What is Oncology Massage?
How is Oncology Massage different from other massage?
Is special training needed to perform Oncology Massage?
Is Oncology Massage Safe?
What are the benefits of Oncology Massage?
Can I get a massage if my blood counts are low?
Do I need a doctor's approval to receive Oncology Massage?
How do I prepare for an Oncology Massage?
What is Oncology Massage?
Oncology Massage is massage that is customized for the unique needs of someone receiving treatment, or who has received treatment for cancer.
How is Oncology Massage different from other massage?
Damage to the lymphatic system, effects from chemotherapy and radiation treatment, ports, medical devises... all need specific adjustments made to the massage. Adjustments include things such as session length, pressure, direction of strokes, positioning, or avoidance of danger zones.
The biggest difference that you as a client may note is how gentle the massage is. If you are currently, or have recently received treatment and like deep tissue massage, you may be disappointed in the pressure being used. Give it a chance. It may not be what you are accustomed to, but you will still benefit.
Is special training needed to perform Oncology Massage?
Yes. While it was obvious to me that special training was needed to work on clients while they underwent treatment, I was surprised to discover that I should not have been working on clients who were years past their treatment due to the danger of lymphodema.
The special training received centers around questions to ask during intake, the significance of the information received, and the adjustments needed to be made as a result of the information garnered. Some of the adjustments are for comfort, some to not overly tax the body, some for safety. Without the training, the therapist does not know what they do not know.
Is Oncology Massage Safe?
Oncology Massage is offered at many of the leading Cancer Centers. It is generally safe regardless of where your cancer is, what stage it is, or where you are in your treatment or recovery. The key is to adjust your massage to these things, so your massage could range from "Touch Therapy" to deep tissue.
If your answers to intake questions cause your therapist to have any doubts as to safety, your therapist will stop and suggest you speak to a doctor. For instance, if you have new nervy pain that you have not reported to your doctor, or if you are at risk for blood clots and show any symptoms of one.
Let me address a few common concerns.
Can massage spread my cancer by pressing on my tumor?
A massage therapist trained in Oncology Massage will not press on a tumor site if the tumor is accessible.
Can massage spread my cancer by increasing the blood circulation in my body?
Massage increases localized blood flow, which is why the area receiving massage may turn red, but no studies have shown that there is a systemic increase in blood flow from massage. Walking up a flight of stairs will increase your systemic blood flow more than a massage, so if your doctor has not cautioned you against that, you can feel confident that massage is safe in that regard.
If I'm not supposed to get blood pressure taken or blood drawn in my arm, how can I get a massage?
A massage therapist trained in Oncology Massage will know to take care and adjust the pressure and direction of stroke away from the compromised lymph nodes.
What are the benefits of Oncology Massage?
Relaxation
Reduced stress
Reduced anxiety
Improved sleep
Reduced pain and swelling
Improved range of motion
Reduced nausea and constipation
Emotional benefit from soothing touch
Can I get a massage if my blood counts are low?
Yes. Low blood counts will affect the pressure of your massage, but if your blood counts are too low to receive a massage you are probably already admitted to a hospital.
Do I need a doctor's approval to receive Oncology Massage?
You do not need a doctor's approval to receive Oncology Massage. Hopefully your doctor is familiar with the benefits of a massage received from a therapist trained in Oncology Massage. Some doctors will encourage massage, but may not caution you to find someone trained in Oncology Massage. Other doctors may tell you not to receive massage because they are not aware of the special training received.
If in doubt, you can make an appointment for a consultation only and your therapist can provide you with a treatment plan that includes adjustments that will be made to your massage that you can present to your doctor so he can give you informed advice.
How do I prepare for an Oncology Massage?
You will be asked to fill out a questionnaire prior to your appointment. To fill it out, you will need a list of your medications and what they are for as well as well as a list of procedures you've undergone and what they were for. You will also be asked if you know your blood counts. The rest of the questions should be able to be easily answered.
