![]() Researchers conducted a study on chemotherapy related nausea in 2015. It can, however, become an important part of a comprehensive nausea management plan. Massage alone will not combat the nausea that comes as a common side effect of chemotherapy. Its effectiveness is linked to the release of natural pain combating hormones released by the brain during a massage. Massage is non-invasive and does not require the use of drugs, making it a safer alternative to many pain management methods. The fact that massage reduces pain has been well established and documented throughout a host of studies conducted over the course of decades. It only took 20 minutes a session for each patient to feel much better. The findings of the study were that virtually every participant reported a significant reduction in the severity of their symptoms from a short therapeutic massage session. Therapeutic massage was used to combat these symptoms. This study focused on the most common side effects, including nausea, fatigue, anxiety, and pain. The Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing conducted a research study in 2016 to test and verify potential benefits of massage therapy for cancer patients. While massage itself cannot slow or inhibit the growth of cancer, it can mitigate some of the side effects from aggressive forms of cancer treatment. How People Fighting Cancer Benefit From Massage It’s not unusual to sleep like a baby the night after you get a massage. Many people feel less anxious and somewhat blissful after a massage. Cortisol, the stress hormone, is often lowered in massage therapy patients. ![]() Some of these hormones act as natural pain relievers, taking the edge off of the soreness. Massage therapy helps the brain produce endorphins and hormones. Muscle waste fluids are easily drained away, allowing the muscle to become loose and flexible again. Circulation will improve, thanks to a rush of oxygenated blood that will flow through the affected muscles. The manipulation and massage of muscles can reduce soreness, swelling, and inflammation. Massage imparts both physical and mental benefits to everyone who uses massage therapy. As long as massage therapy is approached gently and tailored specific to the patient, the patient should walk away feeling relief. Many oncologists encourage cancer patients to integrate safe and healthy treatments for their symptoms with effective treatments for their cancer. Untapped potential may still remain within massage therapy as a complementary tool to traditional cancer treatment. The benefits of massage for cancer patients are still being researched and explored. In addition to physical symptoms like pain and nausea, massage also boasts benefits for emotional symptoms like anxiety and depression. Cancer patients experience a broad range of side effects while they’re undergoing treatment. While massage certainly cannot prevent or treat cancer, it can help those in Tucson who are battling cancer feel a little better.
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