This is very valid advice. It is not a case of one size fits all. Sometimes the benefits can outweigh the risk and this has to be a consideration. Especially in the case of terminal illness, there is a lot of research to support the benefits of massage therapies in improving quality of life. As a medical professional, I can make that decision and I understand perhaps this may be a difficult dilemma for non medical professionals. As has already been said, palliative care nurses offer this treatment to patients in their care, with great success. They certainly would not be doing anything to cause harm. Look holistically.
Facials and cancer?
- Thread starter kimi1101
- Start date
Help Support SalonGeek:
This is very valid advice. It is not a case of one size fits all. Sometimes the benefits can outweigh the risk and this has to be a consideration. Especially in the case of terminal illness, there is a lot of research to support the benefits of massage therapies in improving quality of life. As a medical professional, I can make that decision and I understand perhaps this may be a difficult dilemma for non medical professionals. As has already been said, palliative care nurses offer this treatment to patients in their care, with great success. They certainly would not be doing anything to cause harm. Look holistically.
Helen v
Well-Known Member
Hi,
treatments and cancer is always a bit of a minefield, as people have already said there is no evidence to suggest that massage will spread cancer. Generally the rule of thumb is that any massage should be light pressure, not over the tumor/growth site. The main consideration has to be the effect that providing a treatment will have on the body's internal systems processing any medications. Dont forget that any massage will boost the effects of the circulation and effectively speed up the metabolism, you will also encourage detoxification. Then you have the external effects as has already been mentioned making the tissues more delicate and sensative, dont forget the effect that radiation has on the sebaceous glands, let alone what the hormones are doing. I know that this all sounds like too much to take in but if you refer back to your a&p then really understanding how the body works will be really helpful in allowing you to way up the possible outcomes for your client, and as always if in any doubt or you are not happy ask for a referal form their GP or consultant. There is nothing more comforting and soothing in times of such high stress thatn that of another humans touch. HTH :hug:
Helen
treatments and cancer is always a bit of a minefield, as people have already said there is no evidence to suggest that massage will spread cancer. Generally the rule of thumb is that any massage should be light pressure, not over the tumor/growth site. The main consideration has to be the effect that providing a treatment will have on the body's internal systems processing any medications. Dont forget that any massage will boost the effects of the circulation and effectively speed up the metabolism, you will also encourage detoxification. Then you have the external effects as has already been mentioned making the tissues more delicate and sensative, dont forget the effect that radiation has on the sebaceous glands, let alone what the hormones are doing. I know that this all sounds like too much to take in but if you refer back to your a&p then really understanding how the body works will be really helpful in allowing you to way up the possible outcomes for your client, and as always if in any doubt or you are not happy ask for a referal form their GP or consultant. There is nothing more comforting and soothing in times of such high stress thatn that of another humans touch. HTH :hug:
Helen
the-lakes
Active Member
Im afraid its the world of Health and Safety gone mad again. Some cancer sufferers would want nothing more than a massage to help them relax. If its been cleared by the nurses/doctors then there shouldnt be a problem. It matters for us though to insurance problems etc. A shame really...
Hi everyone. I found this website today and I thought it may be of some help...
Massage for Cancer Patients: Indicated or Contraindicated?
Massage for Cancer Patients: Indicated or Contraindicated?
kimi1101
Well-Known Member
Thanks everyoen for the advice. She was supposed to be coming in for a fascial today but she wasn't feeling well so she stayed at home. I can't remember who asked, but yes, it is terminal. She loves facials but I spoke to my therapist today and just adivsed to go easy on scrubs and massage and she said she will. Its primarilly bowel cancer, but has spread to liver now. Feel bad cos she wanted a purpley bit in her hair and she one scan away from the all clear so i said when she had the all clear we'd think about it and now its spread and...argh. Just think its such a shame when they feel so rubbish about everything else without being told dont colour your hair or get massage or the a million other things we are advised not to do!!!
I'm very sorry for you and your MIL. But now that it is terminal she can basically have any treatments which will make her feel better, albeit temporarily. Pamper her as much as you can now and make the most of spending time with her. :hug:
