Massage Therapy for Cancer Patients


be a very important part of the cancer treatment. We have learned massage therapists must work differently with consideration of treat- ment and other factors. We now call this type of massage therapy Oncology Massage.


F Oncology Massage is more about the client than the massage.


This type of massage is provided by a therapist that has received training in the specifics of cancer, the types of treatments and also understands different positioning required depending upon the patient needs. The therapist determines the length of sessions which is dependant upon current needs, and the pressure required for the techniques so as not to hurt the patient. Therapists are aware of conditions, like ports, bone metastases and reactions to treatment. This type of massage is ever changing, from massage to massage, or even moment-to-moment depending upon the situation. Cancer centers around the country are offering oncology massage with experienced therapists providing the treatments. It is very important that there is permission from the doctor so that the therapist can begin to create a treatment plan specifically designed for the patient that takes in all medical conditions at time of the massage. Massage therapy for cancer patients doesn’t need to hurt to feel good. Light stroking techniques, very light pressure, or a very normal massage are all parts of oncology massage. General benefits include: deep relaxation, deep sleep, reduced stress, increased alertness, less anxiety, less nausea, reduced pain. Over time clients have also reported less scar tissue formation. More research is being performed on the benefits of massage for cancer patients and the list below is an excellent start.


Following Surgery


• reduced anxiety in advance of surgery • easier recovery from anesthesia • reduced post-surgical pain • improved mobility • decreased appearance of surgical scars • reduced swelling • improved range of motion


• easier adaptation to implants and expanders


or many years clients with cancer were encouraged not to re- ceive massage therapy services as it was thought that it would spread the cancer. Now we know that massage therapy can


Following Radiation or Chemotherapy


• reduced anxiety in advance of and during treatment • reduced post-treatment fatigue • improved appetite • improved peripheral neuropathy


Emotional Benefits


• decreased anxiety and depression • increased feelings of well-being • being pleasantly distracted • improved body self-image • restored hope


• satisfaction in participating actively in a part of the healing process.


Post Surgery


• reduced anxiety in advance of surgery • easier recovery from anesthesia • reduced post-surgical pain • improved mobility • decreased appearance of surgical scars • reduced swelling • improved range of motion


• easier adaptation to implants and expanders


Clients report that they love the massages they get during and after their cancer treatments. Many times this is the first massage for the patient, and they report the time on the massage table as a heal- ing experience. Massage for cancer patients is an important part of treating the patient not only as a cancer patient but a person.


Heather Piper is the owner and primary Muscular Therapist at River Bend Therapeutic Massage in Kennebunk Maine. She has worked at two well-known spas, The White Barn Inn, and the Cliff House Resort & Spa; she had worked with athletes and performers all over New England. She is licensed to practice massage in Maine and Massachusetts. She has a keen knowledge of anatomy and kinesiol- ogy. Heather uses her skills to assist the client’s return to physical health. She can be reached via email: heather@ksystems.us, or at her website: riverbendtherapeuticmassage.massagetherapy.com. See ad on page 13.


16 Essential Living Maine ~ October 2014


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