Specialized Oncology Massage training provides the therapist with the knowledge to address the specific needs of cancer patients safely. Important considerations when planning and performing oncology massage are:
- Application of appropriate levels of pressure,
- Possible site restrictions due to tumor location
- Length of the massage session.
Before any appointments are scheduled, our procedure is to get the appropriate medical records/doctor’s instructions and become familiar with patients’ past and current conditions, medications, and treatments. Factors/warnings/contraindications we take note:
- There is a high risk of easy bruising, mainly if they are on blood thinners or have bleeding tendencies
- Risk of skin irritation or noticeable skin changes due to chemotherapy drugs and radiation
- Immune-suppressed due to chemotherapy or other treatments
- Reduced bone density and metastases to bony sites,
- Low pain tolerance or threshold due to pain-medication
- Neuropathy in the hands and feet
- Lymphoedema, especially after surgical removal of lymph nodes and or radiotherapy
- Low white/red blood counts
ABOUT ONCOLOGY MASSAGEOncology Massage Therapy is a safe, specialized form of massage therapy that is a soft touch specifically for cancer patients. Oncology massage is an approach to massage therapy based on compassion and specialized massage treatments to help people manage their experience with cancer.The massage treatment plan revolves around the side effects (both short- and long-term) of chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery, as well as the preferences and needs of the person. Its individualized treatment depends on the session length, pressure, and positioning and considers areas of specific concern like mediators, bone metastases, swelling, or skin reactions to treatment. Our massage approach adapts and deals safely with our patients’ many and varied situations depending on the illness and its treatment, including Lymphoedema, lowered blood counts, fatigue, nausea, anxiety, wound sites, and surgical devices such as catheters and other related ports. ONCOLOGY MASSAGE CAN SUPPORT IMMUNITYPart of the healing process is understanding the effects of cancer on the patients. Our training in oncology massage helps us relate to cancer patients’ history, special care, needs, safety precautions, and contraindications.
Often, we get questions concerning how massage can affect the process of metastasis; there is no credible evidence that massage spreads cancer. Many cancer patients find massage beneficial in improving their overall psychological well-being and can relieve some treatment-related symptoms. IMPROVES SLEEPStudies show that sleep is an essential period of bodily rest and plays a crucial role in supporting the robustness of our immune system. Sleep helps consistently release and recover hormones in the body and brain. The release of many types of hormones regularly affects overall health.
REDUCTION OF FATIGUE
Reduction of Fatigueeduce stress and promote your body to restore energy. It also reduces pain and soreness, especially during chemotherapy. Raising your quality of life may take away some of your tiredness. Cancer patients benefit from sleeping better and can tremendously improve your energy levels, fight any symptoms of fatigue, and deal with the side effects of cancer treatments.