What is Oncology Massage? At its most basic, oncology massage is bodywork that is designed specific to the needs of people who are dealing with cancer and/or its treatments. The main focus is to enhance healing while “doing no harm” to people whose bodies are: ·         dealing with lowered immune systems, ·         at risk for developing lymphedema ·         stressed by radiation and/or chemotherapy treatment(s), or recovering from surgery
 Enhance Healing ~ Much more than a feel-good treat or relaxation technique, Oncology Massage Therapy can actually assist your body and spirit in their constant pursuit of restoring you to health. By integrating Western and Eastern modalities of bodywork in order to address the symptoms of both cancer treatments and the disease, Oncology Massage Therapy can help with: ·         nausea, ·         diarrhea, ·         constipation, ·         lack of appetite, ·         insomnia, ·         exhaustion, ·         low blood counts, ·         pain and numerous other side effects from chemotherapy, radiation treatments and surgery. This massage can also help: ·         boost the immune system ·         strengthen compromised body organs and systems, ·         build up blood counts, ·         lessen depression, and ·         enhance feelings of well-being.

BEST MASSAGE Oncology Therapy incorporates Cranial Sacral Therapy and Myofascial techniques to strengthen both the physical and the emotional needs. The cranium has dural connections zones (and fascial paths) to all areas and organs of the body. By working the sacrum and cranium the energetic body can be balanced. Myofascial Techniques, based on the Traditional Osteopathic Techniques system, works with points and meridians of energy to bring the body and emotions into balance. These two modalities are gentle, non-invasive techniques that assist in the restoration of health.
 “Do No Harm” ~ respects the limits of a body that may already be stressed by the disease and its treatments. For instance, a client may be detoxing from chemotherapy, or may be recovering from radiation burns. An oncology massage will honor the body’s healing process by modulating pressure levels and the length of the massage so as not to re-traumatize the body with too much or too deep work.
 At Risk for Lymphedema? One of the common tests and treatments for cancer is biopsy or removal of lymph nodes in the area of the cancer. Anyone who has ever had lymph nodes removed, tested, biopsied or radiated from the neck, armpit or groin is at risk for developing lymphedema. Because the lymph system has been compromised it no longer has the same capacity for transporting fluids through that area. This can cause back-up of fluid leading to swelling which may eventually become extreme and irreversible. This is lymphedema, which is a life-long risk, no matter how much time passes after the lymph node procedure. Oncology Massage Therapy integrates safety protocols into all massages when lymph nodes have been compromised. Massage given by someone who does not know or utilize these protocols can actually cause lymphedema. For this reason, you should see only an experienced oncology massage therapist if you have had lymph nodes removed. If you already have lymphedema you can still receive an oncology massage. We are trainined in manual lymphatic drainage. However, we may also want to refer you to a specialist who treats this condition if you are not already seeing someone for that.
 How might an oncology massage be distinctive? As most massages, it will be tailored to the individual client. However, several things may be different from a massage you might receive in a spa, for example. ·         A detailed intake will be completed, including the kind of cancer you have (or had), your treatment history, your current treatment, any symptoms or side-effects you are experiencing, and any medical devices or lymph node involvement you might have. ·         Light pressure and limited duration ·         Any area of your body that has compromised lymph nodes will be honored with special techniques so as not to cause lymphedema ·         Much of the massage time will be spent on the head and connective tissues with gentle myofascial techniques·         Acupressure will be used to address symptoms specific to you on this particular day (nausea, depression, pain where a port has just been removed). ·         Depending on issues specific to your body, the position you lie in will be modified to accommodate any surgical or radiation sites or specific medical devices you might have. (Maybe you still have that port for chemotherapy infusions.) ·         Hot stones may be used on critical immune boosting acupressure points. ·         It may be suggested that you receive an oncology massage between 1 – 3 times per week while you are dealing with serious physical issues of the treatment·         If you have a blood disorder, or low blood counts, you may receive a gentle technique that will support and not deplete your energy.
Most importantly, you will be met with love, respect and a recognition of who you are and what your own healing process is.