Also called:
- massage therapy
- therapeutic massage
Massage is the rubbing or kneading of muscles and other soft tissues in the body, mainly using the hands and fingers. Massage promotes a feeling of relaxation and reduces stress and muscle tension.
History
The practice of massage has been used in many ancient cultures and countries such as China, India and Japan. Swedish massage, one of the first forms of massage used in North America, is based on the practice of Per Henrik Ling, a Swedish doctor. Massage was first introduced to Canada during World War I. Massage techniques were used to help rehabilitate soldiers and civilians with bone-related (orthopedic) war injuries.
Use and claims
Massage therapy has increasingly been used to help reduce muscle soreness as well as stiffness, pain (such as headaches and low back pain), anxiety and stress. It also improves circulation and promotes relaxation and a sense of well-being.
A growing number of healthcare professionals recognize massage as a beneficial addition to conventional medical treatment.
Some people with cancer use massage to reduce symptoms and improve coping and quality of life.
How it is given
Massage involves physical manipulation of muscles and soft tissues of the body. It can be done with the person lying down or sitting up. There are different types of massage techniques. Some types include:
- craniosacral massage
- This is a gentle hands-on massage focusing on the head and sacrum to release tension and restore connections between the head, spinal cord and body.
- It is thought to enhance the body's natural healing process and strengthen resistance to disease.
- deep tissue massage
- This uses stroking and finger pressure on deep layers of muscle tissue, where muscles are tight or knotted.
- lymphatic massage (lymphatic drainage)
- This uses slow, light, rhythmic touch and pressure that helps the body move lymph fluid throughout the lymphatic system.
- It may help to decrease swelling associated with lymphedema.
- reflexology
- This involves massaging specific reflex points on the feet, hands or sometimes the ears, which are believed to correspond to a certain region of the body.
- Swedish massage
- This uses long strokes, pressure, stretches and friction to loosen tight muscles.
- It is the most common type of massage in Canada.
- Shiatsu
- This is a Japanese form of massage that uses touching and pressing of certain points on the body believed to be important in the flow of vital energy called ki (pronounced chee).
- trigger point massage
- This uses a variety of strokes and focused pressure on trigger points. Trigger points are knots of tight muscle tissue that are painful when pressed. They may cause pain or limited range of motion.
- It may also be called pressure point massage or myotherapy.
People who perform massage (massage therapists) may combine a number of different techniques during a massage session.
Summary of the evidence
There is evidence that massage can benefit many people with cancer, both physically and emotionally. Research has shown that massage can help reduce stress, anxiety, nausea, pain, fatigue and problems sleeping (insomnia) in people with cancer. Massage can promote relaxation, which may allow the immune system to work more effectively, but this is not known for sure.
Several small trials support using massage to reduce problems with mood, such as depression and anxiety, in people with cancer. But scientists do not fully know what changes occur in the body during massage and exactly how or whether it influences health.
Some studies have shown that a type of lymphatic massage called manual lymph drainage (MLD) can reduce cancer-related lymphedema in women with breast cancer.
Potential side effects and risks
Shortly after a massage, some people may have minor bruising, swelling or a temporary increase in muscular pain. Some people may have an allergic reaction if aromatherapy oils are used during the massage. Generally, gentle massage and bodywork can be adapted to meet the needs of many people with cancer.
People with cancer should talk to their doctor to see if it is okay for them to have massage therapy.
- People with osteoporosis should avoid physical manipulation or deep pressure.
- People with cancer that has spread to the bone (bone metastasis) should avoid physical manipulation or deep pressure. Manipulation in an area of cancer metastasis could result in a bone breaking (a fracture).
- People who have had radiation therapy may find even light touch on the treatment area to be uncomfortable. People receiving radiation treatment should not have lotion or oil used on the area that receives radiation.
- People with cancer should ask their doctor before trying any therapy that involves manipulation of joints and muscles.
Massage may not be suitable for certain other people.
- People with bleeding disorders, such as bleeding tendencies or blood clots, and people with damaged blood vessels should not have massage therapy.
- People taking blood thinners should avoid massage or only have very gentle, light touch massage to prevent bruising and bleeding.
- People with a fever, infection or an open wound or sore should not have massage.
There is a concern that manipulation in the area of a tumour might increase the risk of cancer cells breaking away and travelling to other parts of the body. Although there is no evidence to suggest that massage therapy can spread cancer, it is sensible for people with cancer to avoid massage near and over tumours and lumps that may be cancerous until this question is clearly answered.
It is important to have massage done by a trained professional with experience in working safely with people with cancer. Be sure they know about your cancer and treatment. Massage therapy is a regulated health profession in some provinces and territories in Canada. Massage therapists are often registered (registered massage therapist, or RMT). This means they are a qualified massage practitioner and must practise within certain standards.