Effectiveness of Continuing Anma (Japanese Massage) Therapy for a Cancer Survivor with Chemotherapy-induced Peripheral Neuropathy: A Case Report and the Hypothetical Mechanisms

• Published in: THE JOURNAL OF BALNEOLOGY, CLIMATOLOGY AND PHYSICAL MEDICINE Vol. 88; no. 2; pp. 97 - 107
• Main Authors: KODAMA, Daichi, SHIRAIWA, Nobuko, SHIKAMA, Ayumi, DONOYAMA, Nozomi
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Japanese
• Published: The Japanese Society of Balneology, Climatology and Physical Medicine 25.05.2025; 一般社団法人 日本温泉気候物理医学会
• Subjects: anma massage therapy; chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy; nerve conduction study; pain and numbness; vibratory sensitivity; あん摩療法; 化学療法誘発性末梢神経障害; 振動覚; 痛み・しびれ; 神経伝導検査
• ISSN: 0029-0343; 1884-3697
• DOI: 10.11390/onki.2370

  Background: Despite the large population affected by chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN), no agents are recommended for its prevention and management. Thus, research on non-pharmacological therapies is currently ongoing. Here, we report the results of >3 years of anma (Japanese massage) therapy in a cancer survivor with CIPN.   Patient Presentation: A 67-year-old Japanese woman with pain and numbness in the lower extremities was unable to wear shoes due to discomfort. In 202X-5, the patient underwent surgery for clear cell carcinoma of the ovary, followed by 6 cycles of adjuvant chemotherapy with paclitaxel and carboplatin, and the above symptoms appeared. Weekly 30-min anma therapy sessions were started in January 202X, and visual analog scale scores for pain and numbness gradually decreased. The patient reported that the range of the affected area decreased, and she could start wearing shoes made from soft materials. This outcome may be explained not only by the gate control theory but also by activation of endogenous analgesic mechanisms via the central nervous system through the application of tactile and pressure stimulation in anma therapy. After 3 years, vibratory sensitivity had recovered in 6 of the 8 areas on vibratory sense examination. A nerve conduction study revealed that the ability to evoke action potentials had recovered and that nerve conduction velocities had improved. Anma therapy may improve circulation and affect the nervous system.   Conclusion: These results suggest that continuing anma therapy might yield benefits for cancer survivors with CIPN. Comparative studies with a larger sample size are needed.