Last Minute Massage Blog

I’ve written about it before in relation to breast cancer and massage therapy, but massage therapy can be utilized in the treatment and the healing therapy of going through the battle with any kind of cancer.  What is Oncology Massage?  Basically, oncology massage is bodywork that is designed specific to the needs of people who are dealingwith cancer and/or it’s treatments.  The premise of Oncology Massage is to enhance healing while doing no harm to people whose bodies are dealing with a lowered immune system strength, at risk for developing lyphedema and whose body’s are stressed out by radiation and/or chemotherapy treatments.

Oncology Massage is much more than a luxury and a “feel good” or relaxation technique.  This type of massage can actually assist you body in its path to health.  It can help with some of the side effects of chemotherapy, radiation and cancer itself side effetcs such as diarrehea, nasea, constipation, lack of appetite, ehaustion, pain and low blood count.  The massage will help boost the immune system, strenghen organs and sysytems, build up the blood count, lessen depression and make the patient feel better about themselves!

Normally Oncology Massage marries reflexology, and acupressure techniques.  This helps build the emotional and physical aspects of your person.  The reflexology helps balance the body’s organs and different sysytems, while acupressure works with points and meridians of energy to bring the body and emotions into a balance. 

In the past, it has been thought that massages can promote cancer cells to  multiply.  Well, Can Massage cause Metastasis?

“ Although some sources have expressed concern that massage may cause a dislocation of cells from a site of cancer enabling a metastasis to be set up elsewhere in the body, there have been no controlled studies or other scientific evidence reported to support this theoretical possibility. …

“In summary, it is our belief that GENTLE, conscious massage is not only safe, but has many demonstrated beneficial effects (e.g., enhanced well-being, decreased anxiety, nausea and fatigue.) There is no data to suggest that it causes any harm to persons with cancer.”

Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center
Norris Cotton Cancer Center

As a patient, when you go into get an Oncology Massage, your therapist should talk to you about the type of cancer you have had/currently have.  Your massage will be catered to you depending on you!  Each massage is specific to your needs.

Thanks,

Tiffany

Last Minute Massage