What is Oncology Massage?

Oncology Massage is a specially designed combination of various bodywork modalities (Acupressure, Swedish massage, etc.) designed specifically for people living with cancer. The focus is placed on improving the immune system and blood circulation, which helps increase a person’s energy level, and appetite. Candidates for Oncology Massage include:

• Chemotherapy patients
• Patients receiving radiation treatments
• Pre- and post-surgical cancer patients
• Cancer patients in remission/still recovering from treatments
• A person who has had one or more lymph nodes removed

Oncology Massage Benefits

There are numerous benefits to receiving a series of Oncology massages, including, but not limited to:

• A strengthened immune system
• Better circulation
• Pain reduction or relief
• The need for less medication
• Reduced nausea and vomiting
• Increased energy and appetite
• Better outlook on life / less depression
• Better sleep

How might an oncology massage be distinctive?

As most massages, it will be tailored to the individual client. However, several things may be different from a massage you might receive in a spa, for example.

• A detailed intake will be completed, including the kind of cancer you have (or had), your treatment history, your current treatment, any symptoms or side-effects you are experiencing, and any medical devices or lymph node involvement you might have.
• Light pressure and limited duration
• Any area of your body that has compromised lymph nodes will be honored with special techniques so as not to cause lymphedema
  
• Much of the massage time may be spent on the feet (Reflexology) and on the spine (Acupressure points)
• Acupressure will be used to address symptoms specific to you on this particular day (nausea, depression, pain where a port has just been removed).
• Depending on issues specific to your body, the position you lie in will be modified to accommodate any surgical or radiation sites or specific medical devices you might have. (Maybe you still have that port for chemotherapy infusions.)
• Hot stones may be used on critical immune boosting acupressure points.
• It may be suggested that you receive an oncology massage between 1 – 3 times per week while you are dealing with serious physical issues of the treatment. 
• If you have a blood disorder, or low blood counts, you may receive a gentle technique that addresses those. That will be discussed before your session.

Most importantly, you will be met with love, respect and a recognition of who you are and what your own healing process is. 

At Risk for Lymphedema? One of the common tests and treatments for cancer is biopsy or removal of lymph nodes in the area of the cancer. Anyone who has ever had lymph nodes removed, tested, biopsied or radiated from the neck, armpit or groin is at risk for developing lymphedema. Because the lymph system has been compromised it no longer has the same capacity for transporting fluids through that area. This can cause back-up of fluid leading to swelling which may eventually become extreme and irreversible. This is lymphedema, which is a life-long risk, no matter how much time passes after the lymph node procedure. Oncology Massage Therapy integrates safety protocols into all massages when lymph nodes have been compromised. Massage given by someone who does not know or utilize these protocols can actually cause lymphedema. For this reason, you should see only an experienced oncology massage therapist if you have had lymph nodes removed. If you already have lymphedema you can still receive an oncology massage. We are trained in manual lymphatic drainage.