October 4, 2004 – The benefits of massage therapy for people with cancer are still being confirmed. In a recent study, cancer patients who received massage reported an almost 50% decrease in pain and discomfort. Their well-being would even have extended up to two days after the massage.
This unprecedented scale study took place at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York over a period of three years, with 1,290 patients. They had to assess their aches and pains themselves according to a predefined scale.
The study authors were amazed to observe that relief from fatigue, nausea, anxiety, and other discomforts experienced by cancer patients persisted for 48 hours after the massage. Patients had the choice of a foot massage, a Swedish massage, or a touch massage. These last two types of massage have been shown to be the most effective in reducing symptoms.
The patients treated in the clinic noted a greater relief of their pain than those treated in the hospital. Researchers believe that the environment in the outpatient clinic is probably more conducive to relaxation and longer massage sessions than that in the hospital.
In the United States, it is estimated that about 20% of cancer patients use massage therapy alongside their medical treatment. The authors encourage people with cancer to take advantage of massage services, but they emphasize that it is preferable to use a massage therapist who specializes in patients suffering from cancer. According to them, the latter will be better able to adapt the massage technique to the specific needs of patients.
Marie france Coutu – PasseportSanté.net
According to Reuters
1. Cassileth BR, Vickers AJ, Massage therapy for symptom control: outcome study at a major cancer center, J Pain Symptom Management, September 2004, Vol. 28, No 3, 244-9.
