How Massage Therapy Can Help You Get Through Cancer

As cancer treatments continue to evolve, massage therapy has become an increasingly popular adjunctive therapy to help manage symptoms and side effects. Massage therapy has many benefits in helping to alleviate the physical, mental, and emotional issues that often accompany cancer treatments. Here are some of the ways massage therapy can help you to get through cancer.

Physically

From a physical standpoint, massage therapy can help to reduce pain and stiffness, improve circulation and lymphatic flow, and relax tense muscles. Massage can also help alleviate nausea, headaches, and joint pain that can be associated with cancer treatments.

Massages can help improve the body's immune system. Studies have found that massage therapy can help boost the body's natural production of white blood cells, which can help the body fight off infections. Additionally, massage therapy can help reduce levels of inflammatory cytokines, which are associated with a weakened immune system.

In addition, if surgery is done to remove the cancerous tumors, properly administered massages can help with the pain and also reduce the length of time it takes to recover from the procedure.

Emotionally

From an emotional standpoint, a massage can help reduce fatigue, improve sleep quality, and provide a sense of overall relaxation. It can also help to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression by reducing cortisol levels. It can also help to boost self-esteem and provide an overall sense of calm and relaxation.

Mentally

Receiving a massage can be a form of self-care, helping cancer patients feel more in control of their own bodies and lives. This can help to reduce feelings of anger, confusion, and fear associated with a cancer diagnosis and treatment. Many cancer centers and hospitals are now offering massage therapy as part of their patient care programs.

Nutrition

It is important to your health to maintain proper nutrition to help you stay healthy enough to fight cancer. Unfortunately, some cancer treatments can cause a lack of appetite and nausea. A massage can help to relax the gastrointestinal area and allow you to receive the nutrition you need from the food you eat. Talk with an oncology dietician to ensure you are eating the best foods to help you stay healthy.

For those considering massage therapy as part of their cancer treatment, it is important to discuss any potential risks and benefits with your healthcare provider. It is also important to ensure that your massage therapist is qualified and experienced in treating cancer patients. For more information, contact a company like Canopy Clinic PDX.

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