As our population ages, families are more likely to know someone they care about who is suffering from a condition that causes them worry and concern. ‘They very often feel powerless, but it makes a huge difference if they can see their loved ones get some relief,’ said Malcolm Calcutt from the Perth Massage & Injury Management Clinic..
It may be the pain and discomfort caused by cancer or another chronic disease, it may be the after-effects of an operation, it may be situations of palliative care, or it may be just reoccurring pains and discomfort that affects how they feel.
According to the Australian Association of Massage Therapists (AAMT), research shows that therapeutic massage can help in these situations.
Research has found that positive changes in biochemistry can occur with massage therapy. This includes reduced cortisol and increased serotonin and dopamine, which can benefit patients with chronic pain, including migraine, and children with rheumatoid arthritis.
The AAMT commissioned reviews of scientific studies, which found evidence indicating the benefits of massage for reducing post-operative pain for breast surgery patients, cancer pain and anxiety, and the easing of cancer symptoms such as nausea in patients undergoing chemotherapy.
Combined with medical care, scientific trials have found that massage can also ease pain following cardiac surgery and assist with the recovery. It can also assist with the wellbeing of people in a range of situations that create anxiety and stress.
‘Massage can help with a range of conditions that make everyday living difficult for many people, and which reduces their quality of life significantly. Although not ‘life-threatening’, these conditions cause great distress, especially to those suffering from chronic pain, like subacute and chronic non-specific low-back pain. These conditions can be eased through massage,’ said Malcolm Calcutt.
‘Often people feel that they just have to put up with their aches and pains and are surprised at the real difference regular massage can make to their sense of well-being.
‘When performed by experienced therapists, massage is low risk and has potential benefits in alleviating pain and stress.’
Seeing positive results for the people we care about not only benefits those suffering from the discomfort, but also benefits those who have to live with the worry and concern,’ said Mr Calcutt.
For further information, contact Malcolm Calcutt 08 9243-7052
