UNDERSTANDING DEEP TISSUE MASSAGE THERAPY

Deep tissue massage therapy involves applying sustained pressure aimed at the deeper layers of a patient’s connective and muscle tissues. This specialized form of massage primarily targets tension within connective tissues and dismantles restrictive scar tissue that often emerges post-injury or illness. Beyond its application within integrative cancer treatments, deep tissue massage is sought after for its efficacy in alleviating severe muscle tightness, strains, and musculoskeletal sports injuries.

DEEP TISSUE MASSAGE AND CANCER PATIENTS

For individuals battling cancer, the essence of deep tissue massage therapy transcends the realm of muscle and tissue. Often referred to as cancer massage therapy, it has been adapted to prioritize pain relief and rejuvenation over traditional massage’s emphasis on muscle manipulation. Gentle and tailored to each patient’s unique needs, this specialized therapy seeks to avoid any discomfort or pain.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT SETTING

While spas and commercial massage clinics offer various massage services, cancer patients are best served by specialists in a dedicated cancer care center or hospice. This ensures that the massage therapist maintains direct communication with the patient’s healthcare team, allowing for adjustments in session length, targeted areas, and areas to avoid. At Miskawaan, our comprehensive approach ensures that every deep tissue massage aligns seamlessly with the patient’s individual case and treatment plan.

THE ART OF DEEP TISSUE MASSAGE

Deep tissue massage for cancer treatment, though clinically oriented, can rival the luxury of a spa experience. Dimmed lights create a soothing ambiance, optional calming music fills the air, and subtle fragrances may be introduced through scented candles or aromatic bowls—always with sensitivity to any patient aversions due to treatment.

The specifics may vary among therapists, with some patients remaining clothed, while others are draped in towels or gowns. Typically, sessions are divided, with therapists dedicating half the time to the patient’s back and buttocks before addressing the front of the body.

EFFECTIVENESS AND BENEFITS

Deep tissue massage offers a spectrum of advantages beyond addressing muscle strains and injuries. It enhances blood flow and oxygenation, yielding a host of benefits crucial for cancer patients. Extensive research underscores its positive impacts, which encompass:

• Pain relief
• Reduction of inflammation
• Enhanced relaxation
• Mitigation of anxiety and depression
• Improved sleep quality
• Accelerated muscle recovery

While deep tissue massage does not directly combat cancer cells or shrink tumors, it revitalizes patients, instilling them with the vigor needed to confront other treatments head-on. At Miskawaan, our approach revolves around bolstering the patient’s immune system, ensuring it stands strong in the face of cancer, chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation therapy. Deep tissue massage stands as a vital component of this holistic strategy.

CONSIDERATIONS AND POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS

Negative side effects from cancer massage therapy are exceptionally rare. Patients are encouraged to communicate any sensations of fatigue, lightheadedness, or thirst to further fine-tune the treatment plan.

In instances where massage sessions closely follow radiation therapy, close coordination between the oncologist and therapist is pivotal. It’s essential to avoid areas recently treated with radiotherapy to prevent aggravating bruises and compromised blood vessels.

Lastly, for patients grappling with swollen limbs and a lymphedema diagnosis, deep tissue massage therapy is thoughtfully replaced with lymphatic drainage massage.