Is it OK to get a massage if you have cancer?

Is it OK to get a massage if you have cancer?

Is massage safe if I’ve been diagnosed or have had cancer? Absolutely. Light, relaxing massage can safely be given to clients at any stage of their cancer journey. Massage can help with many of the temporary side effect of chemotherapy and radiation, lower anxiety and pain, improve energy, and decrease nausea.

Why is massage contraindicated for cancer?

There are some contraindications to receiving massage from cancer and the disease process. Massage therapy techniques must be modified over known tumor sites, suspected tumor sites and past tumor sites and any surgical scars. Bone involvement, primary or metastatic can lead to bone fractures with very little pressure.

Can you have a massage during chemotherapy?

Deep massage, or any type of massage that involves strong pressure, should NOT be used if you are undergoing chemotherapy and radiation. People undergoing chemotherapy may have a decrease in red and white blood cells, so with deep massage, there is a risk of bruising.

Is massage therapy contraindicated for cancer?

Contraindications. Light massage is safe for most people with cancer, but there are some settings in which massage therapy should be avoided altogether among people with cancer.

How does massage therapy help cancer patients?

The evidence Cochrane indicate no reason why symptom relief is not possible with massage for people with cancer and indicate the need for further studies. Furthermore A 2008 systematic review suggests massage may reduce anxiety symptoms in patients with cancer and may reduce physical symptoms such as pain and nausea.

What is an oncology massage?

Oncology massage uses light touch and slow, steady movements, working with the central nervous system to help the body relax.” She recommends finding a massage therapist specifically trained in oncology massage.

What is oncology massage?

How often should you get a massage?

It is recommended to be getting massaged at least once every three weeks (or every two) to help aid in healthy tissue repair and reduce pain felt from the intensive workouts that the body is going through. Massage will also help with the accumulation of work-related stress.

How long after chemo can you have a massage?

Some other general guidelines suggested by Salvo include: Postpone massage after chemotherapy for at least one day, as this treatment often leaves people feeling especially tired. “I wouldn’t massage the day before or the day after a chemotherapy treatment,” Salvo said.

Can cancer patients get lymphatic massage?

If you’re having MLD during or after radiation treatments, your therapist should take care to avoid any irritated areas on the skin. MLD is considered safe if you have metastatic breast cancer (cancer that has spread beyond the breast).

What are the contraindications of massage?

Here are the conditions that fall into these category;

• Fever. Anytime you have a fever, whether from a cold, the flu or some other infection, you should not get a massage.
• Contagious Diseases.
• Blood Clots.
• Pregnancy.
• Kidney Conditions or Liver Conditions.
• Cancer.
• Inflammation.
• Uncontrolled Hypertension.

What is neuromuscular massage?

What is neuromuscular massage? Neuromuscular massage therapy is a form of soft tissue massage that aims to alleviate chronic muscle and nervous system disorders and problems. It is mainly used to fix trigger points, circulation, nerve compression, postural problems and repetitive movement injuries.

What is the best massage for cancer patients?

Gentle massage is tolerated by most people with cancer, and is sufficient to release “endorphins,” the “feel good” chemicals released by the brain that can reduce pain. For those who have muscle tightness and stiffness, stronger methods of massage, such as Swedish massage, may be needed.

Why is cancer a contraindication for massage?

The Importance of Intake. Different types of massage therapy are often contraindicated for cancer, but knowledgeable, skilled touch is in some form rarely contraindicated. Cancer does not flatly contraindicate massage therapy. It is true that cancer and cancer treatment limit the massage choices.

Is massage really safe for people with cancer?

Light massage is safe for most people with cancer, but there are some settings in which massage therapy should be avoided altogether among people with cancer. Some of these include: Known blood clots: Massage should not be done for anyone who has been diagnosed with a deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary emboli.

How does massage therapy help people with cancer?

Several studies have found that massage therapy can reduce anxiety and stress for people living with cancer. On a more objective level, massage also appears to lower cortisol levels, with this reduction in stress hormones possibly having other physical benefits as well.