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Massage Therapy improves pain and mood in advanced cancer
Submit responseThe article by Kutner et al. (1) suggests that massage therapy and to a lesser degree, simple touch provides immediate pain relief and improvement in mood. There was no lasting relief measured, prompting the editors to comment that "the absence of sustained effects demonstrates the need for more effective strategies to manage pain at the end of life." I would argue that temporary relief of suffering is still very much worthwhile. If I had advanced cancer and could feel better for an hour or two or three after a massage, I would request this, especially since it appears to have no adverse effects. The pain relief after an injection of morphine or while enjoying an excellent meal are all temporary. Even though their effects, like massage and touch in individuals with advanced cancer, may not be sustained, I would argue that they are very much worthwhile and can make our lives all the better.
Reference:
1. Jean S. Kutner, Marlaine C. Smith, Lisa Corbin, Linnea Hemphill, Kathryn Benton, B. Karen Mellis, Brenda Beaty, Sue Felton, Traci E. Yamashita, Lucinda L. Bryant, and Diane L. Fairclough Massage Therapy versus Simple Touch to Improve Pain and Mood in Patients with Advanced Cancer: A Randomized Trial Ann Intern Med 2008; 149: 369-379
Conflict of Interest:
None declared