Massage
In the realm of alternative therapies for cancer treatment, massage has always been popular. While massage certainly does not offer a cure for mesothelioma or any cancer, it has been shown to have positive effects on those that are suffering from the pain and distress of cancer and other serious diseases.
What is Massage?
Most people are familiar with the concept of a massage. Simply put, a massage involves the rubbing and kneading of the body's soft tissue for therapeutic purposes. When muscles are rubbed, the blood vessels dilate and blood flow increases. In addition, lymph circulation is stimulated and the oxygen supply increases. This improves circulation throughout the body.
Massages, in general, are meant to relax the recipient and promote a feeling of well-being. It has also been proven that massage can relieve other ailments, such as headache, backache, stiffness, joint pain, and even insomnia.
There are many, many different types of massage available. In the United States, Swedish massage is the most popular. Other Far Eastern techniques, however, have been gaining popularity, including Shiatsu and Thai massage.
Does it Work?
Doctors often recommend massage to their cancer patients in hopes of relieving generalized stress about the disease or to help with pain control. (Pain may be a symptom of mesothelioma or a side effect of a cancer treatment, such as chemotherapy or radiation). The American Cancer Society promotes massage as a "universally beneficial" form of alternative therapy for cancer patients on their website.
The relaxation that results from a massage often helps improve a cancer patient's quality of life, at least for a short time. There is even some scientific evidence which shows that massage enhances the immune system by increasing blood circulation. Further studies are being conducted in this area. Remember, massage does not offer a cure for any type of cancer.
Is it Safe?
- For the most part, massage performed by a licensed, experienced practitioner is very safe. However, there are a few things cancer patients should avoid.
- Do not have a massage immediately after surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy. The massage can damage recovering areas of the body and cause bleeding. In chemotherapy patients, it may actually cause nausea.
- If cancer has spread to your bones, deep massages may cause painful bone fractures.
- Though there are different schools of thought on this subject, most doctors believe you should not have a massage in the area of a tumor. Some believe the manipulating of this part of the body will cause the tumor(s) to break down and spread or that increased blood flow in this area may help the tumor grow. Since information is inconclusive, it's best to avoid massages at the cancerous area of your body.
- Cancer patients who bleed easily should avoid massages, especially the deep tissue variety.
- Massage may, in some cases, actually cause more pain. Tell your practitioner immediately if you experience increased pain.
While many cancer patients are able to take advantage of multiple massages, remember that your medical insurance will probably not cover their cost. You may want to check with your insurance carrier first to determine the specifics of your coverage as it pertains to alternative therapies.
Last modified: January 24 2008.
