Massage Therapy May Have Immediate Positive Effect On Pain And Mood For Advanced Cancer Patients

Main Category: Cancer / Oncology
Also Included In: Rehabilitation / Physical Therapy
Article Date: 24 Sep 2008 - 3:00 PDT

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A new study found that massage therapy may have immediate benefits on pain and mood among patients with advanced cancer. The study, sponsored by the Institute of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health, was a randomized trial of 380 advanced cancer patients at 15 U.S. hospices. In the study, patients had improvement in pain and mood immediately following treatment that was greater with massage than with simple touch.

Pain and depressed mood are common problems for patients with advanced cancer. While drug therapies can reduce symptoms, they don't always work and often have troublesome side effects. Researchers think that massage may interrupt the cycle of distress, offering physical and psychological benefits. Physically, massage may decrease inflammation and edema, increase blood and lymphatic circulation, and relax muscle spasms. Psychologically, massage may promote relaxation, release endorphins, and create a positive experience that distracts temporarily from pain and depression.

Researchers caution that while message may offer some immediate relief for patients with advanced cancer, the effects do not last over time, demonstrating the need for more effective strategies to manage pain at the end of life.

American College of Physicians