Massage
Massage therapies have long been used as a relaxant both recreationally and medicinally. Many will use massage therapy who are recovering from an illness or orthopedic injury, while many others will use massage in leisure capacities. Patients of cancer have long used massage therapy for the purposes of relaxation and general wellbeing. This includes patients of mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer which is caused by asbestos exposure. Massage falls under the title of an alternative therapy for treatment of cancer and offers no cure. While it is not a curative treatment, when used in conjunction with traditional medicines, massage therapy can give mesothelioma patients a great deal more comfort as they battle their disease.
While most people are familiar with the idea of massage, very few know the mechanization of the motions and how they work. Massage involves the rubbing and working of loose tissue and muscles in the body. When muscles are manipulated and rubbed, the dilated blood vessels increase circulation throughout the entire body. Oxygen supply increases, improving soreness and joint circulation as well. In general, Swedish massage is the most popular version in the United States, though fringe varieties, such as shiatsu and Thai massage are gaining in popularity.
Does massage help cancer patients? While the massage will have no effect upon the disease, those who are exhibiting signs of anxiety or stress about the disease may benefit from the relaxation aspects of the therapy. In fact, if a physician decides a patient is especially anxious or nervous, he may even recommend the massage therapy as a means of a holistic treatment process. In conjunction with traditional treatments, alternative therapies have shown to improve overall patient health, among the more important factors for patients will diminished immune capacity.
Only the patient and physician can determine is massage therapy is right for the patient's particular treatment plan. If the patient bleeds easily or is recovering from surgical resection, the doctors may advise the patient to seek alternatives to massage.
