Massage therapy has emerged as a valuable tool in alleviating symptoms for cancer patients, garnering support from small randomized trials. At Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, patients participated in a comprehensive assessment of their symptoms before and after massage therapy, utilizing a 0-10 rating scale to measure pain, fatigue, stress/anxiety, nausea, depression, and other discomforts.
Evidential Benefits
Over the span of three years, a significant cohort of 1,290 patients underwent massage therapy, resulting in remarkable outcomes. Symptom scores were substantially reduced by approximately 50%, even among those who initially reported high baseline scores. An interesting finding was that outpatients experienced a notable 10% more improvement compared to inpatients.
Sustained Relief
Equally compelling is the sustained relief observed post-massage therapy. The benefits remained consistent, with outpatients showcasing no return towards their baseline scores throughout the 48-hour follow-up period. This implies that massage therapy can yield substantive, lasting improvements in symptom scores for cancer patients.
A Holistic Approach to Healing
Notably, the benefits of massage therapy extend beyond mere alleviation of symptoms. Cancer patients reported major reductions in pain, fatigue, nausea, anxiety, and depression, emphasizing the comprehensive impact of this non-invasive and cost-effective approach. It's a comforting and side effect-free therapy that holds immense value, especially for individuals dealing with chronic illnesses.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, massage therapies demonstrate the potential to induce large and immediate improvements in symptom scores for cancer patients, even those grappling with high baseline scores indicating significant levels of pain, anxiety, or other distressing symptoms. The persistent benefits observed in outpatients over the 48-hour follow-up underscore the therapeutic potential of massage therapy in enhancing the overall wellbeing of cancer patients.
If you or a loved one is seeking effective and holistic relief from cancer-related symptoms, consider integrating massage therapy into your healthcare journey. It's a step towards enhancing not just your physical health, but also your emotional and mental wellbeing.
Embark on your journey to lasting relief and enhanced wellness—book your massage therapy session with us and experience the transformative power of healing touch firsthand. Your comfort and well-being are just a click away. Book now!
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References
(1) Barrie R. Cassileth, Andrew J. Vickers, Massage therapy for symptom control: outcome study at a major cancer center, Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, Volume 28, Issue 3, 2004, Pages 244-249, ISSN 0885-3924, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2003.12.016. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0885392404002623)
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