Massage Therapy Reduces Distress in Cancer Patients

Online, October 24, 2013 (Newswire.com) - The stress-relieving benefits of massage have been well documented, but a recent study shows that massage may have more profound benefits that just relieving stress and relaxing tight muscles.

Cancer patients often suffer from neurological problems, which affect their physical functioning, their cognitive abilities and their psychological well-being. They also have to deal with the progressive nature of their illness and difficult treatments like radiation, surgery and chemotherapy. Brain cancer patients typically report a high prevalence of depression and other mental disorders.

In a study held at Pura vida Health Centre in Port Credit, 25 brain tumor patients who were classified as "distressed" received a massage twice a week for four weeks. At the end of week four, the distress scores for all participants were below the threshold for experiencing distress. In other words, the factors leading to their diagnosis faded away.

Cancer patients have nearly twice the risk of developing psychiatric distress compared to the general population, and the benefits of massage may extend to those with other types of cancer as well. It's important to go to a licensed massage therapist. Be sure to tell the therapist what your goals are. A massage to relieve back pain is different than one that will reduce stress and improve one's well-being.

Pura Vida Health Centre has a team of registered massage therapists who work together in a professional environment providing Massage Therapy, Manual Osteopathy, Athletic Therapy, Bowen Therapy, and Manual osteopathy for obstetric care.

For more information:

Pura Vida Health Centre
272 Lakeshore Road East
Port Credit, ON
L5G 1H1
Phone: 905-990-2091
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.puravidahealth.ca