Oncology Massage

Service performed by certified oncology massage preferred practitioner, management chemotherapy and radiation related side effects

Oncology Massage

Oncology massage is the adaptation of massage techniques to safely nurture the body of someone affected by cancer or its treatments.

Oncology massage provides comfort-oriented massage or touch in an effort to soothe, nurture and piece the body together. All people living with cancer or recovering from its treatment – regardless of the severity of their condition – can receive some form of comfort-oriented therapy.  

An oncology client is someone who is

The benefits of oncology massage

An oncology-trained massage therapist or esthetician will adapt for

What is oncology massage goals? 

The goal of oncology massage and skin care treatments is to provide therapeutic services that are safe, satisfying, supportive, nurturing, soothing, healing, and undemanding. 

Can massage spread cancer? 

It is well documented that massage does not contribute to the spread of cancer. Some people worry that massage can spread cancer cells via the lymphatic system, the body's immune system. Our lymphatic system is a network of nodes and vessels through which lymph or lymphatic fluid flows. 

Is Massage safe for people living with cancer? 

Yes! The Society for Oncology Massage and the American Cancer Society state this in very clear terms. A properly trained oncology massage therapist can provide safe and effective massage for any person at any stage of their cancer journey: during and after treatment, in remission, cure or at the end of life. Oncology massage is a complementary therapy (not meant to replace conventional medical care, but to work along side it) and has many benefits. 

Is it important for my massage therapist to have special oncology massage training? 

Even with a doctor’s order it is best for the client to see a trained oncology massage therapist who will know the appropriate questions to ask to make safe adjustments to the massage and who will often include the physician in the massage care plan conversation if needed. Increasingly, facilities that offer oncology massage are requiring therapists to have advanced instruction in this area. They may require a particular training, or a certain number of hours or clinical experience. 

Are massages good for cancer patients? 

Studies have shown that massage therapy can be beneficial for cancer patients both during and following treatment. Massage therapy can counteract many of the negative physical and emotional symptoms of cancer and side effects of cancer treatment for patients.