Recent studies show massage therapy can reduce pain, stress, nausea, depression, distress, anxiety and fatigue, while improving health related quality of life for cancer patients.
According to the Mayo Clinic, one in three patients undergoing cancer treatment experiences cancer-related pain. Pain may be the result of cancer treatment, such as chemotherapy, radiation or surgery, or a symptom of cancer growth, which can destroy tissue and add pressure on nerves, bones and organs.
A recent meta-analysis of nearly 600 cancer patients found massage therapy significantly reduced pain compared to the conventional standard-of-care alone, and was particularly effective in eradicating surgery-related pain.
"Integrating massage therapy into treatment plans has been shown to greatly reduce cancer-related pain," said Jeff Smoot, President of the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA). "Relieving part of the physical manifestation of disease allows patients to more closely focus on their rehabilitation and recovery."
Increased Quality of Life
While massage therapy is highly effective in soothing physical ailments, its benefits extend into many other areas.
A 2014 study of patients with acute myelogenous leukemia who received 50 minutes of Swedish massage three times per week for seven weeks, found all participants experienced stress reduction, increased comfort and relaxation, while also tracking health-related quality of life (HQoL) compared to a group of usual standard-of-care patients. The HQoL scales were comprised of five functional scales (physical, role, cognitive, emotional and social) as well as two symptom scales (fatigue and nausea) and the global QoL scale, finding statistically significant increases in quality of life, when controlling for both stress and anxiety.
An additional randomized study found providing therapeutic massage resulted in significant improvement in short-term quality of life for patients near the end of life, with secondary benefits of pain reduction and improved sleep.
"Massage therapy can supply immense physical and psychological relief," said Dr. Gabriel Lopez, Assistant Professor in the Department of Palliative, Rehabilitation and Integrative Medicine at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas. "As evidenced by the wealth of positive research in the area, massage therapy has the potential to greatly improve quality of life for cancer patients and their caregivers."
Find a Massage Therapist Near You
A qualified massage therapist can play an important role in the health care team for individuals dealing with cancer and their caregivers. Individuals should consult with a qualified massage therapist to determine the best massage therapy approach for their specific needs. By meeting or exceeding state training requirements, ascribing to a code of ethics and participating in continuing education, American Massage Therapy Association massage therapists are appropriate additions to any wellness regimen and create specialized approaches based on individual conditions, fitness and goals.
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