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Therapeutic Treatment for Cancer Patients

Oncology Patient with pink ribbon

Therapeutic Treatment for Cancer Patients

Cancer patients at almost every stage of their experience are finding comfort at the hands of skilled massage therapists. In addition to the general health benefits of a good massage, cancer patients have reported relief from a number of the physical, mental, and emotional discomforts related to the disease and its treatment.

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Specifically, massage and FSM/Microcurrent may decrease symptoms related to radiation and chemotherapy, increase the effectiveness of some cancer treatments, strengthen the immune system, and reduce the need for pain medication. Massage stimulates faster wound healing and can address problems related to surgery like adhesions, scarring, edema, and lymphedema. Massage contributes to emotional well-being by helping to reduce stress and anxiety, and providing pleasant social interaction. It can empower patients to participate in the healing process, and help rebuild hope.

 

Complementary therapies are being integrated with standard cancer treatment to better address the whole person and their quality of life. Research studies suggest that various forms of massage therapy can be beneficial for people dealing with cancer.

Image by Marcus Dall Col

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM A SESSION:

 

A typical session lasts between 40-60 minutes, including intake, discussion, and treatment using MLD and FSM/Microcurrent, during which time the whole body is treated. Additional time may be required if bandaging is involved. One can remain clothed or wear undergarments. It is best to NOT use perfumes, fragrant soaps, deodorant, or lotion prior to the session.

 

It is very important to be well hydrated prior to and after the session.  Water is required to move lymph fluid throughout the body and all its systems.

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FSM/Microcurrent will be incorporated into each session as needed.

 

Lymph fluid can continue to move at an accelerated pace for 24 to 48 hours after each session.

 

For optimal benefits, it is recommended to receive 1-5 sessions in succession. The number of sessions is dependent on the purpose of treatment and the degree of congestion.

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Helping  Dunedin, Clearwater, Palm Harbor, Tarpon Springs and Ozona areas.

Cancer patient meditating

Benefits for Cancer Patients:

 

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Because therapy is holistic for treating body, mind and spirit, it has numerous benefits for cancer patients seeking a better quality of life. Research has supported many of the benefits listed below. Others are reported by caregivers, and by patients themselves.

GENERAL BENEFITS:

  • Reduces stress

  • Increases relaxation

  • Improves sleep

  • Stimulates bowel activity

  • Promotes blood and lymph circulation

  • Improves immune system function

  • Provides pain relief

  • Increases alertness and mental clarity

  • Provides pleasant touch experience

BENEFITS RELATED TO RADIATION AND CHEMO-THERAPY

  • Reduces symptoms such as fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, and loss of appetite

  • Improves blood and lymphatic circulation

  • Softens or reduces scars, adhesions, "Radiation burn"

  • May improve symptoms of Neuropathy

  • Improve tissue and joint mobility 

BENEFITS RELATED TO SURGERY AND HOSPITAL STAYS:

  • Promotes faster wound healing

  • Faster recovery from anesthesia

  • Increases elasticity to scarred areas

  • Breaks up adhesions related to scarring

  • Reduces need for pain medication

  • Decreases edema and lymphedema

  • Relieves muscle soreness due to prolonged bed rest

  • Helps prevent bedsores

  • Shortens hospital stays

EMOTIONAL BENEFITS

  • Decreases anxiety and depression

  • Increases feelings of well-being

  • Provides relief from isolation

  • Offers meaningful social interaction

  • Provides a pleasant distraction

  • Helps re-establish a positive body image

  • Empowers patients to participate in their healing process

  • Helps rebuild hope

CAUTIONS

There are a few cautions for cancer patients seeking massage therapy. An important one concerns the risk of metastasis or spread of cancer cells. Recent research does not support the earlier belief that massage should be avoided altogether because of the possibility that it might spread the cancer. However, there are certain general precautions to keep in mind. For example, massage should be avoided completely around the site of a tumor, or where a tumor has recently been removed. The patient’s physician should be consulted to assess the possibility that massage may be harmful for a particular person.

Although massage has been reported to lessen discomforts after radiation and chemo-therapy, the timing of receiving massage and the amount of pressure used need to be monitored carefully. Massage therapists trained to work with cancer patients need background information about the type of cancer, its stage of development, and treatments being received in order to time sessions and plan massage applications. Nicole will take a thorough health history, request frequent updates on a patient’s condition, and ask to consult with the physician and other caregivers to maximize benefits and avoid negative effects.

Longwell Massage Therapy massage room

THERAPY APPROACHES

The following are examples of approaches that have been found effective for cancer patients at various times in the course of treatment and recovery.

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Frequency-specific microcurrent (FSM)/Avazzia Microcurrent are used to relieve pain using very low levels of electrical current. This treatment option can be used on specific tissues in your body to help with pain caused by injuries or medical conditions. It’s typically painless. It can help with circulation, scar tissue/adhesions/fibrosis, and tension. 

 

Swedish massage is good for general relaxation and circulation benefits.

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Myofascial release helps normalize connective tissue after surgery and radiation therapy.

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Lymphatic drainage techniques are used to reduce edema and lymphedema after surgery.

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Energy therapies (e.g. Therapeutic Touch, Reiki) promote balance and relaxation, and since they are performed with no or very light touch, can be effective when approaches that use pressure are contraindicated.

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These are a few approaches available. Discuss with Nicole or your health care provider which of the many forms of therapy might be best at different times in cancer treatment.

 

Helping Dunedin, Clearwater, Palm Harbor, Safety Harbor, Ozona areas and more.

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