Complementary and alternative medicine (also known as CAM) includes body-based therapies for mesothelioma. Body-based therapies utilize massage and musculoskeletal adjustments. They are mostly used to ease symptoms and side effects of the disease and difficult treatments like chemotherapy.[1]
Mesothelioma Treatments
There are many different therapies used for mesothelioma. Body-based therapies are not direct treatments for cancer. They are considered supplementary. They can help patients feel better, relieve symptoms and treatment side effects, and enjoy a higher quality of life.
The most common treatments that actually target the cancer include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and experimental treatments like gene therapy.
What Are Body-Based Therapies?
Body-based therapy is often referred to as manipulative therapy. As the name implies, manipulative therapy refers to any supportive therapy that manipulates or moves the body. Some consider this alternative medicine, but they are really complementary.
The most common of these therapies is chiropractic medicine, which focuses on the manipulation of the spine. Another form of manipulative therapy is massage therapy, which manipulates soft tissue like muscle.
Acupuncture involves manipulating the body’s energy flow. All of these manipulative therapies are generally considered safe for patients when provided by a trained professional.[2][3]
What Are the Benefits of Body-Based Therapy for Mesothelioma?
For a patient with mesothelioma, there are many potential benefits of body-based therapies. These are not treatments for the cancer itself but are instead complementary treatments that can:[3]
- Relieve cancer symptoms
- Relieve side effects of treatments like chemotherapy
- Provide pain relieve
- Improve quality of life
A patient may seek body-based therapies for these general reasons and to feel better overall. Someone may also seek therapy for relief of specific symptoms.
Body-based therapies may help relieve pain, nausea and vomiting, fatigue, digestive issues, stress, anxiety, depression, and mobility issues.[3]
Types of Body-Based Therapy for Mesothelioma Patients
While not traditionally included in cancer care, body-based and other alternative therapies are increasingly offered at cancer centers. When not available at a treatment facility, medical teams can usually recommend a good practitioner.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapists work with patients to relieve pain and restore function and mobility in a variety of situations, including cancer care.
Some physical therapists specialize in working with cancer patients. They are known as oncologic physical therapists, and they have specialized training and certification. They understand the limitations and needs of cancer patients.
Physical therapy sessions consist mostly of guided exercises, with some manipulation of the body by the therapist. PTs usually also give patients homework exercises to maximize progress.
Exercises and sessions are not generic or standardized. PTs create individualized treatment plans that meet each patient’s specific needs.
For a mesothelioma patient, physical therapy can help build or rebuild strength to relieve pain and make moving easier. PT is often especially helpful for rehabilitation after surgery.
Chiropractic
A chiropractor works with patients to provide general or specific health care. Chiropractors are specially trained medical professionals who manipulate the musculoskeletal system to help patients heal or find relief from pain.
For some health concerns, like back or neck pain, chiropractic care may actually be an effective substitute for traditional medicine. Chiropractic care can be a useful complement to traditional treatments for some mesothelioma patients.[4]
For mesothelioma patients, a chiropractor may help provide pain relief, improve mobility, relieve nausea, and reduce stress and anxiety. Chiropractors also counsel patients on healthy nutrition and other lifestyle choices. With pain relief through body manipulation, a chiropractor can even help cancer patients rely less on pain medications.
Massage Therapy
Massage therapy uses touch to manipulate muscles, tendons, and ligaments. The goal is pain reduction, relaxation, improved circulation, and lower stress levels.
Some people use massage primarily to relax; however, research has found serious benefits to massage, especially for cancer patients.[5]
Oncology massage is designed specifically for cancer patients and can help relieve pain, reduce fatigue, and improve mobility. It can also help cancer patients better recover from anesthesia and surgery.
Mesothelioma patients interested in massage should consider working with a therapist specially trained in oncology massage. These professionals understand the specific needs and limitations of cancer patients.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is an ancient practice in traditional Chinese medicine. Used for centuries to treat various conditions and symptoms, the philosophy behind acupuncture is to rebalance the body’s energy flow.
