Is it safe?
Yes.
It was once believed that massage could cause cancer to metastasize (grow and spread). However, the more we learn about
cancer, the more clearly we understand the safety and benefits of properly adapted massage therapy for people
living with cancer.
Cancer is an accumulation of genetic mutations resulting from the presence of a very specific set of factors that cannot be
affected by manual manipulation of tissues.
Cancer and its treatment affects every person differently. All of the body's systems are involved in fighting the disease
and in making the most of the various courses of treatment. My training and experience in oncology massage has
provided me with a working knowledge of cancer and its effects on the body, what treatments are available, how those
treatments can affect an individual and the ways in which I can adapt massage therapy to mitigate symptoms, decrease
pain and anxiety and improve quality of life.
Yes.
It was once believed that massage could cause cancer to metastasize (grow and spread). However, the more we learn about
cancer, the more clearly we understand the safety and benefits of properly adapted massage therapy for people
living with cancer.
Cancer is an accumulation of genetic mutations resulting from the presence of a very specific set of factors that cannot be
affected by manual manipulation of tissues.
Cancer and its treatment affects every person differently. All of the body's systems are involved in fighting the disease
and in making the most of the various courses of treatment. My training and experience in oncology massage has
provided me with a working knowledge of cancer and its effects on the body, what treatments are available, how those
treatments can affect an individual and the ways in which I can adapt massage therapy to mitigate symptoms, decrease
pain and anxiety and improve quality of life.
What does oncology massage look like?
Much like any good massage session, an oncology massage session looks different for each
person.
If you have just received a chemotherapy infusion prior to your massage session, the session
might involve very slow, full strokes intended to support your body's efforts to properly
and effectively maximize the chemotherapeutic agents without overburdening the system.
If you had a mastectomy two months ago and are struggling with range of motion issues or
flexibility, we may do some work to soften and mobilize the tissue around your surgical site,
while making appropriate adjustments for lymphedema risk or other post-surgical concerns.
If you are 5 years cancer-free, but had lymph nodes removed or radiated during your
treatment, the massage may look very similar to massages you've had before, but with
specific care taken to avoid overburdening the lymphatic system in the area that was treated.
Much like any good massage session, an oncology massage session looks different for each
person.
If you have just received a chemotherapy infusion prior to your massage session, the session
might involve very slow, full strokes intended to support your body's efforts to properly
and effectively maximize the chemotherapeutic agents without overburdening the system.
If you had a mastectomy two months ago and are struggling with range of motion issues or
flexibility, we may do some work to soften and mobilize the tissue around your surgical site,
while making appropriate adjustments for lymphedema risk or other post-surgical concerns.
If you are 5 years cancer-free, but had lymph nodes removed or radiated during your
treatment, the massage may look very similar to massages you've had before, but with
specific care taken to avoid overburdening the lymphatic system in the area that was treated.
| Oncology Massage |
If you're in week 16 of chemotherapy and you had to ask someone for a ride to your session
because you are feeling too tired to drive, we may do some light touch and/or Reiki to remind
your body of its wholeness and ability to heal... and, I may come to your home to work with
you there.
The bottom line is that there is always some form of bodywork that can be offered to support
you along your journey through cancer treatment and recovery provided that the massage
therapy is provided by a practitioner who is trained in oncology massage. A good oncology
massage therapist knows that it's always more about what we can do than what we can't.
because you are feeling too tired to drive, we may do some light touch and/or Reiki to remind
your body of its wholeness and ability to heal... and, I may come to your home to work with
you there.
The bottom line is that there is always some form of bodywork that can be offered to support
you along your journey through cancer treatment and recovery provided that the massage
therapy is provided by a practitioner who is trained in oncology massage. A good oncology
massage therapist knows that it's always more about what we can do than what we can't.
| For more information about the history and benefits of oncology massage, please visit the Society for Oncology Massage web site. |
| Society For Oncology Massage Founding Member |
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