Massage Relieves Cancer Pains

Massage Therapy Beneficial in Cancer Care

Integration of massage therapy into cancer care relieves pain and improves mood in cancer patients and caregivers

The American Medical Association and other outlets shows how cancer patients may benefit from massage therapy. Recent research shows massage therapy can reduce pain, stress, nausea, depression, distress, anxiety and fatigue, while improving health related quality of life for cancer patients.

A recent meta-analysis of nearly 600 cancer patients found massage therapy significantly reduced pain compared to the conventional standard-of-care alone, and was particularly effective in eradicating surgery-related pain.

Increased Quality of Life

A 2014 study of patients who received 50 minutes of Swedish massage three times per week for seven weeks, found all participants experienced stress reduction, increased comfort and relaxation, while also tracking health-related quality of life (HQoL) compared to a group of usual standard-of-care patients.

An additional randomized study found providing therapeutic massage resulted in significant improvement in short-term quality of life for patients near the end of life, with secondary benefits of pain reduction and improved sleep.

“Massage therapy can supply immense physical and psychological relief,” said Dr. Gabriel Lopez, Assistant Professor in the Department of Palliative, Rehabilitation and Integrative Medicine at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas. “As evidenced by the wealth of positive research in the area, massage therapy has the potential to greatly improve quality of life for cancer patients and their caregivers.”

Courtesy of American Massage Therapy Association published September 16, 2015.

References:
Taylor AG, Snyder AE, Anderson JG et al. Gentle Massage Improves Disease- and Treatment-Related Symptoms in Patients with Acute Myelogenous Leukemia. J Clin Trials. 2014; 4:1000161.
Moynihan, Timothy J. “Cancer pain: Relief is possible.” Mayo Clinic. 2014 Oct; http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cancer/in-depth/cancer-pain/art-20045118
Lee SH, Kim JY, Kim SH et al. Meta-Analysis of Massage Therapy on Cancer Pain. Integr Cancer Ther. 2015 Jul;14(4):297-304.
Toth M, Marcantionio ER, Davis RB et al. Massage Therapy for Patients with Metastatic Cancer: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial. J. Altern Complement Med. 2013 Jul; 19(7): 650-656.