Massage Therapy for Cancer Patients

Cancer patients are usually made to go through massage therapy for the latter’s myriad benefits in managing the symptoms of cancer and improving the prognosis. The physical and emotional concerns associated with cancer as soon as its diagnosis may become overwhelming for the patient as well as his/her loved ones. Massage therapy has, in such a time of turmoil, pulled in to embrace the patient with positive health points for a quick recovery. Here are some of the popular kinds of massage therapies given to cancer patients.

[Read: Signs and Symptoms of Cancer]

Swedish Massage

The Swedish massage consists of a series of systematic strokes along with deep kneading that helps to loosen the tight muscles and thereby, reduce stress. The manual techniques that are used to give this massage include smooth gliding movements to evoke relaxation; lifting, kneading and squeezing of the tissues to increase the blood circulation.

Soft-tissue Release

This massage technique uses a certain type of compression, precision and extension. The systematic manner in which it is administered helps release scar tissue and muscle spasms.

Trigger-point Therapy

This massage technique involves stretching of the myofascial tissue through contact with certain points that help release pain and tension.

[Read: Understand What is Pain]

Neuromuscular Therapy

This therapy makes use of static pressure on specific points to relieve pain. It has been considered to balance the central nervous system by manipulating the soft tissues such as the muscles, connective tissues and tendons of the body.

Lymphatic Drainage

Lymphatic drainage is a slow, rhythmic and light-touch massage that enables the body to move the lymph throughout the lymphatic vessels. This helps to remove the toxins and boost immunity.

Craniosacral Therapy

This massage treatment focuses on a gentle, hands-on technique to enhance and evaluate the performance of the cranial-sacral system by stimulating the cerebrospinal fluid that surrounds the natural healing processes of the body. This therapy has been known to improve the natural healing processes of the body.

Benefits of Massage Therapy for Cancer Patients

• A study published in the Journal of Psychosomatic Research, the Touch Research Institute, found out that massage therapy for cancer patients reduced their depression and anxiety and improved the functioning of the immune function.
• Ferrel-Torry & Glick observed that massage reduced pain perception in the cancer patients by 60%, enhanced relaxation by 56% and reduced anxiety by 24%.

The benefits of massage therapy for cancer patients may be observed in the following arenas:

• Relaxation.
• Reduction in pain.
• Reducing muscle tension.
• Stimulating lymphatic system.
• Feeling better and doing better.

Read more articles on Massage Therapy.