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Other common
name(s): Rolfing®,
Alexander
Technique®, Feldenkrais Method, Trager
Approach
Scientific/medical
name(s): none
Description
Bodywork refers to a variety of physically-oriented
techniques. The bodywork techniques discussed here include
Rolfing®, Alexander Technique®,
Feldenkrais Method, and
the Trager Approach. Some forms of bodywork involve hands-on
manipulation of joints or soft tissue, realigning the body, and
correcting posture imbalances. Others focus on increasing a person's
awareness of his or her own body through gentle, deliberate movement
and breathing exercises.
Overview
Available scientific evidence does not support bodywork as a
means of treating cancer, but it may be used to enhance quality of
life. There are individual reports that certain forms of bodywork may
be used along with medical treatment to help relieve symptoms and
reduce stress, although the effectiveness of bodywork techniques has
not yet been proven scientifically.
How is it promoted for use?
Various forms of bodywork are generally promoted to relieve
pain, reduce stress, soothe injured muscles, stimulate blood and
lymphatic circulation, and promote relaxation. Some practitioners also
claim that through bodywork, their patients become more comfortable
with their bodies by learning how to move more freely, gracefully, and
efficiently.
A few practitioners claim bodywork can be used to treat many
conditions, including cancer, circulation problems, colic, depression,
headaches, heart problems, high blood pressure, hyperactivity,
insomnia, sinus infections, and tension..
What does it involve?
Rolfing
Structural Integration, or Rolfing is a form of deep bodywork
in which Rolfers (the name given to practitioners) use their fingers,
hands, elbows, and knees to place pressure on connective tissue. Their
goal is to promote proper alignment by releasing constriction and
making movement easier. Some people find Rolfing painful.
The Feldenkrais Method
The Feldenkrais Method involves a slow and gentle sequence of
movements to help people develop a heightened awareness of their
bodies, improve mobility, and break habits of poor posture and
inefficient motion that can cause pain and discomfort.
The Alexander Technique
The Alexander Technique involves gently mobilizing parts of a
patient's body that appear to be strained. Therapists also explain how
to relax and move the body properly. The technique is designed to
improve the mechanical relationships among body parts, and to align the
head, neck, torso, and spine.
The Trager Approach
The Trager Approach uses gentle, rhythmical touch combined
with movement exercises. The therapist feels how the client is holding
his or her body, and then applies various rocking, pulling, and
rotational movements to the head, neck, torso, arms, and legs.
Practitioners ask their clients to focus on the lightness and ease of
movement.
What is the history behind it?
Rolfing structural integration was developed in the 1930s by
Ida Rolf, PhD, who believed that humans function most efficiently and
comfortably when key parts of the body, such as the head, torso,
pelvis, and legs, are properly aligned. Different versions of
Rolfing® have since been developed, such
as Aston
Patterning® and Hellerwork.
The Feldenkrais Method was developed during the first half of
the 20th century by physicist Moshe Feldenkrais. A sports injury early
in his life caused chronic pain and led Feldenkrais to explore
unconventional methods of healing. He "re-educated" himself to walk
again without pain using this method.
The Alexander Technique was developed by Frederick Matthias
Alexander in the late 1800s. Alexander was an actor who kept losing his
voice. He learned that he habitually moved his head back and down when
he spoke, which caused him to suck in his breath and tense up his
throat. Using this technique, he developed a method of breathing to
alter this old habit and recovered his voice.
The Trager Approach was developed in 1927 by Milton Trager,
MD. Dr. Trager was born with a spinal deformity. He overcame his
handicap and became a dancer and gymnast. The physical movements of his
therapy are intended not only to improve mobility and promote
relaxation, but also to alter deep-seated thought patterns, which Dr.
Trager believed were responsible for many physical problems.
There are many other types of bodywork practiced today (see
also Massage; Reflexology;
Rubenfeld Synergy® Method; Rosen
Method; and Acupressure, Shiatsu, and Other
Asian Bodywork).
What is the evidence?
