Evidence Update: Investigating the Effects of Progressive Muscle Relaxation on Patients with Cancer Receiving Chemotherapy
These studies examined relaxation training as an intervention for the adverse reactions that can occur during chemotherapy. Anxiety, depression and reduced quality of life can accompany chemotherapy in breast cancer patients. The studies examined two groups of breast cancer patients and the group that received the progressive muscle relaxation training had less anxiety and stress during and post chemotherapy. Progressive muscle relaxation can reduce both psychological and physiological side effects of chemotherapy and can be used as an aide to better quality of life. Qing-Hua Song,Rong-Mei Xu,Quan-Hai Zhang,Ming Ma, Xin-Ping Zhao. Int J Clin Exp Med. 2013; 6(10): 979-984. Kapogiannis A, Tsoli S, Chrousos G. Investigating the Effects of the Progressive Muscle Relaxation-Guided Imagery on Patients with Cancer Receiving Chemotherapy Treatment. Explore (NY). 2018 Mar – Apr;14(2):137-143.
Patient Perspective: Janet
At the age of 52, after the passing of my sister from ovarian cancer and the high incidence of other family cancers, I opted to have preventative bilateral mastectomy and breast reconstruction. As part of my recovery, I found TurningPoint. I was welcomed by the entire TP staff who treated me like a true friend as they provided physical therapy and compassion, helping me get back to my ‘normal’ after the mastectomy and reconstructive breast surgeries. Two years later at age 54, imagine my shock when I discovered a lump under my right arm. Biopsy results showed that it was breast cancer, stage 3a. I had to have more surgeries, chemo, radiation, and 49 lymph nodes removed. I was left with daily pain, tenderness, the risk of lymphedema, lack of motion and neuropathy causing bad balance. But the worse part was the intense discouragement and sadness I felt after being so proactive with my health. This time, I had to work even harder to regain my ‘normal’ so I could enjoy an active life with my loving and supportive family (husband Randy, daughter Erica, age 22 and son Sean, age 20) and the activities I enjoy the most: walking, hiking, gardening and cooking. I returned to my TurningPoint ‘family’, who were an essential part of my recovery. I was relieved to see the welcoming smiles and again feel the compassion of the entire staff. My TP ‘family’ provided me with strong encouragement and hope, smiles and friendship and so much more. They provided targeted and knowledgeable physical therapy, lymph massage and techniques to help me heal and return to my normal life and the activities that I treasure most. The TurningPoint staff members are among my most treasured friends! I strongly recommend TurningPoint to all people going through the side effects of breast cancer treatment.
Evidence Update: Get an Exercise Buddy for an Effective Program
A recent 2016 research study performed at University of Aberdeen found that starting an exercise routine with a new partner can increase the amount of time you exercise. Participants in the study were divided into two groups, one group was asked to find a new “gym buddy” and the other group was asked to continue their normal routine. Results found that the group who worked out with a friend exercised more than those who followed their typical exercise routine. The scientists also found that people worked out more when their exercise buddy offered emotional support and encouragement, rather than just practical support, such as never missing a session. Pamela Rackow, Urte Scholz, Rainer Hornung. Received social support and exercising: An intervention study to test the enabling hypothesis. British Journal of Health Psychology. 2015; 20 (4): 763 DOI: 10.1111/bjhp.12139
Patient Perspective: Laura
In April 2016, five months after receiving a clear mammogram, I found a lump in my right breast. I tried to dismiss it and decided I would wait until it was again time to have my annual mammogram. However, a nagging instinct transported me to my gynecologist who immediately referred me to a breast surgeon. Within days, I was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma. The cancer had already reached my lymph nodes. After 8 rounds of chemotherapy, losing my hair, bilateral mastectomies, 27 rounds of radiation, and a complete hysterectomy, I was declared to be in remission. I was officially a “survivor”. I was thrilled to be finished with my major surgeries and treatment but, at the same time, I needed a hand to hold as I re-entered the world, post-treatment. The team at TurningPoint helped me navigate my new normal and gently taught me strategies to regain and maintain the range of motion in my arms and to strengthen my core. I re-discovered a love of walking and yoga which have been integral parts of my recovery. Time and again, I have returned to TurningPoint for follow up care and massage therapy. TurningPoint has been so much more than rehabilitative care. They truly are comrades in recovery.
