MAKE A RESERVATION

Oncology Massage can be a refreshing complement to anyone in active treatment and those in recovery or survivorship. Living with and going through any cancer treatment can affect the body not just physically but mentally. Oncology Massage can introduce a calming and restorative touch to help deal with the pain and stress of treatment as well as just life in general.

​

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE?

Massage is unique to everyone! The main and biggest difference is the massage therapist’s knowledge and skill set about the pathology of cancer. The therapist has an understanding of the treatments including medication, surgery, radiation and chemotherapy as well as the side effects. Everyone can receive touch in some way shape or form but it’s the knowledge behind the touch that makes the difference, modifications to pressure and table bolstering are always present and may change visit to visit. Just as no one body is the same, no one treatment and the effects are the same, your therapist can help you through each visit accordingly.

​​

BENEFITS OF ONCOLOGY MASSAGE

• Improve quality of life

• Reduce anxiety

• Help with the management of pain

• Improve quality of sleep

• Provides relaxation

• Offers stress reduction 

• Aids comfort 

• Helps begin the healing process

• Improves quality of life

• Minimizes side effects of chemotherapy and radiation

• Relieves pain and edema, especially from surgery

• Restores vital energy

• Reduces fatigue 

• Allows reconnection of body, mind and spirit

• Promotes removal of toxins in the body

• Increases oxygen, blood flow and circulation

• Boosts the immune system

• Sets the body up to heal more quickly

• Reduces scar tissue

• Increases range of motion and mobility

• Stimulates the nervous system

• Restores feeling and sensation 

• Promotes an overall increase in sense of well-being

• Stimulates all the body systems towards healing

• Is a gentle, yet powerful way to help improve body image

• Improves overall confidence in the healing process

• Empowers the recipient with hope towards complete recovery

• Massage provides a safe and sacred space to relax, let go and re-balance

 

WHAT TO EXPECT

-Before you pursue massage therapy, talk to your oncologist about any precautions or concerns she has. It's important to discuss any of this with your massage therapist, as well as any concerns you have about lotions, oils, or aromatherapy (chemotherapy can affect your sense of smell and taste, and you may be more sensitive than usual). We use aromatherapy with massage, and many play soothing music.

-Prior to receiving an oncology massage, you must fill out our Oncology Intake Form.

-Your first oncology massage will be booked as a 60 minute session, 15 minutes of that time will be focused on Intake, positioning, bolstering and giving those who just need that extra time to get on and off the table. The remaining 45 minutes will be hands-on massage work.

-Pressure will be in a light to medium range.

(Deep tissue or vigorous massage is not recommended while in active treatment, and it is suggested that you receive massage from an oncology therapist up to a year after your last date of treatment. These precautions are taken to respect the body repairing on a cellular level, after any treatment the body needs time to heal and deep tissue work can result in unnecessary inflammation.)

-Pressure can be slowly increased in time, just as stated above everyone is different and your therapist will always keep communication open with any modification during all visits.

-You will usually be asked to remove your clothing except for your underwear, but this can vary. You should never feel uncomfortable, and a massage can be performed through clothing if you wish.

-You will usually be asked to lie on a cushioned table, with a special hole for your face for when you lie on your stomach. Positioning may be limited or need to be altered. For example, if you've had recent breast cancer surgery, you may not be able to lie on your abdomen or one side.

-When you are receiving a massage, make sure to let the therapist know if anything is painful, or if you need a more gentle touch. Being uncomfortable or experiencing pain is unnecessary for the massage to be effective and could be harmful instead. Most sessions last 45 minutes to 60 minutes, but you can ask the therapist to stop at any time.

-When you get up after your massage, be careful standing. Some people become very relaxed and feel lightheaded when standing. Give yourself time to get up and get dressed. If you need help, always tell your therapist.

​

​​Key points to remember: ​

• When to skip a massage during chemotherapy:

Always talk with your Doctor or Oncologist to see if massage during treatment is the right option for you. Your doctor may suggest avoiding massage if you’re experiencing particular symptoms.

These include:

-Low blood platelet count

-Hemorrhage

-Blood clotting

-Increased skin sensitivity

• Consult your doctor:

Always discuss your desire to receive an oncology massage with your oncologist, especially if you are undergoing active cancer treatment like chemotherapy or radiation therapy. 

• Post-surgery considerations:

If you've recently had surgery, wait until the incision site is fully healed before getting a massage near that area. 

• Skin sensitivity:

If you're receiving radiation therapy, avoid massage on areas with skin irritation or redness. 

• Oncology massage therapist:

Be sure to tell your massage therapist about any pain or sensitivities you’re feeling, and reflect on how you feel post-massage. This information can help you have an even more effective follow-up session.

***Generally, you should wait at least a few days after receiving chemotherapy before getting an oncology massage, allowing the chemo agent time to work within your body, and ideally consult your doctor to determine the best timing based on your specific treatment plan and condition; this could mean waiting a week or two after chemo sessions before receiving a massage. 

​***After radiation therapy, you should wait until the treated area is fully healed, showing no signs of redness, irritation, or open wounds before receiving a massage, which typically means consulting your doctor and waiting a few weeks to a couple of months post-treatment.​

***Always consult with your doctor or Oncologist first.