Integrative Medicine Therapies for Pain Management in Cancer Patients.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to evaluate the role of massage therapy in pain management and its effects on anxiety and mood changes in cancer patients.
Results Summary
The study found that massage therapy, while not directly reducing pain, can alleviate anxiety and mood changes commonly associated with pain in cancer patients. Data from randomized controlled trials support its integrative role in pain management.
Population
Cancer patients
Effective Dosage
Not specified
Duration
Not specified
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
hypnosis | decrease | pain | cancer patients | - | support the effect | #1 |
acupuncture | decrease | pain | cancer patients | - | support the effect | #2 |
music therapy | decrease | pain | cancer patients | - | support the effect | #3 |
mindfulness meditation | no change | pain | cancer patients | - | may not reduce | #4 |
yoga | no change | pain | cancer patients | - | may not reduce | #5 |
qigong | no change | pain | cancer patients | - | may not reduce | #6 |
massage therapy | no change | pain | cancer patients | - | may not reduce | #7 |
mindfulness meditation | decrease | anxiety | cancer patients | - | can relieve | #8 |
yoga | decrease | anxiety | cancer patients | - | can relieve | #9 |
qigong | decrease | anxiety | cancer patients | - | can relieve | #10 |
massage therapy | decrease | anxiety | cancer patients | - | can relieve | #11 |
mindfulness meditation | decrease | mood changes | cancer patients | - | can relieve | #12 |
yoga | decrease | mood changes | cancer patients | - | can relieve | #13 |
qigong | decrease | mood changes | cancer patients | - | can relieve | #14 |
massage therapy | decrease | mood changes | cancer patients | - | can relieve | #15 |
Pain management for cancer patients should include pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic interventions. Integrative medicine therapies, such as mind-body practice, acupuncture, massage therapy, and music therapy, have been studied for their roles in pain management. Data from randomized controlled trials support the effect of hypnosis, acupuncture, and music therapy in reduction of pain. Mindfulness meditation, yoga, qigong, and massage therapy, although may not reduce pain per se, can relieve anxiety and mood changes, which are commonly associated with pain. In clinical practice, one should also consider burdens and risks to patients, patient preference, and the presence or absence of better alternatives when making decisions on whether an integrative medicine therapy is of clinical value.