Many patients with multiple myeloma have peripheral neuropathy (numbness or tingling in the hands or feet) due to the myeloma itself, myeloma treatment, or other health conditions that cause neuropathy, like diabetes.

What can patients do? One idea is to consider massage. An article from the Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy says that massage therapy is increasingly being offered along with standard treatment for a wide range of medical conditions and situations. While more research is needed to confirm the benefits of massage, some studies have found neuropathy massage treatment may also be helpful to:

1. Alleviate low-back pain and improve range of motion.
2. Lessen depression and anxiety
3. Enhance immunity by stimulating lymph flow—the body’s natural defense system
4. Sports injuries
5. Improve the condition of the body’s largest organ—the skin
6. Increase joint flexibility
7. Pump oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs, improving circulation
8. Paresthesia and nerve pain
9. Reduce spasms and cramping
10. Release endorphins—amino acids that work as the body’s natural painkiller
11. Arthritis
12. Relieve migraine pain

If you are getting regular massages for a medical condition, you are not alone. According to the American Massage Therapy Association Consumer Survey Facts:

• 75% of individuals surveyed claim their primary reason  for receiving a massage in the past 12 months was medical (43%) and stress (32%) related.
• 87% of individuals view massage as being beneficial to overall health and wellness
• 61% of respondents said their physician has recommended they get a massage.

So if you're a myeloma patient and would like to attend Pat's Myeloma Survival School, you're in luck!

Reservations are being taken for FREE 30-minute massage therapy treatment and evaluation sessions on Friday, March 3rd. These soothing treats are part of a highly advanced physical therapy program under the direction of Melanie J. House, MPT, DPT, NCS. The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Department of Rehabilitation Therapies, developed this program for myeloma patients at the Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Faculty and advanced students of the Costal Massage Therapy School provide the balance of the professional staff.

Caregivers are also offered massage treatments, to help them understand benefits. All costs are included in the three-day program’s registration fees and reservations are limited.

Register for a Massage at Pat's Myeloma Survival School