Massage Improves Pain and Mood in Cancer Patients
Is it the power of touch or does massage really improve pain and mood in those facing terminal cancer. As a physician I deal with end of life issues every week and often enlist alternative or complementary therapies to help my patients. Most of us would do anything to make our family members and loved ones facing terminal illness more comfortable and intuition tells us massage would help. Well, now we know it does and it may be equivalent to some very powerful pain medicines.
In the September Annals of Internal Medicine a study was published where 380 adults with advanced cancer who had at least moderate pain were studied. Patients were either touched by an untrained therapist (as the control group) or given a massage by a licensed therapist. Pain, mood and quality of life were measured for 3 weeks after that.
What were the findings? Immediately after treatment, patients in both groups reported improvements in pain and mood. The changes in the massage group were statistically larger than those in the simple-touch group.
What did we learn? Whether massage improves pain and mood because of the attention from the therapist or something physiologic is still a mystery but we do know that when compared to simple touch, massage provides some improvement in pain and mood immediately after treatment. So I ask, what's the downside? What have you found helps for those who are suffering?
"Seeing death as the end of life is like seeing the horizon as the end of the ocean"
David Searls (Biologist)
Dr O.
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I'm a former cancer patient myself. My pain management Specialist @ the time recommended "Therapeutic Touch" as a form of pain relief. I have treatments done usually 2X a week, and it does help me for the short term. A treatment may last anywhere from 1-3days, but varies on the severity of your pain.
By Kurt31 September 27, 2008 7:52pm
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One of my friends was recently diagnosed with breast cancer and was able to secure a small grant from a non-profit organization in Santa Cruz, CA for massage treatments. The treatments have been very beneficial -- both in helping her relax and in raising her spirits. I believe Stanford Hospital also implemented a program for its cancer patients, which includes massage treatments and results were similar to my friend's. I work in the medical imaging field (www.RemakeHealth.com)which provides CT scans and other tests for cancer patients as well as others. It is always good to learn about treatments that help improve the comfort of patients. Marge
By 1Marge1 September 26, 2008 7:45pm
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ArmyWifenMom: I believe we will find massage helps for most types of deep aching chronic pain....as people occasionally have with MS...
By DrOrrange September 24, 2008 6:48pm
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I have MS and am in alot of pain most of the time. I sometimes have pain to the touch of my skin that is unbearable. Would lite massage work just as well? I don't know who to speak to about this.
By ArmyWifenMom September 24, 2008 1:48am