Oncology Massage Therapy

WHAT IS ONCOLOGY MASSAGE THERAPY? How is it different?

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Imagine a classic therapeutic massage--relaxing overall, with specific attention to tense muscles...

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Then add:

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• Targeted relief of common symptoms and side effects of cancer treatment

• Heightened safety approaches. Massage modified to cancer effects on tissues, active treatment, any lingering effects of treatment

• A conversation about your health, current and past treatments. (Not too many questions, but not brushed over, either)

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...and you have oncology massage therapy!

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WHY ONCOLOGY MASSAGE THERAPY?

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Cancer treatment can be isolating, scary, and physically strenuous. Anxiety and depression are common. along with pain, fatigue, nausea, and poor sleep. When cancer is managed as a chronic condition, these problems can persist. Even after treatment, there can be lingering physical and quality-of-life effects.

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Many people feel real pressure: to get better, to get “good scans,” to “think positive," to "bounce back to normal,” and in general to manage everything well and cheerfully and successfully.

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A massage therapy session, in the hands of a skilled oncology massage therapist, provides a break from those expectations. It can relieve uncomfortable symptoms and side effects. 

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A course of regular massage therapy can help with symptoms and side effects over time. 

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HOW CAN IT HELP?

 

During cancer treatment and management, oncology massage therapy can:

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• Relieve symptoms and side effects of cancer treatment

• Ease pain, anxiety, nausea, fatigue, and depression

• Help improve sleep

• Offer a “vacation from cancer” and a positive body experience

• Reduce isolation

• Support overall well-being

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After treatment (weeks or years later), oncology massage therapy can:

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• Help with anxiety, depression, and poor sleep

• Help support fluid, functional movement

• Support overall well-being

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At end of life, oncology massage therapy can:

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• Contribute to restorative sleep

• Help people find comfortable positions for rest

• Ease stress on individuals and in the household

• Reduce pain, isolation, and anxiety

• Support overall well-being

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WHAT ABOUT MASSAGE THERAPY AND COVID?

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COVID is still with us, and massage therapy is safer for all with good protections are in place. I ask all new clients to review the COVID guidelines in this practice, described here.