One thing that has stood out since adding oncology massage to my little tool bag is how many people are not aware oncology massage "is a thing" when I start talking about it.  So to that extent, let me introduce you to massage for clients who have had or are currently living with cancer.

Oncology massage (OM) really focuses on the client’s wellbeing.  Oncology massage therapists (OMT's) have further training in the area of cancer massage that a licensed massage therapist would not have.  We review each client’s medical history in depth and take in to account any cancer (CA) treatments they have had in the past or are presently undergoing and tailor each session to their specific needs.  We look at their body systems and determine if there are any contraindications that would require us to adjust the approach to their massage.  Examples could be anything from having lymph nodes removed and knowing to use caution for lymphedema or the client having bone cancer and knowing the correct pressure limitations or joint movement restrictions to use.  We are also focusing on helping the client feel relief towards the symptoms of the their treatments such as fatigue, nausea, lack of sleep, and even depression or anxiety.

"How can massage help people with cancer?"

OM is tailored to each client’s medical history and specific needs.  The feedback we receive from clients is showing it helps them with relief of their symptoms from treatment.  Clients feel less stress and anxiety, massage can help reduce sleeplessness, it helps with body awareness as we are providing a positive healing touch to each client.   Other symptoms helped can be fatigue, nausea, and pain.  

There was a case series done by Cassileith BR and Vickers AJ of 1290 in and out patients at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York in 2004.  Results after a single OM session showed a reported decrease in pain of 40%, decrease of nausea 21.2%, a decrease of fatigue 40.7%, a decrease of anxiety 52.2% and a decrease of depression 30.6%.   If that does not show that OM has a positive effect on clients I do not know what does.  This stuff amazes me!