massage therapy journal

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A Good Indication

A three-year study involving 1,290 adult patients indicated massage therapy was beneficial in reducing cancer-related symptoms.[5] A review of five non-pharmacologic strategies for managing cancer pain noted that massage therapy promoted relaxation, relieved muscle spasms, reduced pain and swelling, increased blood circulation and decreased heart rate.[6]

Hospitalized cancer patients reported much less pain and stress after two sessions of massage therapy. [7] Areas of chronic pain and tension were often relieved with the use of massage, and when used before chemotherapy, reduced anxiety and nausea. Therapeutic massage also helped reduce stress and increase quality of sleep.[7]

Breast cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy had fewer symptoms, more tranquility and vitality, and less tension when they received back massage.[8] Additionally, massage therapy has been known to help boost the number and function of the immune system's natural killer cells in patient populations.[7]

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?

On the muscle tension scale, there was no significant difference between participants in either group before treatment. But during the study, the mean score of the treatment group increased significantly, indicating reduced muscle soreness and tension. The control group showed no significant. change. There was also no significant difference in vital signs, including pulse rate and blood pressure, for participants in both groups either before or after treatment. The mean respiratory rate did decrease significantly in the treatment group when compared to the control group.

Based on parent responses on the CHQ, there were no significant differences between the two groups. When comparing each group’s response on the State and Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children, however, the mean values of the treated group’s state anxiety scores decreased significantly, while the control group’s scores stayed the same.

The mean report scores on the “How I Feel” and discomfort level scales suggest the treated group was feeling better than the control group and in significantly less discomfort. Finally, the treated group reported significant progress after the course of massage therapy sessions. On the other hand, the control group reported no change.

Overall, these results point to the idea that children who received massage therapy treatments reduced both mental stress and physical discomfort. These data provide supportive evidence suggesting massage therapy can reduce mental and physical distress in children with cancer and blood disease, and also has a positive impact on the quality of life for pediatric cancer patients.

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