Massage Therapy Can be Important for Cancer Patients

News provided by

American Massage Therapy Association

Oct 16, 2019, 06:00 ET

EVANSTON, Ill., Oct. 16, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Recent research compiled by the American Massage Therapy Association on massage therapy for cancer patients continues to indicate its value for easing pain, reducing nausea, and preventing chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. It is also recommended or supported for consideration by the American College of Physicians, The Joint Commission and the Federation of State Medical Boards.

A recently-published study showed significant prevention of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy in breast cancer patients for those receiving massage therapy.¹ The success continued through a 12 week assessment. Another study indicated massage and inhaled aromatherapy significantly lowered chemotherapy-induced acute nausea and vomiting among breast cancer patients.²

In September, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center published an evaluation and recommendations of various therapeutic approaches, including massage therapy, for pain and to relieve anxiety and mood changes which are commonly associated with pain.³ This reinforces a meta-analysis of research on massage therapy for pain and anxiety in cancer patients released in 2016 that showed promise for reducing pain intensity/severity, fatigue, and anxiety in cancer populations.⁴

"Research on the value and efficacy of massage therapy for many of the issues related to cancer and its treatments continues to evolve," says Christopher Deery, President of the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA). "Cancer patients should discuss with their physicians the inclusion of massage therapy as part of an integrative approach to their care, as oncology massage can provide real value."

October 20-26 is National Massage Therapy Awareness Week, sponsored annually by the American Massage Therapy Association.

Find a Massage Therapist Near You

Individuals should consult with a qualified, professional massage therapist to determine the best massage therapy approach for their specific needs. American Massage Therapy Association massage therapists meet or exceed state education requirements, ascribe to a code of ethics and participate in continuing education. They can create specialized massage approaches based on individual conditions, fitness and goals.

To find a massage therapist near you, AMTA offers a free professional massage therapist locator service at www.findamassagetherapist.org.

About The American Massage Therapy Association

The American Massage Therapy Association, the most trusted name in massage therapy, is the largest non-profit, professional association serving massage therapists, massage students and massage schools. AMTA works to advance the profession through ethics and standards, the promotion of fair and consistent licensing of massage therapists in all states, and public education on the benefits of massage. The American Massage Therapy Association will hold its annual national convention in Indianapolis October 23-26.

www.amtamassage.org

References

Izgu N, et.al. Prevention of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy with classical massage in breast cancer patients receiving paclitaxel: An assessor-blinded randomized controlled trial. Eur J Oncol Nurs. 2019 Jun; 40:36-43. doi: 10.1016/j.ejon.2019.03.002. Epub 2019 Mar 22.
Zorba P, Ozdemir L. The Preliminary Effects of Massage and Inhalation Aromatherapy on Chemotherapy-Induced Acute Nausea and Vomiting: A Quasi-Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial. Cancer Nurs. 2018 Sep/Oct; 41(5):359-366. doi: 10.1097/NCC.0000000000000496.
Deng G. Integrative Medicine Therapies for Pain Management in Cancer Patients. Cancer J. 2019 Sep/Oct; 25(5):343-348. doi: 10.1097/PPO.0000000000000399.
Boyd C., et.al. The Impact of Massage Therapy on Function in Pain Populations-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials: Part II, Cancer Pain Populations. Pain Med. 2016 Aug; 17(8):1553-1568. doi: 10.1093/pm/pnw100. Epub 2016 May 10.

Contact: Ron Precht
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SOURCE American Massage Therapy Association