Being treated for cancer does not mean you need to stop getting massages. Your massage therapist has a Specialized Certificate in Oncology Massage; a specialized training that provides the background needed to modify the massage for the side effects and long-term effects of cancer treatment. Modifications may include changing your position for the massage, extra pillows or bolsters, working around ports and other medical devices, and using less pressure, all depending on your health history including possible low blood cell counts, risk of lymphedema, neuropathy, limited range of motion from scar tissue, and fatigue.
Your safety and comfort is our highest concern. Oncology massage is a massage that has been adapted to any and all effects of cancer, the way it has affected the body. The massage is also modified based on side effects of treatment, whether from chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation, both short term and long term.
The focus is therapeutic and restorative.. It depends on the therapist and your health history. For a person in treatment recovering from surgery, in chemotherapy, or receiving radiation or immunotherapy or at end of life, or at any point your skin is sensitive, we will use a hypoallergenic massage lotion.
If you have strong, healthy skin, you and your therapist can discuss whether to use lotion or the massage oil of your mutual choice. It is always nice to have a note, especially if the doctor is familiar with oncology massage, but it is not necessary. The doctors are not always familiar with the ways we adapt massage for people with a history of cancer. However, it IS why we ask for a more extensive health history form and will spend a bit more time talking to you before your first massage.
Oncology massage therapists need additional information about your cancer treatment to see if you have any problems that frequently occur as a result of the treatments. So we ask questions and will go over the form with you before your massage. That way we can adjust the massage for places to avoid for example, do you still have a port? For anyone who is a cancer survivor past treatment and recovery , a caregiver, or a non-oncology client, we request 24 hours cancellation notice.
