oncology Massage
What is it Oncology Massage?
Oncology massage is a form of massage that is adapted fully to each individual’s needs throughout their cancer journey and beyond.
Should cancer patients have massage?
Yes, absolutely! But it is so important to find a therapist who is appropriately trained in Oncology massage.
This is because there is often a lot more to consider, including ensuring that your treatment provides comfort and support physically and mentally, and uses natural, effective skincare products.
When undergoing or recovering from cancer treatment, extra indulgence and pampering is often very much required, but hard to find.
How does it differ from regular massage?
There are many ways that massage MAY have to be adapted for an individual living with cancer and/or undergoing cancer treatment.
Pressure – some cancer patients may experience increased sensitivity, loss of body mass and an increased capacity for bruising, especially during particular cancer treatments like chemotherapy and as such pressure will need to be monitored.
Positioning – typical massage positions are not always comfortable for an individual receiving cancer treatments, so adaptations may need to be made.
Products – Cancer treatments in particular can cause a variety of sensitivities ranging from nausea to painfully dry skin, making you more likely to have adverse reactions to product ingredients. So, it’s important that appropriate products are used to minimise reactions.
Infection control – this is vitally important when someone is undergoing chemotherapy, which compromises the immune system. While infection control is important for ALL clients, there are extra precautions to take when treating someone undergoing cancer treatment.
All that being said, all individuals are different and the needs of each individual can change over the course of their cancer journey or treatment. It is important that treatments are adapted to individual needs – there is no one size fits all.
What are the benefits?
Massage is known to provide lots of benefits for everyone. If you’ve had one before, you will know that it can be a joyful, restorative experience. However, when you’re going through something big, like cancer or cancer treatment, those benefits can be even more important.
Short-term benefits
- Reduced anxiety, depressed mood and anger
- Increased vigour
- Reduced mood disturbances and perceived stress levels
- Improved sleep quality
- Improved quality of life
- Reduced perception of pain, nausea and increased relaxation
- Pain intensity, pulse rate, and respiratory rate significantly reduced immediately after the massages
- Reduced anxiety, depression, general fatigue, motivation fatigue, and emotional fatigue
- Reduced heart rate and lower blood pressure
- Decrease in physical discomfort
- The effect of massage on mood disturbances was greater when treated continuously by the same therapist
Long-term benefits
- Reduced depression and hostility
- Increased urinary dopamine and serotonin values
- Increased natural killer cell number and lymphocytes in breast cancer patients
- Reduced mood disturbances and perceived stress levels
Treatment Prices
Individual
Treatments
Oncology Massage
– 60 minutes-
1 hours oncology massage
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Fully bespoke to indivudal's needs
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Includes full consulation and aftercare advice
Frequently Asked Questions
No! This have been a very common misconception over the years, but there is no clinical evidence to suggest that massage spreads cancer cells through the body.
The best massage for a cancer patient is one that is tailored entirely to the patients/clients needs and one that is carried out by a therapist who has specific training in oncology massage.
As every individual is unique, the best massage or treatment for them, is unique to their needs. Most of us have different needs at different times, and the same applies when you’re experiencing cancer and cancer treatment.
So, when you find a therapist you like, make sure you talk to them before your treatment about what you are experiencing at that time (perhaps it’s trouble sleeping, perhaps it’s stress or maybe it’s nausea, or maybe there’s an area on your body that you would prefer them to avoid). They will then adapt your treatment to help support you.visit a therapist who is oncology trained, you can usually have a massage at any stage of your cancer treatment, including chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
Jennifer Young Therapists are trained to work with those affected by cancer, no matter what stage they’re in. Many of our therapists work on oncology wards delivering therapies to those who are in treatment, helping to relieve the boredom of chemotherapy. Others can be found in hospices and clinical complementary health rooms. Jennifer Young Therapies can also be found in many of the world’s leading spas as well as in clinics, rooms and salons. Some of our therapists offer a mobile service. We will give you the same specialist loving care if you were diagnosed yesterday or 20 years ago. All of our therapies are adapted to meet your needs. There will be times when a touch therapy is not appropriate but they are very few and far between.
As long as you visit a therapist who is oncology trained, you can usually have a massage at any stage of your cancer treatment, including chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
It may be that your therapist will adapt a treatment to avoid radiotherapy sites, or you might not feel up to having a massage in the days surrounding your cancer treatment. The crucial thing is that it’s very much about you and your individual requirements. If you’re feeling very anxious or unsure, speak to your doctor and phone your therapist before your planned visit to chat about what is best for you.
No, it does not. It is very important to state that oncology massage is not designed to help treat cancer. It is in fact designed to help manage the side effects or cancer and cancer treatment and to provide comfort and relief at a much needed time.