Massage Benefits for Cancer Patients

Massage Benefits for Cancer Patients

Cancer treatments can cause many side effects. You might be tossing and turning at night, unable to relax. You might be feeling nauseated after treatment. You might be feeling anxious. You might be feeling pain in a particular area.

Massages during cancer treatments can improve pain, sleep, relaxation, anxiety and stress. During a massage, your practitioner kneads your skin, muscles and tendons in an effort to relieve muscle tension and stress and promote relaxation. Several massage methods exist. Massage can be light and gentle, or it can be deep with more pressure.

Before you schedule your massage, be sure to indicate you undergoing cancer treatment as there are several precautions you should take:

  • If you’re getting radiation therapy, avoid massage in the treatment area as well as in any red, raw, tender or swollen areas.
  • Don’t have a massage if your blood counts are very low.
  • Ask the massage therapist to avoid massaging near surgical scars, radiation treatment areas or tumors.
  • If you have cancer in your bones or other bone diseases, such as osteoporosis, ask the massage therapist to use light pressure, rather than deep massage.

Call 222-924-8388 to schedule your appointment at Woman’s Center for Wellness.

For more information regarding cancer care and support, click here.