Massage for Cancer Patients?
If you or a loved one are facing the many challenges of cancer, massage and other skilled touch techniques can be your ally along the way. For both the patient and the caregiver, taking the time for a soothing and nurturing massage can be truly worthwhile, even in a schedule crowded with appointments. Caring, professional touch can ease pain, relax mind and body, and restore your body's own healing resources.
Many hospitals, such as Memorial Sloan-Kettering, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center and Stanford University Hospital, provide touch therapies for cancer patients. Studies have found that cancer patients variously experienced less pain, anxiety, nausea or fatigue, increased their immune response, and felt more relaxed after receiving massage or other touch therapies.
It is now generally accepted by the medical profession that gentle, professional touch can reduce many of the discomforts of cancer and its treatment. Your care is complex, however, so inform your physician or patient care team before receiving massage.
Many hospitals, such as Memorial Sloan-Kettering, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center and Stanford University Hospital, provide touch therapies for cancer patients. Studies have found that cancer patients variously experienced less pain, anxiety, nausea or fatigue, increased their immune response, and felt more relaxed after receiving massage or other touch therapies.
It is now generally accepted by the medical profession that gentle, professional touch can reduce many of the discomforts of cancer and its treatment. Your care is complex, however, so inform your physician or patient care team before receiving massage.