Does Swedish Massage Reduce Cancer-Related Fatigue? Everything You Need To Know

Swedish massage is one of the therapeutic modalities said to have massive benefits to cancer patients. But the question is, does it work?

Well, if you have been wondering if this massage modality is safe, just stick with me till the end as I unveil the effects of Swedish massage on cancer patients.

But before we dive right in, let's look at the history of Swedish massage and the effects it had on cancer patients.

History of Swedish massage

Massage is one of the oldest therapeutic modalities practiced in the medical industry. In 1868, Dutch doctor Johann Georg Mezger invented Swedish massage modality.

The same year before completing his medical studies, he wrote a 47-page dissertation paper on The Treatment of Distorio Pedis with Frictions which was later used as a Swedish massage basis.

Mezger applied his medical knowledge to develop five different therapeutic techniques, which are still used to date and are the basis of Swedish massage therapy.

And here are the five therapeutic techniques he developed:

1. Petrissage –kneading muscles

2. Vibration- shaking specific muscles

3. Effleurage- long glided strokes

4. Tapotement- percussive movements

5. Friction-steady circular rubbing motions

Does Massage Therapy Help Cancer Patients?

Cancer and its treatment techniques like chemotherapy, bone marrow transplant, and immunotherapy, surgery, and radiation therapy cause fatigue.

Unlike normal fatigue, cancer-related fatigue can take a toll on your body and bar you from carrying out your normal daily activities. I know this is too much to take in, but the truth is, if these side effects are ignored, they eventually sap nutrients and energy from the body, leaving you even more vulnerable to other health complications.