Remedial Massage for Cancer
Gittalife has added Remedial Massage for Cancer to the already existing list of massage therapy options after the successful treatment of several cancer patients. These clients had been undergoing chemotherapy or had several lymph nodes or tumors removed. Consequently they were experiencing side effects from these treatments.
Background
Over the past few years an increasing amount of cancer patients have contacted Gittalife regarding Remedial Massage for Cancer. They are willing to try an alternative therapy option, because they hope for relief of symptoms related to clinical treatments of cancer. It seems like many patients in Perth suffer from side effects. Especially relevant are symptoms like fluid retention, problems with the digestive system, general fatigue and pain. This is because their immune system is weak and compromised.
Gittalife has developed a unique mixed therapy approach for the treatment of cancer patients. In addition to the already existing range of therapies, Remedial Massage for Cancer offers a new treatment option in Perth. This is the result of some unexpected profound success with a young cancer client. It is also due to the loss of a very good friend to leukemia. Hence GittaLife is now dedicating a major amount of time to people in Perth, who are undergoing treatment for cancer.
Remedial Massage Therapy Techniques & Cancer
Several forms of massage techniques can be of benefit to cancer patients. This includes Manual Lymphatic Drainage and Myofascial Release.
Absolute Contraindications
Remedial Massage for Cancer has no absolute contraindications. Hence, restrictions can be to certain areas of the body or to the intensity of the pressure used by the therapist.
Requirements BEFORE Starting Treatment
Please provide a written consent from your specialist or treating physician stating possible relative contraindications and/or restrictions to the treatment. One of the main risks with any massage combined with other forms of cancer treatment is the risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). Therefore please make sure that you are aware of precautions that have to be taken - this includes talking to your treating physician and your massage therapist about it.
The initial session will make you very tired as your body is not used to this form of treatment yet. Having a designated driver is advisable. GittaLife's premises also provide a separate small waiting room with TV and Foxtel to relax and recover after your session.
Remedial Massage for Cancer - Indications
- Pain
- Anxiety
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Fluid retention
- Impaired bowl function
Remedial Massage for Cancer - Contraindications
- Restrictions will have to be determined by the treating physician
Lymphedema
Lymphedema is a condition that exists because of buildup of lymph fluid. Consequently this leads to swelling of certain areas in the body. It is very common to happen in one or two limb extremities.
The cause is insufficient drainage in lymphatic vessels or lymph nodes, due to:
- A genetic predisposition
- The surgical removal of lymph nodes
- Hormone imbalances
- Side effects of certain medications
- Chemotherapy treatment
- Traumatic damage to the lymph system
A damaged lymphatic system does not repair itself, but the patient can manage the lymphedema. The treatment aims to improve the drainage of fluid and to reduce swelling, pain and discomfort.
Home Visits
For cancer patients who are not able to travel because they are very unwell, home visits are possible. It is most noteworthy that this will incur a fee for travel time in addition to your session fees.
If you are not sure if massage will be beneficial in your specific case, please feel free to contact GittaLife either by phone or e-mail.
Testimonials
This is an e-mail GittaLife received from Mitch's mum after her son had passed away from a very rare form of stomach cancer. She kindly gave permission to publish it:
"Dear Gitta
I wanted to write to thank you for the help and care you gave my son Mitchell in the last weeks of his life. He found great relief from his visits to you. Your treatment assisted him in keeping his digestion functional right to the end which meant a great deal to a young man of 27. Prior to seeing you we had been told that his bowel had been compromised due to the effects of the cancer. He felt that your treatment gave him a few extra weeks where he was able to continue to enjoy his life as well as his food. He even took us to Rockpool for dinner one evening. We will be forever grateful for your kindness and assistance.
Susan."