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Oregon School of Massage (OSM) periodically produces or receives information about how massage may be of benefit for individuals being treated for particular conditions. Thanks to The Mesothelioma Center for preparing the following article. OSM instructor Gayle MacDonald [1], author of Medicine Hands, Massage Therapy for People with Cancer and Massage for the Hospital Patient and Medically Frail Client, confirms that this is useful information for massage therapists who are planning to provide bodywork to the person treated for mesothelioma. This, however, is only the very beginning of the knowledge needed to provide massage to people affected by cancer treatment.
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Types of Massage Therapy that Benefit Mesothelioma Patients
By Faith Franz
Mesothelioma is an asbestos-related cancer that can pose several challenges during treatment. It is often diagnosed in its later stages, when curative therapies are less effective.
Traditionally, oncologists assemble a treatment plan involving surgery, chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy. However, alternative mesothelioma therapies – including therapeutic massage – can effectively relieve pain and other symptoms.
Therapeutic massage is beneficial for mesothelioma patients for several reasons. The right kind of massage can:
• Reduce pain and muscle soreness
• Decrease certain side effects of chemotherapy or radiation therapy, such as nausea and fatigue
• Alleviate anxiety and stress related to the diagnosis
• Increase range of motion
• Stimulate healthy circulation and respiration
However, to reap these benefits, it is important for patients to choose the right type of massage therapy.
Gentle Massage vs. Other Massage
Massage therapists can use a number of different techniques during a session. They may use deep tissue techniques to work out kinks hidden under layers of muscle, or they may use sports massage techniques to help prevent injury. However, these techniques are not appropriate for mesothelioma patients.
It’s important for mesothelioma patients – or any other cancer patients pursuing therapeutic massage – to pursue gentle or oncology massages. Gentle massage uses lighter pressure and softer strokes. This makes it less likely to worsen any pain or cause any post-massage bruising.
Oncology massage is specifically tailored to cancer patients, and massage therapists must undergo special training to earn their certification. Oncologymassage – such as the massage offered at the Oregon Health & Science University Hospital – takes into consideration the special needs of cancer patients. Therapists can avoid areas where sensitive tumors are growing and areas where radiation therapy has caused skin irritation; they should also take hygiene precautions to account for the patient’s immune-compromised state.
These types of massage can stand alone as palliative mesothelioma therapies, or they can complement other traditional therapies for the disease. A competent massage therapist or holistic health practitioner can help patients develop a regimen that is most appropriate for their condition.
Author bio: Faith Franz has spent nearly two years researching and writing for The Mesothelioma Center. As an advocate for alternative medicine, she encourages patients to explore all of the treatment options that could potentially save their life.
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[1] Gayle MacDonald, M.S., L.M.T., is an internationally recognized trainer and author in the field of oncology massage. Graduates from her trainings are regularly sought out by facilities providing massage to cancer patients. For more about her work and international schedule see: http://www.medicinehands.com/
She can be contacted at: medhands@hotmail.com
To register for Gayle’s OSM classes call 503-244-3420 or 800-844-3420.
• Feb 1-3, 2013 OSM-Salem Massage for People Living With Cancer
• April 5-7, 2013 OSM-Portland Massage for People Living With Cancer
Class descriptions can be found on Gayle’s website (see link above); also at: OSM CE Descriptions.
Her books are available locally at the OSM bookstore (Portland and Salem).
