Healing Touch
Massage therapy can be very valuable to the person fighting many forms of cancer and can provide a plethora of healing benefits. Of primary concern is first getting approval and guidance from the persons oncologist or surgeon. There are many benefits to medical massage therapy for patients undergoing treatment for cancer. There are also concerns and possible risks. Massage therapy has been used to treat stress and anxiety, improve mood, induce relaxation, and control pain. For patients undergoing surgery the application of appropriate massage can promote healing at incision sites and may prevent or reduce scarring. Use of foot massage or reflexology has been shown to have a positive effect on patients’ perceptions of pain, nausea and relaxation.
Whether massage is appropriate for any one individual really depends more on the views of the doctor than the needs of the patient. Some are overly cautious as the old school way of thinking is that stimulation to the lymphatic system at the wrong time could cause a spread of the cancer, and others are very progressive and encouraging massage for it’s many benefits. Many of the top cancer hospitals and doctors are regularly encouraging massage now for it’s many benefits. The doctor may give us a go ahead to do whatever we feel best and may write a more detailed prescription as to exactly how it should be performed and what should be avoided. Some advise massage for any stage and some want a “all clear” designation before we move on to massage. Many are fine with a light massage or a little hand or foot reflexology, which is great for the patient, as the primary benefit to massage is usually providing some comfort, relief, relaxation and caring touch, as many of the other treatments are extremely invasive in nature. At Planet Massage of Fort Lauderdale, our therapists have an average of ten years experience and each of us have dealt with many people and cases regularly that involve cancer and other serious trauma. Potential patients are scheduled depending on specifics of theie conditions, concerns and needs. In any case, we can work with each individual and their doctor to figure out what is most appropriate and the best time for it, as well as which therapist would be be most appropriate. Massage therapy can provide an awesome treat and healing touch in a time when life is most difficult.
A stretching, medical massage, flexibility and soft tissue corrective massage specialist, Marks love of massage and bodywork came quite naturally to him. Raised in South Florida a resident since 1969, some of his first childhood memories revealed a keen interest in health and wellness. Having seen family members struggle with serious, debilitating and often life threatening health issues, Mark dreamed of a better way he knew had to be out there.
