Is it okay to have massage when you have cancer? YES!
Dr. Bernie Siegel MD said the benefits of massage far outweigh any possible danger. And no ‘danger’ has ever been documented from massage therapy for cancer patients.
In fact, many hospitals now have specially trained oncology (cancer) massage therapists. As long as you feel like being touched, a massage is appropriate for you.
Here is a guest-written article with more information about the benefits of oncology massage.
Experience the Difference Massage Therapy Can Make for Cancer Patients
If you have gone through endless cancer treatments, there is a good possibility your body feels ravaged and aching. Massage therapy can help cancer patients to experience relief from sore muscles and aching joints. In addition to physical relief, massages also offer cancer patients a way to relax and to rejuvenate.
Relaxing and taking time away from busy schedules and on-going treatments for mesothelioma and other forms of cancer is vital to a person’s well being. Just an hour a week to indulge in a soothing massage can make all the difference in the world for cancer patients of all ages.
Regular massage treatments help to alleviate many of the side effects that are associated with cancer treatments. If you have experienced muscle soreness and painful joints, massage may be the very thing that can help to reduce pain and discomfort. While massage therapy will not provide a long-term cure for any specific physical problem, it can certainly provide potential relief that can improve quality of life.
Many times, simply making it through each day without feeling exhausted and sore all over is one of a cancer patient’s biggest wishes. This can be accomplished by investing in consistent massage therapy sessions with a therapist who is skillful and experienced in working with cancer patients. It is important to choose a therapist who has worked with cancer patients in the past. If a person is going through radiation treatments, experienced therapists will be able to provide a relaxing massage while not irritating skin that has been exposed to radiation treatments.
Mental relief from coping constantly with the demands cancer makes on a person is another prime benefit of massage therapy. While massage therapy is considered an alternative form of treatment, it is the very natural part of this therapy that makes it so effective. The San Diego Cancer Center said massage therapy and various exercises can play a big role in improving how a cancer patient feels both physically and emotionally.
Cancer patients should not stop at attending massage sessions in order to feel better. Moderate lifestyle changes can have a lasting and positive impact on a person’s physical well-being and mental well-being.
Exercising, attending yoga classes, getting massages and eating healthy are ideal activities and lifestyle choices that can play a huge role in helping a cancer patient to gain physical and mental strength. Each of these things promotes healthy hearts and emotional stability. Increasing overall health and strengthening the body is an ideal way to fight back vigorously against the disease of cancer.
This article was provided by Melanie L. Bowen who writes for Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance Blog. Thank you, Melanie!
Note from Kathryn:
Now you understand more about the benefits of therapeutic massage for cancer. Massage will help you feel better, improve your quality of life and even boosts your immune system.
Will massage cure you? Probably not. But it will help you cope with your cancer and you will enjoy caring touch which is probably the very best medicine in the world.
