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Oncology Massage

What is Oncology Massage? | Janet Penny RMT | Ottawa, ON

What is Oncology Massage?

Massage during and after cancer treatment provides a comfortable and safe space in which to rest, restore and rehabilitate.  

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Massage is both safe and effective  when your massage therapist  is trained and experienced in understanding cancer treatment, its side effects and the necessary massage adaptations.

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Each massage is tailored to meet your unique needs and comfort level, whether it is after surgery or during chemotherapy and radiation.

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Your body deserves compassionate touch - and so do you.

How can massage help during and after cancer treatments?

Massage therapy is an integrative modality that helps to manage many of the side effects that occur during cancer treatment and beyond. It is a non-pharmacological approach to managing symptoms including:

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  • Fatigue

  • Anxiety and depression

  • Pain

  • Pre-surgery massage treatments to calm the body and mind.

  • Post-surgery massage to reduce local swelling and regain full mobility.

  • Chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy (eg. tingling and numbness in the hands and feet).

  • Radiation treatments create tissue density; massage can relieve discomfort and help to regain full movement.

  • Hormone therapy induced muscle and joint aches.

  • Metatastic discomforts

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What to look for in a massage therapist who works with people with cancer?

With no accreditation process, how can you be sure that your massage therapist can safely work with people with cancer?

When looking for a qualified massage therapist be sure to ask them questions such as:

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  • Do you have specialized training in working with people with cancer?

  • How much experience do you have working with people with cancer?

  • How would you modify the massage based on my surgery/chemotherapy/radiation/other treatments?

  • What do you know about lymph node removal and the concern of developing lymphedema?

 

The Society for Oncology Massage (S4OM.org)  has a list of approved oncology massage training courses and  trained therapists that can guide you in finding the best support.

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How effective is massage therapy?

Massage therapy is increasingly being recommended as a non-pharmacological and safe intervention for many cancer-related side effects.

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Current research is ongoing to support the effectiveness of massage to:

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  • support people experiencing anxiety and depression

  • address sleep problems

  • reduce local swelling after surgery or radiation

  • regain full mobility after surgery

  • manage neuropathy (tingling, numbness) and neuropathic pain

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