Oncology Massage

 










Oncology Massage is a compassion based massage therapy that involves specialized massage treatment plans.  “Oncology Massage helps improve quality of life” as the scientific literature indicates. 

Benefits include:

*  Improved relaxation

*  Improved sleep

*  Improved immune function

*  Relieving anxiety

*  Relieving pain

*  Relieving fatigue

*  Relieving nausea

Oncology Massage therapists are trained to meet people where they are in their experience with cancer and apply a highly individualized massage treatment to comfort, nurture, and support them in their process.  The treatments are modified according to the full spectrum of cancer-related issues: the physical, psycho-social, and emotional consequences of cancer. In addition, the person's individual goals are considered, aspects of the disease and cancer treatment side effects. 

Personal goals for receiving Oncology Massage can include the desire for a respite, such as needing a relaxing, pleasurable experience in the midst of everything that is going on, or relieving nausea and other symptoms, such as pain or peripheral neuropathy.

In the past, therapists thought massage would increase circulation and therefore cause cancer to spread.  The process of metastasis is very complicated and poorly understood; however increased circulation is not considered a significant part of that process by itself.  However, it is true that cancer and cancer treatments can put people at risk for complications from massage, so it is important to take some precautions. Because of the different contraindications for massage in this population, it is very important for the massage therapist who is treating a person with a history of cancer - either currently or in the past - to have specialized training in Oncology Massage, in addition to being a licensed massage therapist.  Dr. Richard Lee, Medical Director of the Integrative Medicine Program at MD Anderson explains, "Massage performed with this appropriate knowledge and training can be safely done to help cancer patients." 

No matter where you are in your journey with cancer, Oncology Massage can help. 

Modalities may include:

*Advanced Craniosacral Techniques

*Lymphatic Drainage

*Swedish Massage

*Shiatsu

*Reiki

*Facial Release Techniques

There are many considerations to Oncology Massage such as the many effects of Cancer on the mind, emotions and body, early and late side effects of surgery, chemo, radiation and hormone therapy, adjustments to Massage length, pace and pressure as well as body position support. 

An Oncology Massage Therapist should be familiar with Neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, neuropathy, metastasis, existing risk of lymphedema, deep vein thrombosis, compromised immune systems, weakened organ function, the effects of prolonged steroid use, fragile tissues, lymph drainage techniques, scar tissue mobilization and end of life support. 

No one should ever be turned away from receiving massage based on a history of cancer or lack of finances. There is ALWAYS an appropriate, affordable and safe massage for every person, provided your therapist is well trained in oncology massage. 

  
Massage adaptations are required for:

*Low blood cell counts

*Blood clots

*Bone metastases

*Radiation or surgery

*Fatigue

*Bone pain

*Removal of lymph nodes

*Lymphedema

*Peripheral neuropathy

*Medications

*Medical devices

J Altern Complement Med. 2008 Mar;14(2):209-14. Role of massage therapy in cancer care. Russell NC, Sumler SS, Beinhorn CM, Frenkel MA



Each Treatment is personally created to meet the specific individual needs of each client

Sliding scale for qualifying individuals.

 

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