Complementary Therapies

Clinical research has shown that when patients are comfortable and free of pain, they heal faster. The same can be said for patients undergoing treatment for cancer.

That's why the Jane Thompson Russell Cancer Care Center offers select complementary therapies designed to provide comfort, relaxation and pain relief to patients undergoing various cancer treatments. Among the treatments currently offered are acupuncture and massage therapy.

Acupuncture is a technique in which very thin needles of varying lengths are inserted through the skin to treat a variety of conditions. Clinical studies have found it may help treat nausea caused by chemotherapy drugs and surgical anesthesia. It may also help relieve pain after surgery. Our certified acupuncturists use the latest techniques to offer pain relief to patients undergoing cancer treatment.

Massage therapy involves the manipulation, rubbing and kneading of the body's muscle and soft tissue to enhance function of those tissues and to promote relaxation. Massage can decrease stress, anxiety, depression, pain and fatigue in patients undergoing cancer treatment.

At the Jane Thompson Russell Cancer Care Center, we recognize massage therapy as a useful, non-invasive addition to standard medical treatment. A full range of therapeutic massage techniques, including Swedish and deep tissue massage, is offered by our trained massage therapists.

We encourage patients to ask their physician or provider how these and other complementary therapies may offer comfort and relief during and following cancer treatment.