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Oncology Massage
Oncology Massage is massage designed for those who have cancer or have had cancer. It differs from regular massage in that it is specifically and exclusively comfort oriented massage. What that means is that while many techniques may be utilized, all are used with site, pressure and position concerns addressed as needed by the therapist.
The following is an explanation of the terms site, pressure and direction as they pertain to oncology massage.
Site concerns: This will determine what areas can or cannot be massaged.
- Where is the cancer?
- What type of treatment is being or has been used?
- When is your next treatment scheduled?
- What type of medical devices is being used and where is it located?
- What, if any, skin conditions are there in the area of treatment?
Pressure concerns: This will determine what level of pressure a client needs Level 1 (least), Level 2 (middle), Level 3 (greatest) or if massage is appropriate at that time.
- When were you diagnosed?
- How long has it been since you have been treated?
- Are you currently being treated?
- What are your platelet count levels?
- What is your energy level?
- Are you currently running fever?
- Have you had and lymph nodes removed or radiated?
- Where is the location of removed or radiated nodes?
- Do you have lymphadema?
Position concerns: This will determine which techniques are appropriate and how those techniques are implemented
- What type of medical devices is being used and where is it located?
- Are you currently experiencing nausea?
In the past it was taught that, as massage therapist, we could not touch people with cancer for fear of spreading the illness. But, in the last 2 years that philosophy has been challenged and in large part reversed. There are still instances where massage is not advised (contraindicated), but for the most part it is thought to bring aid and comfort to a group of people that suffer greatly with a debilitating and life threatening illness. Oncology massage is a specialized field of bodywork. Those who have cancer or have had cancer and desire massage should seek out those persons trained specifically in Oncology massage as well as Manual Lymph Drainage.
Cancer patients and health workers report the following benefits at almost every stage of the illness:
- Increased feelings of well-being and normalcy
- Decreased sense of isolation
- Positive social interaction
- Faster wound and scar healing
- Decreased pain medication
- Promote bowel activity (in some cases relief from constipation or diarrhea)
- Decrease in edema and lymphedema due to improved blood and lymph circulation
- Relief from muscle soreness due to test procedures and prolonged bed rest
- Helps prevent pressure sores
- Reduced symptoms cancer treatment side effects such as fatigue and nausea
- Decreased length of hospital stay
The following is an explanation of the terms site, pressure and direction as they pertain to oncology massage.
Site concerns: This will determine what areas can or cannot be massaged.
- Where is the cancer?
- What type of treatment is being or has been used?
- When is your next treatment scheduled?
- What type of medical devices is being used and where is it located?
- What, if any, skin conditions are there in the area of treatment?
Pressure concerns: This will determine what level of pressure a client needs Level 1 (least), Level 2 (middle), Level 3 (greatest) or if massage is appropriate at that time.
- When were you diagnosed?
- How long has it been since you have been treated?
- Are you currently being treated?
- What are your platelet count levels?
- What is your energy level?
- Are you currently running fever?
- Have you had and lymph nodes removed or radiated?
- Where is the location of removed or radiated nodes?
- Do you have lymphadema?
Position concerns: This will determine which techniques are appropriate and how those techniques are implemented
- What type of medical devices is being used and where is it located?
- Are you currently experiencing nausea?
In the past it was taught that, as massage therapist, we could not touch people with cancer for fear of spreading the illness. But, in the last 2 years that philosophy has been challenged and in large part reversed. There are still instances where massage is not advised (contraindicated), but for the most part it is thought to bring aid and comfort to a group of people that suffer greatly with a debilitating and life threatening illness. Oncology massage is a specialized field of bodywork. Those who have cancer or have had cancer and desire massage should seek out those persons trained specifically in Oncology massage as well as Manual Lymph Drainage.
Cancer patients and health workers report the following benefits at almost every stage of the illness:
- Increased feelings of well-being and normalcy
- Decreased sense of isolation
- Positive social interaction
- Faster wound and scar healing
- Decreased pain medication
- Promote bowel activity (in some cases relief from constipation or diarrhea)
- Decrease in edema and lymphedema due to improved blood and lymph circulation
- Relief from muscle soreness due to test procedures and prolonged bed rest
- Helps prevent pressure sores
- Reduced symptoms cancer treatment side effects such as fatigue and nausea
- Decreased length of hospital stay