ünnitusjärgse inkontinentsuse korral
KAS VÄHIHAIGE PATSIENDI MASSAAŽ ON OHUTU JA TÕHUS?
Is massage safe and effective for the oncological patient?
Pille Põldaru, Liis Toomsalu, Kirkke Reisberg
Abstract The purpose of this study was to determine important aspects of massage therapy for the oncological patient and to find out whether massage is safe and effective for the oncological patient. The study is based on a literature review. Firstly, it was concluded that safe massage for the oncological patient is possible only when the patient, the healthcare providers and the masseurs cooperate effectively. Acceleration of blood and lymph circulation caused by massage is not a cause of metastatic spread. In conclusion, massage does not promote the formulation and spreading of metastases from the primary cancer. When applying massage, it is important to take into account the peculiarities caused by the illness and treatment, and changes should be made in the massage techniques, if needed. The location and the stage of the cancer and overall patient well-being should also be taken into account. It is forbidden to do massage in the location of cancer and metastases, it is also suggested to avoid direct massage nearby the cancer. Massage might be contraindicated in cases of increased risk for possible complications. Secondly, massage reduces anxiety and fatigue in oncological patients. Some studies have found reduction of depression, stress and/or distress and improvement of the quality of sleep after massage. On the other hand, some studies do not confirm these findings. Massage reduces nausea and vomiting, also short-term pain. Long-term pain reduction has not been observed. Therefore, massage has positive effects on psychological and physical symptoms of oncological patients. Specifically for breast cancer patients after lymph nodes removal massage helps to reduce pain 217
