Are body massages harmful for prostate cancer patients ?

[whatsinaname]

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 !!

[cesanon]

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

[whatsinaname in reply to cesanon]

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

[deedeer in reply to whatsinaname]

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 in reply to deedeer]

Thank you for that information, deedeer.

[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 in reply to SeosamhM]

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

Cheers and stay healthy.

[MelaniePaul in reply to SeosamhM]

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 in reply to MelaniePaul]

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]

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

[whatsinaname in reply to arete1105]

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

[E2-Guy in reply to arete1105]

AND???

[arete1105 in reply to E2-Guy]

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

[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 in reply to Emmett50]

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

[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]

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 in reply to Litlerny]

Thank you, Litlerny for that information. Much obliged.

[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 in reply to Stegosaurus37]

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 in reply to whatsinaname]

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 in reply to Stegosaurus37]

Hahahahahaha, lol, lol, lol, lol, good one, Stegosaurus37

[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]

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]

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?