Many people who have undergone one or more of these forms of
bodywork report they feel more relaxed or can move with greater ease or
less pain. Very little scientific research has been done to find out
what positive effects these treatments can offer, in part because of
the challenges of setting up controlled scientific clinical trials of
bodywork. The consensus of available evidence does not support claims
that any bodywork techniques are effective in treating cancer.
Are there any possible problems or
complications?
One concern for people who have cancer is that tissue
manipulation in the area of a tumor could increase the risk that cancer
cells will travel to other parts of the body. It may be prudent for
people with cancer to avoid massage near tumors and lumps that could be
cancerous until this question is clearly answered.
Rolfing can involve deep manipulation of soft tissues, which
is a concern during active cancer treatment The Alexander Technique
requires a great deal of commitment and practice from the student, and
this may be an issue for patients if they are fatigued or feeling
poorly. .The rocking movement of the Trager Approach may worsen nausea.
People with rheumatoid arthritis, cancer that has spread to
the bone, spinal injuries, osteoporosis or other bone diseases that
could be worsened by physical manipulation should avoid physical
manipulation or deep pressure. Manipulation of a bone in an area where
cancer has metastasized could result in a bone fracture. Also, people
who have had radiation therapy may find even light touch on the
treatment area to be uncomfortable. People with cancer and chronic
conditions such as arthritis and heart disease should consult their
physician before undergoing any type of therapy that involves
manipulation of joints and muscles. Generally, gentle bodywork can be
adapted to meet the needs of cancer patients.
It is important for people with cancer to let their medical
care providers know they are receiving bodywork. Bodywork should be
provided by a trained professional with expertise in working safely
with people who have cancer and with cancer survivors. Relying on this
treatment alone and delaying or avoiding conventional medical care for
cancer may have serious health consequences.
Additional Resources
More information from your American Cancer
Society
The following information on complementary and alternative
therapies may also be helpful to you. These materials may be found on
our Web site (www.cancer.org)
or ordered from our toll-free number (1-800-ACS-2345).
References
Bass SS, Cox CE, Salud CJ, et al. The effects of postinjection
massage on the sensitivity of lymphatic mapping in breast cancer. J Am
Coll Surg. 2001;192:9-16.
Bower PJ, Rubik B, Weiss SJ, Starr C. Manual therapy: hands-on
healing; use of hands in alternative medicine. Patient Care.
1997;31:69.
Burke C, Macnish S, Saunders J, et al. The development of a
massage service for cancer patients. Clin Oncol.
1994;6:381-384.
Ernst E (ed) The
Desktop Guide to Complementary and
Alternative Medicine. New York, NY: Mosby 2001.
Gam AN, Warming S, Larsen LH, et al. Treatment of myofascial
trigger-points with ultrasound combined with massage and exercise: a
randomized controlled trial. Pain.
1998;77:73-79.
Jones TA, Rolfing.
Phys Med Rehabil Clin N Am.
2004;15:799-809, vi.
MD Anderson Cancer Center. Manipulation and body-based
methods: Massage and related bodywork detailed scientific review.
Reviews of Therapies. Accessed at:
www.mdanderson.org/departments/CIMER/index.cfm on June 2, 2008.
Mehling WE, DiBlasi Z, Hecht F. Bias control in trials of
bodywork: a review of methodological issues. J Altern Complement Med.
2005;1:333-342
National Institutes for Health. Manipulative and body-based
practices: An overview. NCCAM Backgrounder, 2004. Accessed at:
http://nccam.nih.gov/health/backgrounds/manipulative.htm on May 30,
2008.
Rosser RJ. Sentinel lymph nodes and postinjection massage: It
is premature to reject caution. J
Am Coll Surg. 2001;193:338.
Note: This information may not cover
all possible claims, uses, actions, precautions, side effects or
interactions. It is not intended as medical advice, and should not be
relied upon as a substitute for consultation with your doctor, who is
familiar with your medical situation.
Last Medical Review: 11/01/2008
Last Revised: 11/01/2008
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