Myofascial Massage Improves Pain & Mobility After Breast Cancer Surgery
Massage Magazine reports research indicates that women who have upper-extremity pain and mobility issues following breast-cancer surgery experience significant improvements in these areas following weekly half-hour sessions of myofascial massage.
The study “Myofascial massage for chronic pain and decreased upper extremity mobility after breast cancer surgery” involved 21 women, who were randomly assigned to either the intervention group or the control group. The women in the intervention group received two 30-minute sessions of myofascial massage per week for eight weeks. Each session focused on the breast, chest, and shoulder of the affected side. Women in the control group received two 30-minute Swedish relaxation massage sessions for eight weeks; each session avoided the affected breast, chest, and shoulder.
Before the massage sessions got underway, each of the women's pain, mobility, and quality of life were assessed. Another assessment was conducted after the end of the eight-week intervention period. The research indicated a significant reduction in self-reported pain and mobility issues and a significant improvement in self-reported overall health among the women who received myofascial massage. Read more.
Aromatherapy Market to Experience Significant Growth by 2016
A report from Future Market Insights forecasts the global aromatherapy market, currently at $3.8 billion markets will reach an $8 billion valuation by the end of 2026. The research firm indicates that “Over the next decade, awareness regarding healing benefits of aromatherapy is expected to gain momentum. Medical centers providing therapeutic treatments will promote the use of aromatherapy in the treatment of generic ailments such as depression, anxiety, and headaches.” Its effectiveness will also fuel demand for aromatherapy in boosting cognitive performance, strengthening immunity, reducing pain, improving digestion, and increasing blood circulation, the report states. Read more.
Benefits of Massage Therapy
Prevention magazine just issued a piece on “6 Healthy Ways Getting a Massage Benefits Your Entire Body,” pointing out that the benefits come down to pressure whatever type of massage one chooses. Dr. Tiffany Field, director of the Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami, explains that moving the skin during a moderate pressure massage results in calming and slowing the nervous system. The six big benefits of massage noted in the article include:
· Relieve anxiety
· Sleep more soundly
· Fight fatigue
· Aid certain health conditions
· Boost focus
· Heal injuries