Are body massages harmful for prostat... - Advanced Prostate...

Advanced Prostate Cancer

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Are body massages harmful for prostate cancer patients ?

whatsinaname profile image
24 Replies

I cannot imagine that they are. But, still would like to know from the knowledgeable.

I am going to be on vacation for about 9 days and plan on getting a few body massages. Swedish, Shiatsu, Thai, Balinese, Aromatherapy.

Will it be OK to do so ??

Thank you very much for any help offered.

Cheers, Guys !!

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whatsinaname profile image
whatsinaname
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24 Replies
cesanon profile image
cesanon

It should increase blood and lymph circulation. You would think that would be generally good or at worst neutral.

whatsinaname profile image
whatsinaname in reply tocesanon

Thank you, cesanon. I sort of thought the same myself.

deedeer profile image
deedeer in reply towhatsinaname

I have them weekly and I believe they are great. They make me feel good and help with the aches I have. I use them as part of my self care routine.

whatsinaname profile image
whatsinaname in reply todeedeer

Thank you for that information, deedeer.

SeosamhM profile image
SeosamhM

Hey, Whatsin. I credit massage for being able to move every day of my what with all my bone mets. I was a medic for years and, coincidentally, one of my former colleagues became a certified massage therapist right when I needed a push...and a pull...and a bend. She is a fiend for research, and stresses that as long as it is the muscle that is worked and not the bone, it’s good for us.

whatsinaname profile image
whatsinaname in reply toSeosamhM

Excellent info, SeosamhM. Thank you very much, indeed.

Cheers and stay healthy.

MelaniePaul profile image
MelaniePaul in reply toSeosamhM

That's interesting. Hard to know what is true, isn't it? But, when I think about it, I don't actually believe that a massage would do any harm either. It will probably be very enjoyable and relaxing.

SeosamhM profile image
SeosamhM in reply toMelaniePaul

Agreed - there is no ideal study for something like massage, and the problem with cancer generally is that it is tailored specifically to each of us; it is our own body harming itself. I can only tell of my specific experience with massage - growing up an athlete, the way my MT does it is very trainer-like, i.e., she does things that help me determine whether there is true injury or simply exhaustion, over-exertion, or my own laziness in stretching. This approach has helped me get over my fear and continue normal(ish) activity, including improving my range of motion in my hips and in my neck - a C2 bone tumor has left it permanently fractured and slightly displaced. Additionally, despite the discomfort of this type of massage, to an ex-jock it is “good” pain and I expect that “bad” pain will be an early warning of sorts if my bone mets start up again or new ones appear.

arete1105 profile image
arete1105

no, but be careful of the Thai massages, they tend to cover too much acreage.

whatsinaname profile image
whatsinaname in reply toarete1105

Thanks, arete1105, for that piece of information, much obliged.

E2-Guy profile image
E2-Guy in reply toarete1105

AND???

arete1105 profile image
arete1105 in reply toE2-Guy

having an orgasm when treated with radiation is too hard on the prostate. You will piss it off-

Emmett50 profile image
Emmett50

My husband, as an aside, mentioned he was getting massages. The MO responded “That’s great!” This is at a top university based cancer center. Enjoy the massages-grab all the relief you can!

whatsinaname profile image
whatsinaname in reply toEmmett50

Thank you very much, Emmett50. This is really what I wanted to hear, thanks :-)

MelaniePaul profile image
MelaniePaul

If you have mets in the lymph nodes, I would be careful with massage. There is the opinion out there that pressing on the lymph node should be avoided since pressure on the lymph nodes could activate the spots or something, which is why my husband was always very careful when going for any treatment that involved pressure like that. But I suppose if it is a gentle one then it should be okay.

Litlerny profile image
Litlerny

My wife (Mrs. Santa) gave me a gift certificate for a massage for Christmas. I had it done last week. Before going in I filled out a health questionnaire, and on arrival I discussed my health issues with my massage therapist...opted for a “gentle” muscle massage rather than a deep tissue massage, and used heated stones to augment the manipulation. It felt great! I agree with MelaniePaul that, just to be cautious, you might want to instruct the massage therapist to go very lightly, or avoid, areas where there are large bundles of lymph nodes.

whatsinaname profile image
whatsinaname in reply toLitlerny

Thank you, Litlerny for that information. Much obliged.

Stegosaurus37 profile image
Stegosaurus37

I'm incredibly ticklish and have never been able to tolerate a massage, but if it helps with aches and pains and mental stress, should be a good thing.

whatsinaname profile image
whatsinaname in reply toStegosaurus37

For me, its not to counter mental stress. Its more to get that nice relaxed feeling. Sometimes, if the massage is really good, one even gets a fabulous feeling of floating on air :-) Cheers !!

Stegosaurus37 profile image
Stegosaurus37 in reply towhatsinaname

Good on you and I'm very happy for you. For me with the ticklish bit, I'd quickly be ready to confess to anything. Really surprised the torturers haven't glommed onto that.

whatsinaname profile image
whatsinaname in reply toStegosaurus37

Hahahahahaha, lol, lol, lol, lol, good one, Stegosaurus37 :-) :-) :-)

j-o-h-n profile image
j-o-h-n

I would have one in a heart beat, but won't because of no more happy endings...

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

J-o-h-n Sunday 01/20/2019 1:58 PM EST

ARIES29 profile image
ARIES29

Thai massages are great i believe & they do not go near the lymph nodes but the other day i had laser treatment for belly fat & thought i better ask the MO before any more treatments. It breaks up the surface fat,they rub ointment on like an ultra sound & laser.

Fitzbruce1 profile image
Fitzbruce1

I have bone Mets on my spine. I have not had my monthly massage since I was diagnosed 6 months ago because of fears that hard massaging of my back could spread tumor cells.

I would love to find out that this is not true. Any thoughts?

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