Benefits of Massage for Persons Undergoing Cancer Treatment
There are more and more studies being done on the benefits of massage for persons undergoing cancer treatment.
Some of the areas in which massage can be helpful are anxiety, fatigue, nausea, lymph gland support, radiation burn or depression. Massage has become big business these days and as with your medical care decisions, massage practitioner selection should have the same dedication.
Massage schools are turning out therapists at a record rate these days. When one is living "the cancer experience" there might not be much energy to put into comparison shopping but here are a couple of hints that will encourage the best experience.
Referrals are a great way to hone down your selection. If you know someone who enjoys massage already, ask for that persons therapist's contact information and call them or look at their website. Remember that old adage, "jack of all trades master of none"? If the massage therapist is new in the field and they practice multiple modalities, ask them for the length of time that have spent learning specific techniques and how they might support someone (you in this case) with cancer. If they can't answer this even in a general sense, I would ask them what their knowledge and contraindications of this technique could be for someone with cancer. If there is still a hesitation or question about their experience, you might want to consider talking to some other practitioners. A good massage therapist will honestly tell you if they don't have cancer experience and hopefully will refer you to someone more qualified.
Comfort should be of the highest priority. This should include issues of disrobing, use of pillows or towels to elevate or support body parts and pressure. "No pain, no gain" is not at all relevant to massage but even more so when one has cancer.
If you are thinking of discomfort or if your massage therapist can feel your pain, then you are unable to relax and enjoy your session which will hinder trust in his or her expertise. Speak up and don't hesitate to either ask questions or for an adjustment in pressure, temperature, or anything that could add or detract from your experience.
BREATHE... this is the word massage therapists should remind you of and role model for you during your session. When we concentrate, are in pain or are fearful, we forget to breathe. In a massage situation, when the pressure feels deep try taking SLOW deep breaths and the tension should slowing dissipate. If not, mention this to your therapist and they will adjust their technique accordingly. Breathing increases circulation throughout the body and is one of massages main benefits. Breathing encourages movement of oxygen through the blood which allows muscles to relax.
There are three professional massage associations in Oregon. They all have systems for helping you find a massage therapist in your area.
Hopefully, this article will support you in your quest for regaining your health. For more information concerning my work, please see my website http://home.earthlink.net/~jackigethner or call me at 503-790-0974 if you have any specific questions. I also provide a service called Cancer for Families and can send this information to you so.
Take care, BREATHE, and know that you deserve all that is good...
