Muscle Restoration
Patients with cancer can
experience long periods of recovery and immobility. Medical interventions and
intravenous therapies can cause patients to be reluctant to ambulate from pain,
fatigue, weakness, and as part of therapeutic instructions. When the body is
inactive, muscle tissue begins to waste away and shrink (atrophy), and muscle
function and strength is greatly diminished. Massage techniques can simulate
muscle activity and prevent atrophy for inactive patients.
Soothing Painful and Fatigued Muscle
Inactivity in patients related to pain and tenderness may be relieved with massage techniques. A massage therapist with advanced knowledge can manipulate muscle in a way that stimulates the central nervous system and sparks a release of endorphins by the body. These powerful chemicals are the body’s natural painkillers and are several times more powerful than morphine. Cancer patients may be able to move more freely and decrease the progression of muscle atrophy.
Soothing Painful and Fatigued Muscle
Inactivity in patients related to pain and tenderness may be relieved with massage techniques. A massage therapist with advanced knowledge can manipulate muscle in a way that stimulates the central nervous system and sparks a release of endorphins by the body. These powerful chemicals are the body’s natural painkillers and are several times more powerful than morphine. Cancer patients may be able to move more freely and decrease the progression of muscle atrophy.
Massage Simulates
Exercise
During a massage, the muscles and connective tissue are stretched and contracted. In an inactive patient, the body responds to the stimulation much like it does in simple exercise. Body tissues are nourished with nutrients, circulation is improved, metabolism is increased, and the central nervous system responds as if the body is in motion. Massage techniques can prevent muscle atrophy and restore muscle tone in wheelchair or bed bound patients.
Benefits to the Respiratory Muscles
Patients with respiratory involvement are weak and inactive due to painful spasms and tight musculature around the rib cage. Patients with mesothelioma experience difficulty inhaling and exhaling because of stiff and painful muscles of respiration. Massage can deepen and balance the breathing pattern by relaxing the muscles and relieving spasm. The application of gentle percussive and compression techniques to the chest can assist the patient with removing congestion. Increasing oxygen and decreasing carbon dioxide improves the air exchange and provides more energy for the patient to regain some activity.
Massage Reduces Joint Strain
Immobility can cause stiffened joints, tight muscles and tendons. Massage releases spasms affecting tendons and muscles and increases range of motion. Joints move more freely with a reduction in joint compression and restoration of circulation. The movement of skeletal muscle increases the retention of sulphur, phosphorous, and nitrogen, which nourish bones and promote healthy tendon attachments.
Massage Therapy can Prevent Atrophy
Cancer patients are prone to inactivity due to pain, soreness, medical interventions and therapeutic treatments. Prevention of muscle atrophy is paramount to a patient’s level of recovery and restoration of activity. Massage therapy is an excellent complimentary therapy to prevent and possibly restore the normal function of skeletal and voluntary muscle. Patients may benefit from massage techniques during long periods of inactivity and recovery from medical interventions.
During a massage, the muscles and connective tissue are stretched and contracted. In an inactive patient, the body responds to the stimulation much like it does in simple exercise. Body tissues are nourished with nutrients, circulation is improved, metabolism is increased, and the central nervous system responds as if the body is in motion. Massage techniques can prevent muscle atrophy and restore muscle tone in wheelchair or bed bound patients.
Benefits to the Respiratory Muscles
Patients with respiratory involvement are weak and inactive due to painful spasms and tight musculature around the rib cage. Patients with mesothelioma experience difficulty inhaling and exhaling because of stiff and painful muscles of respiration. Massage can deepen and balance the breathing pattern by relaxing the muscles and relieving spasm. The application of gentle percussive and compression techniques to the chest can assist the patient with removing congestion. Increasing oxygen and decreasing carbon dioxide improves the air exchange and provides more energy for the patient to regain some activity.
Massage Reduces Joint Strain
Immobility can cause stiffened joints, tight muscles and tendons. Massage releases spasms affecting tendons and muscles and increases range of motion. Joints move more freely with a reduction in joint compression and restoration of circulation. The movement of skeletal muscle increases the retention of sulphur, phosphorous, and nitrogen, which nourish bones and promote healthy tendon attachments.
Massage Therapy can Prevent Atrophy
Cancer patients are prone to inactivity due to pain, soreness, medical interventions and therapeutic treatments. Prevention of muscle atrophy is paramount to a patient’s level of recovery and restoration of activity. Massage therapy is an excellent complimentary therapy to prevent and possibly restore the normal function of skeletal and voluntary muscle. Patients may benefit from massage techniques during long periods of inactivity and recovery from medical interventions.
Consult your doctor and
see if massage treatment is beneficial to you and your treatment. Give your
mind, body and spirit a break from some of life’s everyday stressors and go
indulge in a massage today!
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