QuestionI recently read an answer to someone's question concerning whether deep tissue massage can spread cancer through the body. I can not find the original person to reply to but his reply made sense.He stated in brief: refer to pg. 502, "For many years it has been assumed that circulatory types of massage carry the risk of aiding the process of metastasis by boosting blood and lymph flow. Research shows, however, that cancerous growths can take years to become established before they are detectable by palpation. It seems farfetched to suppose that a 60-minute massage could contribute to that process any more significantly than a brisk walk around the block or a long hot shower. Nonetheless, it is obviously inappropriate to rub on a tumor or any undiagnosed swelling or thickening of tissue.
So, after reviewing the above, IMHO I would suggest that massage would probably benefit the client as long as you avoid the areas of cancer involvement. Also the same for ultrasound (using soundwaves to detect abnormalities in body).
My question is he saying that ultrasound is harmful? I thought that ultrasound was a safe procedure used by Physical Therapists and also to diagnose whether or not something could be cancerous.
AnswerSally-
I am a licensed massage therapist who has been trained in cancer massage. When I was in school we were told not to massage cancer patients for the reasons you said - possible spread..but that was rumor and not fact.
That said, there are certain things you need to think about when working with individuals with cancer (especially those receiving radiation and/or chemo even years later). Their bodies are going through an extreme amount of stress. As massage therapists, we don't want to tax their bodies further (thus no deep tissue is recommended for that reason). When it comes to studies and recommendations, the approach is to use very light strokes (like a very slow and extremely light pressure like a very light and slow Swedish massage). This may help improve sleep, reduce pain, help feel comforted, and so much more. It is extremely rewarding work. I would recommend taking a class either with Gayle MacDonald or Tracy Walton's groups. In the meantime, take a look at the book "Medicine Hands" by Gayle MacDonald - or her website or Tracy's website. It may help with further guidelines.
One thing I want to make VERY clear. The biggest mistake you can make with a cancer patient relates to LYMPH NODES. If they have had any removed - make note & if you're not up on your lymphatics, you might want to take a look there. NO deep work near an are where lymph nodes were taken & you want to push fluid towards areas with most lymph nodes intact. The biggest risk is that yes we can induce lymphodema (ex. where an entire arm may swell). & that's the biggest area I would be careful with. (the groin areas and axilla areas in particular).
Regarding ultrasound...unfortunately that's out of my scope of practice. I'm not exactly sure why ultrasound is a contraindication (for the reasons you express). One thing I can say if you think about an area of tissue that has undergone radiation - (again how to deal with that is best taught by cancer classes) - you don't work on that area initially because it is an area that's stressed. Might be the same reason for ultrasound, but I honestly am not sure.
