Written by Helen Cooke, Helen Seers and the CAM-Cancer Consortium.
Updated May 9, 2012

Massage (Classical/Swedish)

Abstract and key points

  • Massage involves the manipulation of the body’s muscles and soft tissues
  • Some evidence indicates that massage may improve quality of life, decrease pain, nausea, anxiety, stress, fatigue, anger and depression in individuals diagnosed with cancer
  • The methodological quality of the research published to date is however poor
  • Massage for cancer patients is generally safe

Classical/Swedish massage involves mechanical manipulation of muscles and soft tissues. Practitioners claim that massage may have several positive effects in the treatment of people suffering from cancer, including psychological improvements (e.g. reduction of anxiety and depression) or alleviation of physical symptoms associated with cancer (e.g. reduction of nausea reduction and strengthening of the immune system). Massage has also been promoted to improve overall quality of life. However, to date little research has been carried out to support many of these claims and studies that are often methodologically flawed.

Evidence from four systematic reviews, two non-systematic review and one narrative review suggests that massage may improve quality of life, decease pain, nausea, stress, fatigue, anger, depression and short-term anxiety. It is however not possible to draw firm conclusions, due to poor methodological quality of research.

Overall, there is some evidence that classical/Swedish massage administered as a symptomatic treatment has benefits for cancer patients and is generally safe. Documentation indicates that contraindications include strong forceful massage in patients suffering from hemorrhagic disorders, low platelet counts, and blood thinning medication.

Citation

Helen Cooke, Helen Seers, CAM-Cancer Consortium. Massage (Classical/Swedish) [online document]. http://www.cam-cancer.org/CAM-Summaries/Manipulative-body-based/Massage-Classical-Swedish. May 9, 2012.

Document history

Last updated and revised in January 2012 by Helen Cooke.
Summary first published in October 2010, authored by Helen Seers.

References

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  4. Frey Law LA, Evans S, Knudtson J, Nus S, Scholl K, Sluka KA (2008) Massage reduces pain perception and hyperalgesia in experimental muscle pain: a randomized, controlled trial. J Pain 9(8):714–721
  5. Coelho HF, Boddy K, Ernst E (2008) Massage therapy for the treatment of depression: a systematic review. Int J Clin Pract 62(2):325–333
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