Highly-Specialized Massage at Any Stage of Cancer Treatment
Oncology massage is a specialized form of massage that does not interfere with the treatment of the patient. It can only safely be delivered by a specially trained oncology massage therapist who understands:
- the necessary pressure adjustments to make,
- the possible side effects of the patients’ treatment,
- the site restrictions (for those patients undergoing radiation therapy),
- the specific protocols that can be used for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy,
- how to work with cancer patients without having to shift their position,
- the specific protocols to provoke deep relaxation without touching the skin of the patient (an oncology massage therapist can work through all of the clothing, bed linens, etc.),
- when a short session is best for the patient, and
- when it is appropriate to use or avoid lotion due to changes in skin sensitivity or site restrictions.
Oncology Massage Certified
If you or a loved one is dealing with a cancer diagnosis, oncology massage can bring incredible benefits during any stage of treatment. If (and only if) performed by a certified oncology massage therapist, the massage is 100% safe and does not require permission from an oncologist. Have questions? Please don’t hesitate to contact Debbie so she can answer them.
What Are the Benefits of Oncology Massage?
Research shows that the cancer patient benefits from oncology massage with a decrease in pain and anxiety, fatigue, depression and nausea. Oncology massage allows the cancer patient to better deal with the effects of their treatment no matter the stage of their treatment.
Relaxation
While a common goal of massage is to relax the client, a cancer patient’s emotional and physical need for relaxation is heightened tremendously by their struggle with the disease. Knowing they are in the trained and specialized hands of a trained oncology massage therapist can deepen their capacity to relax. That relaxation leads to other benefits:
Perception of Pain
The relaxation that can be induced by oncology massage can help shift patients’ perception of the intensity of their pain.
Restorative Sleep
Patients can often experience a deeper, more restorative sleep after experiencing the relaxation from an oncology massage. Restorative sleep is critical to the body when it’s receiving cancer treatment of any kind.
Aide in Dealing with Treatment
No matter where a cancer patient is in their journey, an oncology massage can offer a small and true respite.
Escape From Isolation
It is common for cancer patients to feel isolated in their circumstances, independent of the loved ones providing emotional support to them. An oncology massage therapist can deliver gentle “knowledgeable touch” which inherently means the therapist understands the physical conditions of the patient.
If you or someone you know is in the treatment process (active or post-), consider making an appointment for an oncology massage. A doctor’s note is not necessary to receive an oncology massage; however, it is important that the patient let the oncology massage therapist know about any current or past cancer treatments so s/he can take the specific precautions that will make the massage safe, enjoyable and deeply relaxing, both physically and mentally.