Oncology Massage
Oncology massage is a specialized form of massage therapy adapted to safely and effectively address the unique needs of individuals with cancer and cancer survivors. It focuses on providing comfort, relaxation, and symptom relief during and after cancer treatment.
Key Characteristics of Oncology Massage:
- Gentle and adapted: Techniques such as: (Manual Lymphatic Drainage and gentle Swedish style massage) are modified to accommodate the specific challenges faced by cancer patients, such as fatigue, pain, and weakened immune systems.
- Individualized: Treatments are tailored to each person's condition, needs, and preferences. Special positioning is also considered to provide the best comfort during your session.
- Holistic approach: Addresses physical, emotional well-being.
- Safe and supportive:
Therapists are trained to work with patients undergoing various cancer treatments and understand potential side effects.
Benefits of Oncology Massage:
- Pain relief: Helps manage pain associated with cancer and treatment.
- Reduced anxiety and stress: Promotes relaxation and emotional well-being.
- Improved sleep: Can alleviate insomnia and sleep disturbances.
- Enhanced mood: Boosts overall sense of well-being.
- Strengthened immune system: May help support the body's natural defenses.
It's important to note that oncology massage is not a cure for cancer but can be a valuable complementary therapy to improve quality of life.
If you or someone you know is interested in oncology massage, it's essential to find a qualified therapist with specific training in this area.
The Frequency of Oncology Massage Sessions Can Vary Greatly Depending on Several Factors
- Individual needs: How you respond to the massage, the severity of your symptoms, and your overall health will influence the frequency.
- Stage of cancer treatment: During active treatment, more frequent sessions might be beneficial, while less frequent sessions might suffice during recovery or posttreatment.
Generally, people find benefit from:
- Regular sessions during active cancer treatment to manage symptoms and improve overall well-being.
- Less frequent sessions after treatment to maintain relaxation and address lingering side effects.
It's essential to consult with both your healthcare provider and the oncology massage therapist to determine the best frequency for your specific situation. They can work together to create a personalized treatment plan that meets your needs.
Remember, consistency is key. Even infrequent sessions can provide significant benefits over time.
What to Expect After an Oncology Massage Session
After an oncology massage session, you can expect to feel:
- Relaxed and calm: The gentle techniques used in oncology massage are designed to promote relaxation and reduce stress.
- Reduced pain: Many people report a decrease in pain intensity and frequency after a session.
- Improved sleep: Better sleep quality is a common benefit.
- Increased energy levels: While fatigue is a common side effect of cancer treatment, some individuals find that massage can help boost energy.
- Emotional release: It's normal to experience emotional responses, such as tears or a sense of peace, following a massage.
It's important to listen to your body and rest if needed. While some people feel energized after a massage, others may experience a temporary increase in fatigue.
Remember, everyone's experience is different. The effects of oncology massage can vary depending on individual factors, such as the stage of cancer, type of treatment, and overall health.
Stage 4 Kidney Disease and possible prostate cancer out of remission presenting with Lymphedema in the right leg.
A 92-year-old patient presented with intermittent lymphedema in his right leg. He had previously received leg wrapping from another provider who recommended manual lymphatic drainage (MLD). Due to the patient's compromised kidney function, full-body MLD was deemed contraindicated after consulting with the family. A modified treatment plan was implemented, combining oncology massage for the rest of his body with localized MLD for the affected right leg to minimize renal stress. Dry brushing was also incorporated to address hardened areas and promote lymphatic flow.
After three weeks of twice-weekly sessions, significant improvement was noted, resulting in his discharge from home health. Twice-weekly sessions continued. The patient subsequently discontinued wearing his compression stocking, believing his condition was resolved. Following this period without compression, he returned with significantly increased swelling in his right leg. This recurrence emphasized the importance of ongoing management, as the treatment approach focuses on symptom management rather than a cure. The patient will follow up with his oncologist to determine the most appropriate future care.
