Massage Benefits for Cancer Patients

Posted: July 18th, 2016

A diagnosis of cancer puts enough stress on the person hearing it. Stress is one of the worst things for cancer patients to have. Now more than ever is the time to keep their stress levels down so they can go through treatment and heal. Massage is not just a luxury for healthy people. Massage therapy also benefits cancer patients. Oncology massage is an approach to massage therapy based in both compassion and specialized massage treatments to help people manage their experience with cancer.

Benefits of Oncology Massage

Helpsto improve quality of life Improved relaxation Sleep Immune system function Relieve anxiety, pain, fatigue and nausea   Oncology massage therapists are trained to treat people at the level they are at in their experience with cancer and apply a highly individualized massage treatment to comfort, nurture and support them in their process. Treatments can be modified according to cancer-related issues: the physical, psycho-social and emotional consequences of cancer. Every patient is different with special needs regarding cancer treatments and side effects. For the cancer patient, just wanting to feel human again is a personal goal for receiving oncology massage. They would do anything for a relaxing pleasurable experience while dealing with their cancer treatments. It's a definite plus if they can relieve their nausea and other symptoms such as pain or peripheral neuropathy and helping them get through the remainder of their cancer treatments. It is very important for the massage therapist who is treating a person with a history of cancer - either currently or in the past - to have specialized training in oncology massage, in addition to being a licensed massage therapist. Also, the cancer patient should always consult with their oncologist if they can get a massage. Always better to be safe than sorry. You're dealing with enough right now!