Oncology massage is a modification of massage therapy techniques in order to safely work with the effects of cancer and cancer treatment, and includes people in active treatments, those in recovery or survivorship, as well as those at the end of life.
Essential aspects of an oncology massage therapist’s skill set are an informed understanding of the pathophysiology of cancer; the side effects of cancer treatments, such as medications, surgery, chemotherapy and radiation; and the ability to modify massage techniques in order to adapt for these side effects, as well as for the disease.
Certain massage modifications will remain crucial even decades after treatment is complete. When providing massage for someone who has a history of cancer treatment, primary massage considerations include, but are not limited to, bone integrity, vital organ involvement and compromised lymph nodes.
It is critical for the case of individuals with a history of nodal removal be seen by a skilled Lymphedema Therapist, and the care of massage and well being be guided by those trained to see the warning signs and modifications to ensure safe treatment.
Massage is a therapeutic modality that is increasingly being used as complementary care in the clinical care setting. In consideration of the massage adaptations required during and after cancer treatments, oncology massage education for touch practitioners, massage therapists, and estheticians is essential for clinical safety and therapeutic benefit.
Call to book in with our team to care for your Oncology Massage needs.