Thursday, April 4, 2013

Therapy for cancer

Cancer skin stimulation

The use of heat to stimulate the skin after cancer treatment or Chemotherapy is extremely therapeutic.
Skin stimulation using heat therapy

Skin stimulation

In this series of techniques, pressure, warmth, or cold is used on the skin, while the feeling of pain is lessened or blocked. Massage, pressure, vibration, heat, cold, and menthol preparations can also be used to stimulate the skin. These techniques also change the flow of blood to the area that is stimulated. Sometimes skin stimulation will get rid of pain or lessen pain during the stimulation and for hours after it is finished.
Skin stimulation is done either on or near the area of pain. You can also use skin stimulation on the side of the body opposite the pain. For example, you might stimulate the left knee to decrease the pain in the right knee. Stimulating the skin in areas away from the pain can be used to increase relaxation and may relieve pain.

What you should know about skin stimulation

If you are having radiation therapy, check with your doctor or nurse before using skin stimulation. You should not put ointments, salves, menthol, or liniments on the treatment area, and you should not use heat or extreme cold on treated areas. If you are getting chemotherapy, check with your doctor before using hot or cold packs.
Cold or heat: As with any of the techniques described, you should use what works best for you. Heat often relieves sore muscles. Cold lessens the feeling of pain by numbing the painful area. You can also switch back and forth between heat and cold for added relief in some cases.
For cold, try our body wrap. You can get them here. They can be used again and stored in the freezer.
Precautions: If you start to shiver when using cold, stop right away. Do not use cold so intense or for so long that the cold itself causes more pain.
Avoid cold over any area where you are getting radiation treatments and for 6 months after it has ended.
If you are getting chemotherapy, check with your doctor before using a cold pack.
Do not use cold over any area where your circulation or sensation is poor.
Do not apply cold for more than 5 to 10 minutes at a time.
To use heat for pain relief, a heating pad with a moisture option is handy. You can also try gel packs heated in hot water; hot water bottles; a hot, moist towel; a regular heating pad; a hot bath or shower; or a hot tub to apply heat. You might want to try one of the heat patches you can buy at the drugstore. For aching joints, such as elbows and knees, wrap the joint in a lightweight plastic wrap (tape the plastic to itself). This retains body heat and moisture.
Precautions: Do not use a heating pad on bare skin. Do not fall asleep with the heating pad turned on. Be very careful if you are taking medicines that make you sleepy or if you do not have much feeling in the area.
Do not use heat over a new injury because heat can increase bleeding — wait at least 24 hours.
Avoid heat over any area where you are getting radiation treatments and for 6 months after treatment has ended.
Do not use heat over any area where your circulation or sensation is poor.
Do not apply heat for more than 5 to 10 minutes at a time.
These heat packs will last you for many comforting years.
WA+G
Check out our short video on cancer skin stimulation

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