What is Oncology Massage?
Oncology Massage is a combination of many different style of massage brought together into a treatment that is both safe and beneficial for those who are living with or surviving cancer.
What are the potential benefits of an Oncology Massage?
- Promotes relaxation
- Moistures the skin
- Encourages deeper respiration
- Can help improve sleep
- Relieves muscle soreness
- Helps to decrease symptoms related to chemo and radiation, such as fatigue, nausea, diarrhoea, and loss of appetite
- Stimulates faster wound healing
- Encourages increased circulation bringing fresh nutrients to the area
- Stimulates the Lymphatic flow, which helps the elimination of waste products
- May improve the range of motion
- Can help decrease oedema and lymphedema
- May help decrease anxiety and depression
- Can help the digestive system
- Increases alertness and mental clarity
- Helps promote healing of scar tissue
- Breaks up adhesions associated with scarring
What is an Oncology Massage treatment like?
Oncology massage treatment sessions are tailored individually to the need of the client. A full consultation is taken on the first visit and a treatment plan created from this. Clients are involved in developing this plan so that they are comfortable with the treatment they will receive and happy that they are getting the best treatment for them. The length of session, the pressure of the strokes and the strokes used, the position the client is comfortable relaxing in, whether clothing will be removed or left on, the oils used in treatment, will all be considered and adjustments made to suit the individual needs at that moment in time, and may be adapted as needed in further treatments.
Oncology patients are encouraged to consult with their oncology team to ensure that treatment is advisable before they seek treatment.
Oncology patients are encouraged to consult with their oncology team to ensure that treatment is advisable before they seek treatment.
Is it safe to have a massage when you have cancer?
There was a belief in the last century which still persists today that you can't have a massage treatment with cancer as it would spread it. Research has found no evidence that backs up this idea. The adjustments that are made in Oncology Massage are taking into account the symptoms of the disease and the effects of the treatments. Oncology Massage is performed in a way that makes sure it is safe for the client and therapist at all times. If you are at all worried please check with your medical team before hand.
You can also refer to the Macmillan website.
There are some contraindications to receiving treatment which can be seen below.
You can also refer to the Macmillan website.
There are some contraindications to receiving treatment which can be seen below.
Aftercare Advice
Massage is an aid to the body's natural mechanisms to release stress. To gain maximum benefit from your treatment, it is advisable that you follow this aftercare advice for the next 12 hours.
- Drink plenty of water to help flush out toxins; massage aids the removal of toxins from the body.
- Avoid caffeine, alcohol or smoking; massage aims to aid the body’s natural detoxification process and these substances are counterproductive as they increase the levels of toxins in the body.
- Avoid eating heavy meals because blood is diverted to the gut to help with digestion. Digestion will divert energy away from the healing process. Eat light meals such as fruit and vegetables.
- Be aware of your posture.
- Rest as much as possible in order to assist the healing process.
- You may feel emotional, this is quite normal.
- You may experience a feeling of tiredness or fatigue following an oncology massage. In rare cases, headaches may follow.
- Increased urination is very likely after an Oncology Massage, make sure you stay well hydrated.
- In very rare cases flu-like symptoms (runny nose, coughing) may be experienced, but these will be temporary as the body re-balances itself. It will be replaced by a feeling of wellbeing!
Contraindications
Patients currently receiving radiation therapy should check with their Oncology team and reschedule treatment for a time that is safe to do so.
Post surgery it is recommended to wait at least 6 weeks before receiving complementary therapy treatments, unless otherwise instructed by a surgeon or physician.
Cancer patients should avoid treatment if they have coagulation disorders, complicated by bruising and internal haemorrhage; low platelet count; Metastases to bone, complicated by fracture; Open wounds or radiation dermatitis, complicated by pain and infection.
Patients should avoid treatment if they are on the following medications; Coumadin, acetylsalicylic acid, heparin.
Massage of any kind should not be carried out on clients with fever, contagious or infectious diseases as it can exacerbate symptoms and leave you feeling worse.
Colds and Flu should not be shared, please be considerate and reschedule your appointment for a later date.
Clients with cardiovascular disease, arthritis, epilepsy, diabetes or trapped nerves should always have a chat with their doctor before booking to check if treatment is recommended.
If you have chronic heart problems, currently suffering from thrombosis, or acute inflammation you should not book this treatment.
If you are suffering from Lymphoedema, although lymphatic massage could be very beneficial, I am not certified to treat this condition and suggest checking the Dr. Vodder School website for more information.
Post surgery it is recommended to wait at least 6 weeks before receiving complementary therapy treatments, unless otherwise instructed by a surgeon or physician.
Cancer patients should avoid treatment if they have coagulation disorders, complicated by bruising and internal haemorrhage; low platelet count; Metastases to bone, complicated by fracture; Open wounds or radiation dermatitis, complicated by pain and infection.
Patients should avoid treatment if they are on the following medications; Coumadin, acetylsalicylic acid, heparin.
Massage of any kind should not be carried out on clients with fever, contagious or infectious diseases as it can exacerbate symptoms and leave you feeling worse.
Colds and Flu should not be shared, please be considerate and reschedule your appointment for a later date.
Clients with cardiovascular disease, arthritis, epilepsy, diabetes or trapped nerves should always have a chat with their doctor before booking to check if treatment is recommended.
If you have chronic heart problems, currently suffering from thrombosis, or acute inflammation you should not book this treatment.
If you are suffering from Lymphoedema, although lymphatic massage could be very beneficial, I am not certified to treat this condition and suggest checking the Dr. Vodder School website for more information.
Duration |
Price |
30 minutes |
£30.00 |
45 minutes |
£45.00 |
60 minutes |
£55.00 |
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