Breast Cancer Awareness Month: What You Need to Know
Are massages safe for breast cancer patients?
Massage therapy is a powerful tool in promoting relaxation and sleep, reducing anxiety, and relieving tension from sore muscles. Cancer patients often suffer from many of these symptoms during treatment. Massage has shown to offer physical and emotional benefits for patients, including women with breast cancer. There is no evidence that massage can cause existing cancer to spread.
Scientific studies have evaluated how effective massage is for patients undergoing treatment. One study found that healing touch, like light massage and reiki energy healing, lowered patient anxiety, and reduced the need for pain medicine. A University of Miami study reported an increase in immune-boosting white blood cell count in women diagnosed with breast cancer after receiving massage therapy. This research helps support that massage is safe for cancer patients. It also can improve the quality of life for those undergoing cancer treatments.
As with any medical condition, it’s best to ask your doctor before receiving massage therapy. If your doctor clears you for massage therapy, Soothe is a great option! Because Soothe brings a certified, licensed massage therapist to your home, you don’t need to worry about the added stress of traveling to a spa or medical facility to receive your treatment. Deep massage modalities are not recommended for cancer patients, so choose a lighter technique, such as Swedish massage, when booking. Once your appointment is confirmed, we recommend communicating with your massage therapist prior to beginning your appointment so they can provide the best care and experience for you.
