“Can massage therapy help someone going through radiation treatments?”
I am a 56 year old going through cancer treatments. Can massage therapy help someone going through radiation treatments?
11 Answers
I don't think massage is the best option. Consider homeopathy, acupuncture, reiki
Dear Survivor,
I hope you are winning your battle and know you want to feel better. More information is needed to answer your question. Where is your cancer and has it spread to other organs? Have you lost weight? Where specifically are you receiving radiation? Overall, I would say to hold off getting any massage until you are over with radiation. Starting now, you would be safe getting Reiki or "Healing Touch" energy work towards feeling better. Additionally, I would say it might be safe for you to explore reflexology on your hands and feet for relaxation.
Best,
Mark Roby, ND, PA-C
I hope you are winning your battle and know you want to feel better. More information is needed to answer your question. Where is your cancer and has it spread to other organs? Have you lost weight? Where specifically are you receiving radiation? Overall, I would say to hold off getting any massage until you are over with radiation. Starting now, you would be safe getting Reiki or "Healing Touch" energy work towards feeling better. Additionally, I would say it might be safe for you to explore reflexology on your hands and feet for relaxation.
Best,
Mark Roby, ND, PA-C
Early radiation side-effects are like sunburn; so, we use creams, lotions and topical analgesics. Soon after radiation, those skin burns go away. But later on, especially for the neck and breast radiation patients, there can be swelling in and under the skin. We call it “lymphedema”. Daily massage therapy works wonders for radiation lymphedema.
Patient should be able have a massage if it is not in the area of treatment. Patient should check with her/his oncologist.
It can
Yes, although the therapist should avoid the radiated area of it was recently treated. Other than that, a massage would be very nice.
Physical therapy in any form is often helpful in cancer patients undergoing treatment. Every patient is unique, but there are certain conditions that may substantially improve with various forms of massage and physical therapy. One of them is lymphedema, which many patients with breast cancer may experience. Massage, compression sleeves, elevation, are all recommended to alleviate this side effect. Physical therapists are experts in this field and I highly recommend seeing them in consultation.
Yes. So can Lavender Aromatherapy which is used with Acupressure on the wrist at Cancer Treatment Centers of American.
Some radiation therapies are not recommended with massage therapies or detoxification programs.
Sure, massage is a good way to relax and reduce stress. Cancer is certainly stressful and scary. Massage can put you in a better place mentally which studies show is better for cancer recovery.
It may also ease discomfort you may have.
It may also ease discomfort you may have.
This here is described as the Therapeutic Touch; the belief is that human beings are systems of energy. With the energy field extending a few inches beyond our bodily surface. The goal is to restore balance, harmony, by restoring a sense of well-being. Reducing anxiety, increasing relaxation, decreasing pain while easing depression.
Studies on cancer patients show significant findings; therapeutic touch receivers have reported benefits including improved mood, well-being, while also improvements in their interpersonal relationships. The reduction in pain, nausea, anxiety, and fatigue. Increases within daily energy, and satisfaction within the therapy.
Studies on cancer patients show significant findings; therapeutic touch receivers have reported benefits including improved mood, well-being, while also improvements in their interpersonal relationships. The reduction in pain, nausea, anxiety, and fatigue. Increases within daily energy, and satisfaction within the therapy.
