Leverage the benefits of Massage therapies during Oncology care

MTA News coverage in Yahoo! The American Medical Association and the other outlets have shown the positive effects of massage therapy over the patients. A recent research has proved that massage sessions can significantly reduce anxiety, fatigue, distress, depression, stress, nausea and other similar issues, while improving the health and quality of life for cancer patients.

According to reports, a recent meta analysis of around 600 cancer patients found that massage sessions can help to reduce pain as compared to the traditional standards of care alone. Moreover, massage was found to be particularly effective in eradicating surgery related pain.

Increased Quality of Life

A study carried in 2014 of patients suffering from acute myelogenous leukemia, who were made to receive 50 long minutes of Swedish massage thrice a week for continuous 7 weeks, were found great reduction in stress and increase level of relaxation and comfort. The results were made in comparison to the usual standard of care patients.

An additional random study found that providing therapeutic massage can enhance the short term quality of life for those who are near their end. The secondary benefits recorded were improved sleep and pain reduction.

 “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.”