Exploring Massage Therapy’s Role in Cancer Care

Massage in Cancer Care

1. Pain Reduction in Breast Cancer Patients: Oncology Massage vs. Healing Touch

2. Relief from Lymphedema Symptoms: Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) Study

3. Alleviating Chemotherapy-Induced Neuropathy: Impact of Oncology Massage

4. Empowering Cancer Patients: Benefits of Massage Therapy

5. Research Citations

Pain Reduction for Breast Cancer Patients After Oncology Massage Therapy

An integrative oncology team conducted a study at Levine Cancer Institute, comparing massage therapy and healing touch as pain interventions for breast cancer patients. Of 407 participants, 43% received oncology massage and 57% healing touch, both experiencing significant reductions in pain levels. (Gentile et al., 2021)

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) Relieves Lymphedema Symptoms

In a 2022 study, manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) demonstrated positive effects on upper limb lymphedema in post-breast cancer surgery patients. Notably, participants experienced reduced swelling, improved hand and arm symptoms, and decreased risk of cellulitis. (Chmelova & Novackova, 2022)

Oncology Massage Alleviates Chemotherapy-Induced Neuropathy

A 2022 study on oncology massage’s impact on chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy revealed significant improvements. Patients receiving massage three times a week exhibited better relief of neuropathy symptoms than those receiving it twice a week. (Lopez et al., 2022)

Massage Therapy Empowers Cancer Patients

Massage therapy serves as an integral part of cancer care, empowering patients by reducing isolation, alleviating symptoms, and managing self-care. Its benefits extend from pain management to relieving lymphedema, aiding patients in regaining control amidst their cancer journey.

Research Citations

[1] Cancer Facts & Figures 2023, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia, 2023

[2] Gentile D, Boselli D, Yaguda S, Greiner R, Bailey-Dorton C. “Pain Improvement After Healing Touch and Massage in Breast Cancer: An Observational Retrospective Study.” Int J Ther Massage Bodywork. 2021 Mar; 14 (1): 12-20 [Link] [3] Chmelova K, Novackova M. “Effect of manual lymphatic drainage on upper limb lymphedema after surgery for breast cancer.” Ceska Gynekol. 2022;87(5):317–323 [Link] [4] Lopez G, Eng C, Overman M, Ramirez D, Liu W, Beinhorn C, Sumler P, Prinsloo S, Li Y, Eduardo B, and Lorenzo C. “A randomized pilot study of oncology massage to treat chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy.” Sci Rep 2022; 12: 19023 [Link]