state where they are located and do they have a suitable degree or certificate? On their websites, accredited massage therapists will indicate their education and licencing.

Training: There are presently no national or international requirements for cancer massage training, although the Society for Oncology Massage does not recognise or recommend massage therapists with less than 500 hours of training in general massage methods or less than a year of experience.

Experience: If a therapist doesn’t include their experience on their website, make sure to ask how long they’ve been practising oncology massage. Clients will be able to tell how experienced they are based on the questions they ask throughout the consultation, such as queries concerning diagnosis, treatment, and symptoms.

Technique specialities: While this information may be available on the therapist’s website, it’s always a good idea to inquire about their individual specialties. A therapist who is skilled in a variety of modalities may be able to tailor their services to a client’s specific requirements.