Is Massage Therapy a good idea during cancer treatment? (Part 1)
The quick answer is yes, if you make sure that the therapist is aware of your condition, and is properly accredited.
Here is the slow answer…
The fact that massage is often available in cancer support facilities, community health centres and increasingly more often, at GP surgeries, is proof enough that many people find it useful, and safe.
Lymphatic Drainage Massage
There are of course many types of therapeutic treatments available, and one that you might have heard of is Lymphatic Drainage Massage. This gentle technique encourages the natural flow of lymph, a fluid that helps the immune system, this increased flow boosts circulation, helps to remove toxins from the body and can assist in the management of symptoms such as fatigue, and swelling.
The wonderful people at Macmillan Cancer Support have an excellent website where you can read more about Lymphatic Drainage for Lymphoedema, please take a look.
Any experienced massage therapist will take time to understand your condition before beginning treatment, and you should also mention to your doctor or nursing team that you are considering massage therapy.
You should also make sure that your therapist is registered with the BCMA, and ideally have a specialist accreditation for treating cancer patients.
Benefits
Massage can be used to help you relax, relieve tension or pain in muscles and tissues, improve circulation and lift your mood, it can also reduce anxiety and even help with symptoms of depression. Of course, results vary from patient to patient and there are no guarantees of success, but there is enough evidence to show that many people gain a great deal of relief from massage therapies.
Remember, always choose an accredited therapist that you feel comfortable with, and for more information or if you have a specific question about massage therapy for you, or a loved one, please email us.
In our next blog we will be talking with Katie Cheeseman, principal therapist at Natural Light Health Spa in Guildford. Katie is a qualified and fully registered therapist with a Safe Hands oncology treatment accreditation.
If you have any questions that you would like us to put to Katie, please let us know.
Other therapies
Other types of massage therapy that can be suitable for cancer patients include Reflexology, and Reiki, as well as breathing treatments, often referred to as breathwork. These techniques are designed to encourage general wellbeing, enhance relaxation and improve physical comfort.
