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Addicted 2 Massage |
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Useful articles: I am always looking for more information on specific, pain causing issues, that can possibly be helped with massage. I will be updating this section as my understanding of each condition increases. I will also post links that contain these articles.
7/15/09 Massage and Cancer— I was always told in massage school that if a person had cancer massage was not indicated. One day I had a woman come into the clinic who was undergoing chemotherapy and looked like she was in a world of pain. She wanted to know if there was anything at all that I could do for her. I had to look her in the eye and tell her that I could not help. Later I have found books and classes that say just the opposite. While a flowing Swedish massage is not indicated for a person who is undergoing chemo, because it could cause them to feel more nauseous, certain other modalities are certainly beneficial. In fact I have since had several clients who have benefited from a treatment that is enjoyable and feels good as opposed to all of the other horrible treatments that they have to go through. Here is an article that was sent to me by representatives of Mesothelioma.com
Therapeutic Massage and Palliative Cancer Therapy
In recent years the role of alternative therapies in cancer care has transformed the way many patients cope with illness and related side effects. An older paradigm suggested that cancer could only be effectively treated with traditional treatments like surgical resection, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Many patients refused this notion and sought alternative therapies outside of their treatment regimen that were not only relaxing but eased side-effects associated with traditional treatment regimens, including those caused by chemotherapy drugs. Today, not only patients but also the medical establishment recognizes the importance of alternative therapies, and particularly the importance of massage therapy in comprehensive cancer care. Massage, like most alternative cancer therapies, is most effective when used in conjunction with traditional treatments. Massage is unique in alternative cancer therapy because it is able to remedy feelings of isolation that many patients battling a difficult disease encounter. The experience of human contact is particularly important when facing a difficult diagnosis. Massage can provide a vital experience to cancer patients, who often succumb to feelings of being overwhelmed by the nature of their diagnosis, family implications, and other difficulties associated with cancer treatments. Often, the most valuable treatments to patients battling a difficult diagnosis are those which can allow the patient to be as comfortable as possible. Patients battling aggressive cancers, such as mesothelioma, often forgo traditional treatments which will put their body through a great deal of stress and discomfort in favor of those such as massage, which provide peace and comfort. Patients undergoing chemotherapy often find that treatments which are able to relax their mind and body, will dramatically lessen side effects like nausea, restlessness, and fever. As with any treatment, massage therapy may or may not benefit a particular patient’s treatment regimen. However, given the positive experience many patients have benefited from, it is certainly worth exploring. Maximizing your cancer treatment with cooperation between patient, family, and physician will allow patients to live longer, healthier, and more comfortable lives, which is the goal of all comprehensive therapies. Some other interesting links Massage Magazines: Massage Benefits Women with Breast Cancer Massage Therapy Helps Those With Advanced Cancer
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