Massage for Cancer Patients: Safe & Supportive Care in Ajax

When you think about massage, the first thing that comes to your mind is relaxation; a tool that helps relieve stress after a busy week or alleviate body pains. However, massage therapy can do so much more, especially for cancer patients. 

Cancer is a tough fight for many people. It doesn’t just affect the body, but also the mind and emotions. That’s why it’s important to have support during this journey. One way to get support is through massage therapy. In Ajax, massage therapy is becoming more recognized as a helpful part of cancer care. 

What is Massage Therapy for Cancer 

Massage for cancer patients, also known as oncology massage, is a gentle form of massage that aims to improve the well-being of individuals with cancer. It utilizes light touch and slow movements to aid fluid movement and waste removal. 

While traditional cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery, have great success rates, they come with debilitating side effects. Massage therapy in Ajax is safe for cancer patients even during treatment and can be part of palliative care or aid in recovery post-treatment. 

Today, research is helping healthcare providers and patients understand how massage therapy contributes to a comprehensive care plan. 

Seattle Cancer Care Alliance’s medical director of Integrative Medicine, Heather Greenless, ND, Ph.D. said, “We have really good data now showing that a lot of these integrative therapies can be used to manage symptoms or side effects. We still need to do more research to understand how these therapies affect survival.”

Benefits of Massage Therapy to Ajax Cancer Patients

Reduces Chemotherapy-Related Nausea

A few studies suggest that massage therapy, when used alongside other treatments, might help reduce nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy. For example, a 2015 study found that combining massage therapy with certain medications and ginger worked better for reducing chemotherapy-induced nausea than some other combinations of treatments.

It’s essential to understand that using massage therapy to help with nausea doesn’t mean stopping medications used to prevent and treat nausea. Instead, massage can be an extra help alongside traditional treatments. This is true for many symptoms related to cancer, where using a combination of treatments is usually the best approach.

Eases Cancer Fatigue

Massage can help reduce cancer fatigue in some people. Fatigue, although not life-threatening, is one of the more bothersome and frustrating symptoms for people with cancer. It can linger for years after treatment, especially in those with early-stage disease. A study from 2018, published in the journal Cancer, discovered that Swedish massage led to a notable improvement in cancer-related fatigue for individuals with stage 0 to stage III breast cancer.

Alleviates Pain

Oncology massage, while not a substitute for conventional pain treatments, can help reduce pain and the need for pain medication, particularly post-surgery. It increases endorphin release, which is linked to pain reduction. A 2018 study showed immediate pain relief from massage, which appears to be relatively safe compared to other pain treatments. Myofascial massage shows promise in addressing chronic pain after cancer surgery and improving mobility.

Prevents Neuropathy

New studies show that massage therapy can help cancer patients avoid nerve damage caused by chemotherapy. A study found that breast cancer patients who got massages were less likely to have chemotherapy-related nerve problems. This benefit lasted for 12 weeks after the massage therapy.

Relieves Lymphedema

Lymphedema, a common condition resulting from cancer treatment, causes painful swelling in the arms and legs. Manual lymphatic drainage, performed by trained massage therapists, can help identify and treat lymphedema. It’s crucial to drain the affected area to prevent worsening symptoms periodically. Constant communication and gentle pressure during massage are essential for managing lymphedema effectively.

Lifts Depression and Mood Disorders

Depression is common in people with cancer. Battling cancer can be challenging, especially when dealing with all the unknowns and worries. However, some studies suggest that massage therapy can help with depression and mood problems, especially in women with breast cancer. 

Safety Considerations

Before starting massage therapy, it’s best to speak with your oncologist, especially if you’ve recently had surgery or are getting chemotherapy or radiation. Like any treatment, massage therapy has risks and reasons why it might not be right for you.

• Infection – If your white blood cell count is low because of chemotherapy or if you’ve had recent surgery, you’re at a higher risk of infection. Also, if you have open sores from radiation therapy or other conditions, the risk increases.
• Bruising – If your platelet count is low due to chemotherapy, you’re more likely to get bruises.
• Risk of Fracture – If your cancer has spread to your bones or you’re taking medications that make your bones weaker, like some breast cancer drugs, you might have a higher risk of fractures. Although massage is sometimes not recommended for people with bone cancer, there’s some evidence that it can help reduce pain. If you have bone cancer, it’s important to see a massage therapist who’s certified in oncology massage.
• Skin Problems – Rubbing, especially with deep tissue massage, can cause skin breakdown, especially if you’re having radiation therapy.
• Allergic Reactions – Let your massage therapist know about any allergies or sensitivities you have to lotions or oils.
• Blood Clots – There’s a chance that massage could disturb a blood clot in your leg, which could then move to your lungs. People with cancer are more likely to get blood clots, especially after surgery or during chemotherapy. Be sure to consult your oncologist before getting a massage.

Accessing Massage Therapy Services in Ajax

For cancer patients in Ajax, accessing massage therapy services is easier than ever. With a growing number of clinics and practitioners offering specialized care, individuals have more options than ever before. When seeking massage therapy in Ajax, consider the following tips:

• Look for practitioners with experience in providing massage therapy for cancer 
• patients.
• Ensure open communication with your healthcare team regarding your interest in massage therapy.
• Take the time to discuss any concerns or specific needs with your massage therapist before beginning treatment.

Beyond its physical benefits, it offers comfort, relief, and rejuvenation amid a challenging journey. If you or a loved one are undergoing cancer treatment in Ajax and are interested in exploring the benefits of massage therapy, consider reaching out to PARC of Ontario. Our team of experienced massage therapists is here to provide safe and supportive care tailored to your unique needs. Call us at (905) 579-9938 to learn more about our massage therapy services in Ajax.