physical

Indulge in Massage. Its Healthy!

By Mary Pfeifer, IPMR Oncology Massage Therapist and Jenny Shimon, IPMR Pregnancy Massage Therapist

assage has traditionally been considered an unnecessary indulgence, but that is changing. Clinical research shows that massage can reduce pain and anxiety. Client reported benefits also include: improved sleep, decreased sense of isolation, enhanced body image, and increased feelings of well-being. Everyone can benefit from massage; it is a great way to relieve everyday tension and general aches and pains. Massage is a therapeutic modality that is increasingly being used to compliment care in the clinical care setting. Now there is specialized massage for people with medical concerns. Lets explore the benefits of pregnancy massage and oncology massage. Pregnancy Massage Massage during pregnancy not only makes a woman feel pampered, but offers undeniable physical benefits as well. Massage can relieve fatigue, enhance sleep, and calm an active baby. Massage during the weeks after delivery helps restore muscle tone in the abdomen and reposition the pelvis. Touch is a very important part of bonding with your baby. A pregnancy massage therapist can instruct you in massage for your baby. Massage can help various issues experienced as pregnancy progresses. In the first trimester, massage can relieve headaches, alleviPage 12 Healthy Cells Magazine Peoria July 2013

ate morning sickness, and reduce fatigue. In the second trimester, massage can relieve backaches and relieve leg cramps. In the third trimester, massage reduces swelling/edema, relieves pain from varicosities, enhances sleep, and prepares pelvic muscles for the birthing process. During the entire term of pregnancy, massage can stimulate oxygen and blood flow, and increase muscle tone and flexibility. This can alleviate leg cramps and muscle spasms. To get the full benefit, a 60 or 90 minute massage is recommended during pregnancy. When receiving a pregnancy massage, there are several options. The massage therapist considers the clients specific needs and the stage of pregnancy. A pregnancy massage therapist uses a special pregnancy massage table which optimizes the comfort and safety of the mom and baby. Other options include sideline reclined or reclined with support of special pillows. Women with normal, low-risk pregnancy can benefit greatly from massage by a trained pregnancy massage therapist. However, women in high-risk pregnancies should consult with their doctor or midwife before beginning a massage therapy program. Oncology Massage Oncology massage promotes the physical and mental wellbeing all cancer survivors. When providing massage for survivors,

primary massage considerations include but are not limited to bone integrity, vital organ involvement, and compromised lymph nodes. Oncology massage education of the massage therapist is essential for clinical safety and therapeutic benefit. Massage adaptations are required for: Fatigue Peripheral neuropathy Low blood cell counts Blood clots Bone pain Bone metastases Radiation or surgery Removal of lymph nodes Lymphedema Medications Medical devices Late effects of treatment An oncology massage therapist will modify the massage session to adapt to these considerations, as well as to those pertaining to the late effects of treatment, and where applicable, disease progression. For someone in active cancer treatment or recovery a practitioner should avoid pressure and speeds that may increase fatigue, compromise skin or bone integrity, upset the side effects of compromised blood cell counts or vital organ impairment, cause nausea, cause unnecessary risk for someone with or at risk of blood clots, or trigger or exacerbate lymphedema. The adjustment of pressure and speed varies based on individual medical concerns.

Regular massage, oncology massage, and pregnancy massage are offered at the Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (IPMR). IPMR offers oncology massage as part of its Survivorship Training and Rehab (STAR) program for cancer rehabilitation. Call IPMR at 309-692-8131 for massage or 309-692-8110 for other programs at IPMR. More information is available at www.ipmr.org.
Source: Society for Oncology Massage

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July 2013 Peoria Healthy Cells Magazine Page 13