Oncology Massage Therapy
For people with cancer, in treatment and management, post-treatment (even years later), and living at end of life.
WHAT IS ONCOLOGY MASSAGE THERAPY? How is it different?
Imagine a classic therapeutic massage--relaxing overall, with specific attention to tense muscles...
Then add:
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Targeted relief of common symptoms and side effects of cancer treatment
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Heightened safety approaches. Massage modified to cancer effects on tissues, active treatment, any lingering effects of treatment
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A conversation about your health, current and past treatments. (Not too many questions, but not brushed over, either)
...and you have oncology massage therapy!
WHY ONCOLOGY MASSAGE THERAPY?
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.
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.
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.
A course of regular massage therapy can help with symptoms and side effects over time.
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
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Ease pain, anxiety, nausea, fatigue, and depression
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Help improve sleep
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Offer a “vacation from cancer” and a positive body experience
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Reduce isolation
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Support overall well-being
After treatment (weeks or years later), oncology massage therapy can:
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Help with anxiety, depression, and poor sleep
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Help support fluid, functional movement
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Support overall well-being
At end of life, oncology massage therapy can:
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Contribute to restorative sleep
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Help people find comfortable positions for rest
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Ease stress on individuals and in the household
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Reduce pain, isolation, and anxiety
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Support overall well-being
WHAT ABOUT MASSAGE THERAPY AND COVID?
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.