Oncology Massage Therapy

Oncology Massage Therapy is a specialized approach developed specifically for cancer patients and those with a history of cancer.

Our primary goal is to ease the way through cancer treatment, recovery, and discomfort that might linger in the years to follow. Your care includes all the elements of an Integrative Therapeutic Massage, plus an added focus on safety and effectiveness.

Oncology massage therapy is part of supportive care.

It is designed to meet the unique and changing needs during and after treatment whether months, years, or even decades post-treatment. Massage may require modifications for both the short and long term.

The body of research relating to massage continues to grow.

Clinical research suggests that massage can improve some cancer symptoms and side effects of treatment.

Clients of oncology massage report improvements in:

  • Pain
  • Fatigue
  • Nausea
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Sleep
  • Feelings of isolation
  • Body Image
  • General well-being

In oncology massage therapy, massage may be adapted to the following conditions:

  • Side-effects of chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, and other procedures
  • Low blood cell counts
  • Blood clots or risk of blood clots
  • Radiation or surgery
  • Fatigue
  • Bone pain
  • Bone involvement
  • Organ involvement
  • Lymph node removal or treatment with radiation
  • Lymphedema or risk of lymphedema
  • Peripheral neuropathy
  • Effects of medications and procedures
  • Medical devices
  • Late effects of treatment

Although I use manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) in my work, it is for prevention or maintenance only. For those with active lymphedema or requiring complete decongestive therapies (CDT), please refer to the following or your healthcare team:

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Oncology Massage Therapy is recommended by:

  • American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)
  • American Cancer Society (ACS)
  • Integrative Oncology Society (IOS)

Caregivers need to be cared for too!

The time and effort required to care for an individual with a serious illness can be mentally, emotionally, and physically exhausting. Take a moment to focus on your own restorative needs and experience the benefits a massage has to offer. Massage offers an opportunity to address stresses such as fatigue, insomnia, anxiety, or even depression. Taking care of you allows you to take better care of them.