Practitioners believe there are lines of energy flowing through the body and that by manipulating them, the practitioner can rebalance that energy to provide relief.
This is traditionally done by inserting thin needles at special pressure points in the body. Acupuncture does not hurt, and there are few risks associated with the practice. However, as with all alternative treatments, be sure to work with a trained professional.[6]
Modern research has discovered that patients experience many benefits from acupuncture. These benefits include reduced pain, relief from nausea, reduced fatigue, better mood, and improved sleep.
Acupuncture can also help relieve dry mouth, a common side effect of cancer treatments. These benefits can help mesothelioma patients find relief from treatment side effects. It can also allow them to better tolerate longer, more intense courses of treatment.[6]
TENS Therapy
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is an alternative medical practice involving the use of low-voltage electrical currents. These currents are used specifically to safely reduce pain. A TENS therapist attaches electrodes to the skin, either at the location of pain or near important pressure points.
Electrodes connect to a small battery pack and deliver mild electrical pulses. Some people find relief from pain using TENS, but exactly why it helps is not fully understood.
Some experts believe electrical pulses stimulate nerve cells that send signals to the brain to release endorphins, pain-relieving chemicals. Another idea is that the pulses block pain signals to the brain.[7]
For mesothelioma patients dealing with serious pain, non-medicated relief can be a great solution. A patient can learn from a therapist how to use the TENS device and then take it home to administer currents as needed. TENS is considered safe for most patients; however, anyone with a pacemaker may not be able to use it.[8]
Yoga, Tai Chi, and Qigong
Gentle exercises that emphasize the mind-body connection can help mesothelioma patients. These traditional practices can improve fitness and mobility without putting a lot of strain on the body and support good mental health.
- Yoga. Yoga is an ancient mind-body practice from India that uses poses and movements connected with breathing to improve strength, flexibility, awareness, and mental health. The practice can be rigorous but also gentle. Some teachers are trained to work with patients who have physical limitations.
- Tai Chi. This type of gentle exercise comes from China and focuses on coordinated, smooth movements to improve energy flow in the body. Studies have shown it can reduce fatigue, relieve pain, improve balance, and improve sleep in cancer patients.[9]
- Qigong. Qigong is similar to tai chi in that it focuses on balancing energy in the body. The practice includes body movement, muscle relaxation, breathing, and meditation. It is proven to reduce stress and anxiety, improve lung function, reduce fatigue, and reduce pain.[10]
Are There Any Risks of Body-Based Therapies for Mesothelioma Patients?
The risks of any of these complementary therapies are minimal but also vary by patient and practice. To reduce the risk of any adverse events from trying body-based therapies:
- Always consult your medical team and primary physician before trying a new treatment, therapy, or exercise
- Work with practitioners at your cancer center or treatment facility or with those recommended by your medical team
- Only work with practitioners who are trained, licensed, and experienced in helping cancer patients
- Don’t push yourself to move more than you can and stop if exercise causes pain
- Ask for modifications if the therapy causes too much discomfort
- Tell your therapist about any changes in your symptoms or cancer treatments
How to Access Body-Based Therapies
More cancer centers now offer complementary and alternative medical services than ever. You might find practitioners in any of these types of therapy right at your treatment facility.
If you don’t have immediate access to practitioners, talk to your medical team. Your doctors can recommend trained and skilled professionals they trust.
They can also help you determine which types of therapies might provide you with the most benefits. There may be a good reason you shouldn’t try a particular therapy that isn’t obvious to you but that your doctors will point out.
Body-based therapies all rely on trained professionals who manipulate the body to reduce or relieve disease symptoms or produce relaxation. Always talk to your medical team before trying any new type of treatment or therapy. Body-based therapies may not be effective for all patients but are generally considered safe. For most patients, there are no reasons not to give them a try.
