Gelisim News

Physiotherapist from Istanbul Gelisim University Lect. Çağıl Ertürk emphasized that pain is the most common and debilitating symptom among cancer patients and evaluated the results of Oxford University's research on ‘the effect of massage therapy on pain’.

“USEFUL TO REDUCE PAIN AND ANXIETY”

Ertürk stating that massage can reduce pain perceptions of adult cancer patients up to 60 percent, said: “Massage by the physiotherapist appears to be useful in reducing pain and anxiety.”

Ertürk stated that after cancer treatment, effects such as fatigue, pain, neuropathy, lymphedema, sleeping difficulty, weight loss, cognitive dysfunction, sexual dysfunction and fear of recurrence may occur in the long term and added: “Cancer and its treatment are stressful and reduce the quality of life for cancer patients and their families. Pain is the most common and debilitating symptom among cancer patients. Pain affects 50 percent of patients receiving cancer treatment and 90 percent of patients with advanced cancer experience.”

“EFFECTIVE IN NAUSEA”

Noting that breast cancer patients experience nausea and vomiting due to the treatments they receive, Ertürk said: “Uncontrolled nausea and vomiting may cause physical disturbances such as fluid electrolyte imbalance, dehydration, anorexia and weight loss. In addition, these symptoms may prevent patients from having active social lives and from performing basic daily activities. It may adversely affect psychological well-being. In addition, nausea and vomiting are a critical factor affecting patient compliance.”

BERGAMOT AND GINGER ARE RECOMMENDED

Ertürk emphasizing that the results of the research were remarkable, said: “Massage therapy, acupuncture, music therapy and progressive muscle relaxation have been found to be effective on nausea. In addition, aromatherapy essential oils include bergamot, British mint and ginger inhalation to reduce nausea in cancer patients.”