By Amber Mills.

Massage Helps Oncology Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy

Massage therapy, according to a recent study published in “Applied Nursing Research”, resulted in decreased anxiety and lessened fatigue among 40 oncology patients undergoing chemotherapy. The study found that back massage significantly reduced anxiety and acute fatigue.

Pain and fatigue that are experienced by patients undergoing chemotherapy are symptoms that haven't been well modulated in the past. More cancer patients are trying massage to reduce their pain and fatigue and are having great results. Cancer centers and hospitals are now using massage to provide relief to their patients, and new massage studies are giving evidence to the fact that massage can decrease pain and fatigue by boosting endorphins in the body. For cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, massage is a way that they can fight off nausea, pain and allow their body to relax.

Many people have either been affected by cancer themselves or know someone who has. As a massage therapist, you may have clients who develop cancer and will undergo chemotherapy treatment. Oncology massage can be a powerful tool that you can use with your clients who are fighting cancer. If you are interested in learning Oncology Massage, The Soma Institute will be offering a 16 hour continuing education course on July 18 and 25, 2014. For more information on the course, contact me at amills@soma.edu.

Amber Mills – Curriculum Director

“It is my hope that our students walk away from Soma with confidence in their clinical massage skills and their ability to naturally help the body heal.”