Massage may also play a role in the prevention of neuropathic pain related to chemotherapy drugs such as paclitaxel.
Yet there are many different techniques andforms of massage therapy.
Massage Techniques
The best pop in of massage and potentialbenefitscan vary by technique.
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General Health Benefits
Researchers believe massage may be helpful forbothits physical and psychological benefits.
Benefits for People With Cancer
Intuitively, it seems that massage should benefit those living with cancer.
Some studies evaluating the potential benefits of oncology massage have focused on specific treatments.
Other studies have looked at the benefits of massage for specific symptoms related to cancer.
Decreased stress and anxiety has been noted in a number of different studies.
Cancer Fatigue
Massage has been found to reducecancer fatiguein some people.
It may be especially helpful with pain due to surgery.
A2019 studyfound that people who underwent classical massage prior to a paclitaxel infusion reported less pain.
This was also seen objectively in nerve conduction studies.
Palliative Care Benefits
In the palliative care setting, massage therapy may also be helpful.
A2018 studyfound that Japanese massage significantly reduce physical symptoms and improved quality of life in this setting.
During chemotherapy, deep tissue massage should be avoided even if blood counts are all normal.
Some therapists use aromatherapy with massage, and many play soothing music.
You will usually be asked to remove your clothing except for your underwear, but this can vary.
You should never feel uncomfortable, and a massage can be performed through clothing if you wish.
Positioning may be limited or need to be altered.
Being uncomfortable or experiencing pain is unnecessary for the massage to be effective and could be harmful instead.
When you get up after your massage, be careful standing.
Some people become very relaxed and feel lightheaded when standing.
Give yourself time to get up and get dressed.
Check out the options offered by your cancer center.
Avoid deep tissue massages during cancer treatment, which can contribute to pain and fatigue.
Oncology massage is offered at many cancer centers.
There is no evidence to support the belief that massage can cause cancer cells to spread throughout the body.
In fact, massage therapy is offered as complementary therapy at many cancer treatment centers.
Lymphatic drainage massages are often recommended for lymphedema.
20(2):E34-40.
doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0196638
Cleveland Clinic.Lymphatic drainage massage.
