Why is massage contraindicated for cancer?

Why is massage contraindicated for cancer?

There are potential risks, such as infection, bruising, and skin breakdown, as well as reasons it should not be performed, such as if blood clots are present, or if your platelet count is very low. Let’s take a look at how massage may benefit people with cancer, and how to find an oncology massage therapist.

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.

What is oncology massage?

“An oncology massage is a client-specific, customized massage session designed to meet the unique and changing needs of someone in treatment for cancer or with a history of cancer treatment.

How do you massage a cancer patient?

When performing massage on a person with cancer, therapists may need to adjust their pressure and avoid certain areas of the body. Some styles of massage are done with you fully clothed; others require you to undress to your underwear so the therapist can use oil to move their hands over your skin more easily.

Can you get massage if you have cancer?

Is massage safe if I’ve been diagnosed or have had 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.

Is massage good for cancer patient?

Does massage help, cancer patients? Yes, medical studies conducted have shown evidence that massages can help cancer patients both after and during treatment. Massage therapy can help cancer patients counteract both emotional and physical side effects that traditional treatment options can impose on your body.

Can chemo patients get massages?

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.

What happens if you massage a tumor?

The style of massage used for people during or after cancer treatment will depend on the treatment they’re having. 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.

Should you get a massage if you have cancer?

Can massaging a tumor make it spread?

Is it possible for cancer to spread to other areas of the body after a massage?” 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.

How is oncology massage different?

Oncology massage vs. “What we are doing is completely different from traditional forms of massage. Oncology massage uses light touch and slow, steady movements, working with the central nervous system to help the body relax.” She recommends finding a massage therapist specifically trained in oncology massage.

How can massage therapy help oncology patients?

For example, meta-analysis indicated a significant association between massage therapy and alleviated symptoms of depression. Oncology patients already have the mental strain of fighting a life-threatening disease, so helping them find ways to alleviate this fatigue can improve their ability to continue participating in the things they value.

What role does massage therapy play in integrative care?

New research is helping health care professionals and patients alike understand the role massage therapy plays in an integrative care plan. From providing stress relief to helping patients better handle symptoms such as pain and side effects like nausea, massage therapy can make an important difference for cancer patients.

Can massage therapy help with depression in cancer patients?

At a time when a patient is dealing with a lot of unknowns or worrying about possible outcomes, changes in mood can be expected, but that doesn’t make depression any less troublesome. There is some research, however, that massage therapy may help with depression and mood disorders in cancer patients.

Can massage help with chemotherapy side effects?

Chemotherapy is typically an aggressive treatment that can have a variety of side effects, with nausea and vomiting being among the most common. While anti-nausea medication is often used for severe cases, new research indicates massage can help patients find some relief from these symptoms.