Oncology Massage

Cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and medication, flood the body with a high amount of toxins, which massage can help eliminate. Massage treatment plans for cancer sufferers must be customized to the patient’s specific condition and needs, as too much therapy in too short of an amount of time may be more than the client’s body can comfortably handle.

Massage therapy is highly beneficial in most stages of the struggle against cancer, such as pre- and post-operative periods, hospitalization, in the clinic, during radiation and chemotherapy, at the home, during remission, and in the end stages of life.

The benefits of massage for clients include relief from fatigue and nausea, improved blood circulation, and equalized blood pressure. It is recommended that a patient consult their physician if considering cancer massage therapy.

For those who are 2-3 months out from treatment, bodywork that can be used includes lymph drainage therapies, trigger point therapy, neuromuscular therapy, myotherapy and myofascial release, among others. It’s better to wait before receiving deeper work.

While hospitalized, some appropriate techniques include cranialsacral therapy, polarity therapy, reiki and Therapeutic Touch. No matter how severe the cancer treatment’s side effects, a way can always be found to administer some type of bodywork.

Lisa Singer, of Women’s Radio Network, conducted an interview with Liz on Nov 14, 2014. Click here to listen