Serious Question for Massage Therapists

Kissybiz

I met someone recently who suffers from pancreatic cancer. He has developed a great deal of pain in his neck and shoulder and has asked about a massage. I'm a licensed massage therapist, but it is not my profession and I really only do it part-time for friends. I'm reluctant because he is in acute pain and from what he's told me, his issue is not soft tissue, it's more of a nerve issue (pancreatic cancer eats away at the covering which protects the nerves), and also I have read that massage may be contraindicated in patients with cancer.

Does anyone have any information or thoughts about this? He just texted me that he wants to amputate his neck and arms. So sad. I want to help give him some relief, just don't know if it will do more harm than good.

ReverendJim

Is Kougra on your friends list? If not, look her up and friend her. She could probably weigh in on this...

Kissybiz

Thank you, I'll check her out.

Kougra

Massage is a great tool for cancer patients. The issue is if is contraindicated. Your friend needs to check with his doc to see if it is ok to get a massage. From a therapist point of view, I would work closely with his oncologist to make sure if it ok to work on him. Most cancer patients will let you know how much they can tolerated because it is their body. I always try to chat with their docs before doing any kind of massage on them .

You may not be able to do deep tissue work but sometimes a nice hand and/or foot massage works to give them some stress management. Be aware of the medications this person is taking and what the treatment plan is. I did my internship at the cancer center here in Colorado. It was a great experience and even when I didn't do a massage on a patient just my touch seemed to be enough for them and helped with the feeling of isolation and depression.

Bottom line, talk with your friend and see if he discussed this with his doc. A lot of docs now recommend patients getting massages and healing touch when they feel the need it. Just a single touch can go a long way with helping someone in chronic pain. If you want some more information, please feel free to email here or at myzengarden@gmail.com.

Best wishes to you and your friend. Namaste

Kissybiz

Massage is a great tool for cancer patients. The issue is if is contraindicated. Your friend needs to check with his doc to see if it is ok to get a massage. From a therapist point of view, I would work closely with his oncologist to make sure if it ok to work on him. Most cancer patients will let you know how much they can tolerated because it is their body. I always try to chat with their docs before doing any kind of massage on them .

You may not be able to do deep tissue work but sometimes a nice hand and/or foot massage works to give them some stress management. Be aware of the medications this person is taking and what the treatment plan is. I did my internship at the cancer center here in Colorado. It was a great experience and even when I didn't do a massage on a patient just my touch seemed to be enough for them and helped with the feeling of isolation and depression.

Bottom line, talk with your friend and see if he discussed this with his doc. A lot of docs now recommend patients getting massages and healing touch when they feel the need it. Just a single touch can go a long way with helping someone in chronic pain. If you want some more information, please feel free to email here or at myzengarden@gmail.com.

Best wishes to you and your friend. Namaste

Thank you, Kougra. I believe he went to a Massage Envy (a massage chain) as recently as last week and complained that they hurt him using deep tissue. I was just going to do more of a relaxation massage and use some hot towels. I'll talk to him more with regard to his doctor, but from what he's said, it sounds like he's stopped treatment on his own. You're right though, sometimes it just helps to have a soothing touch.

Kougra

Massage Envy is one of the worst places to go for someone who has major medical issues and sometimes they don't listen to what the client is telling them. Cancer patients need to find someone who will take the time to get to know them as well as their condition. Chains are usually about the body count and not about the treatment of clients and their conditions because that is not what they are about. When giving your friend the massage, listen to what he tells but also listen to his body. His body will give you clues on if the pressure is too much or its helping relax him. Hydrotherapy is a good choice. If you have any training doing Hot Stone Massage, try that. It is an excellent modality and very non invasive technique. I do this on clients who chronic pain issues. If he is no longer doing treatments, make him as comfortable as possible and be there for him. A soothing touch goes a long way. =^_^=

renkath

When I was a practicing massage therapist I read an article in a trade magazine about cancer patients and aromatherapy massage compared to Swedish and other forms of traditional massage. Turns out the aromatherapy massage had longer lasting effects.