Massage - Oncology

About the Appointment

The American Cancer Society considers Oncology Massage “one of the most supportive and helpful complementary therapies available” to patients and views oncology massage as helpful both physically and emotionally because “it soothes the soul and the mind”. What is Oncology Massage? Oncology Massage is a client-specific, customized massage session designed to meet the unique and changing needs of someone in treatment for cancer or with a history of cancer treatment. A safe massage plan generally revolves around the side effects (both short- and long-term) of chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery.   Oncology Massage can only be provided by a massage therapist who has received training in the specifics of cancer and cancer treatment. This training is more about cancer and less about massage. When you are receiving an oncology massage, you are receiving traditional, established massage therapy techniques that have been adapted to account for your unique health situation.   Typical modalities include Swedish massage, reflexology, craniosacral therapy, relaxation and stress reduction massage and manual lymph drainage for oncology patients with lymph-edema.   The changes that might be made to a massage that makes it an “Oncology Massage” can fall under any number of categories, but typically they will be related to session length, pressure, positioning and areas of specific compromise or concern like mediports, bone metastases or skin reactions to treatment. Oncology Massage Benefits: Deep relaxation Reduced stress Improved sleep Eased constipation Increased alertness and mental clarity Reduced anxiety Less nausea Reduced pain Following Surgery: Reduced anxiety in advance of surgery Easier recovery from anesthesia Reduced post-surgical pain Improved mobility and appearance of surgical scars Reduced swelling Improved range of motion Easier adaptation to implants and expanders Following Radiation or Chemotherapy: Reduced anxiety in advance of and during treatment Reduced post-treatment fatigue Improved appetite Improved peripheral neuropathy Emotional Benefits: Decreased anxiety Decreased depression Increased feelings of well-being Being pleasantly distracted Improved body self-image Restored hope Satisfaction in participating actively in a part of the healing process Packages available.