A few years ago, my world shifted. A beloved client, Bob, received a life-altering diagnosis of multiple myeloma. While I had experience working with clients facing cancer, this felt different. Traditional massage techniques weren’t enough to truly support him.
Driven by a desire to help Bob on his journey, I embarked on specialized training in Oncology Massage. Witnessing his struggle firsthand fueled a passion to provide comfort and relief to others facing similar challenges.
The privilege of working with Bob until his final days remains a profound experience. His resilience and openness allowed me to refine my skills and truly understand the impact oncology massage can have – in treatment, post-treatment, remission, or even during palliative care.
Bob’s memory serves as a guiding light in my practice. Today, I’m honored to offer compassionate, skilled support to those navigating every stage of their cancer journey.
Facts about Oncology Massage
‘Cancer Massage. That’s lymphatic, right?”
That is what I hear the most when I tell people I do ‘cancer massage’. And while there are some specific modalities that treat the lymphatic system, that is not what Oncology massage for those living with cancer is about.
Oncology massage consists of regular Massage Therapy techniques that have been adapted to the specifics of the complications of cancer and cancer treatment. A thorough understanding of how cancer and the side effects of its’ treatment affect the body is necessary in order to customize and adapt massage therapy sessions for your best benefit. It is a compassion-based approach to help you manage your entire experience with cancer. No matter where you are in your journey with cancer, Oncology Massage will benefit you.
Oncology Massage can:
*Reduce Stress, Anxiety, and Depression
*Elevate your body’s production of Endorphins to help improve your mood
*Reduce sleeplessness and increase mental clarity and alertness
*Reduce pain, fatigue, and nausea
*Give you a ‘vacation’ from your cancer
*Offers the opportunity to feel whole again, and have a positive experience of your body
Common Questions about Oncology Massage for those with Cancer
1. Is Cancer/Oncology Massage Safe?
The American Cancer Society and the Society for Oncology Massage have stated very clearly that Massage Therapy provided by a properly trained Oncology Massage Therapist is indeed safe. A detailed history will be taken so your session can be customized specifically to you. Your sessions will be adapted to meet the changing needs of your treatment and how it is affecting you on a daily and continual basis. I will follow all recommendations by your medical team and am happy to speak with them to answer any questions they may have about how I would be working with you.
2. Can Oncology Massage ‘spread’ my cancer?’
In a word, no. I NEVER massage directly over a tumor site. The pressure used in your massage is gentle and adapted to your current condition. There is no chance of cancer cells ‘breaking off and moving through the body’. That is not how cancer works. Another myth around massage during cancer is that raising circulation throughout the body can somehow promote metastasis through the blood and lymph. If that was how cancer worked, Oncologists would not promote exercise for those with cancer, yet they do. Increased circulation does not cause metastasis. Medical research has solid evidence of the benefits of Oncology massage, and no evidence that it ‘spreads the cancer’. It has been accepted by medical professionals that gentle professional massage can reduce many of the discomforts of traditional cancer treatment. It is a complementary therapy that has proven benefits.
3. What is an Oncology Massage Like?
The first thing I will do is take a detailed history of your current condition and treatment.**
I will take the time to deeply listen to how this has affected you both physically and emotionally. Then your session will be customized for you and how you are feeling overall, and on that day. Each session will look different based on your individual needs. You will be bolstered so you can relax and feel supported during your session. The length of your session may vary as well, based on how you are feeling. You can feel confident that all precautions will be taken to give you a safe, relaxing, nurturing session that will offer many benefits.
**If you are seeking massage for a loved one that is unable to effectively communicate, I will take a history from you or a medical professional. Massage therapy does benefit those who may not be able to communicate verbally or in detail and is very beneficial in hospice settings.
4. Where do I get an Oncology Massage? How much does it cost?
Depending on your current condition, your session may be done in my office, at your home, or in a hospital or hospice setting. Should you visit my office, an elevator is available, and I am happy to assist you to my office should you need it. Home sessions are scheduled on a time available basis, and currently are limited to Durango city limits. Sessions in a medical facility will be scheduled on a time available basis and are generally shorter than sessions in my office or at home. Cost of your session is on a sliding scale, from $65 to $115 per hour. If you are financially challenged, I am happy to work with you. Sessions at the Mercy Hospice house are given at no charge as I volunteer my time at Mercy Hospice.
