What is Oncology Massage?

Oncology massage therapists have received a greater depth of education in cancer, its treatments, effects of the treatments and physiological and psychological effects of cancer on patients. It is not a specific protocol or series of techniques; rather, it is performed by an experienced therapist with awareness and adaptations suitable to the illness.

What are the benefits of Oncology Massage?

Research  has shown many benefits of massage for people with cancer:

• Reduce Anxiety and Depression

• Enhance Body Image

• Relieve Symptoms, including nausea and vomiting

• Provide Comfort by easing muscle tension, promoting sleep & relaxation

• Support immunity

• Contribute to General Quality of Life and Well-being

Is it okay to get a massage while dealing with cancer?

According to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, “Massage therapy is extremely helpful to cancer patients. As is true of any therapy, it must be practiced with appropriate care and knowledge. There is no reason, however, to withhold this extraordinarily helpful intervention from the very people who may need it most, and for whom its benefit may be most profound.”
excerpt from Medical Massage for the Cancer Patient, 2007. Integrative Medicine Service, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, NY NY, 2007

My path to Oncology Massage

I attended the Florida School of Massage in 1992 and was taught cancer was contraindicated for massage. End of story.

But with the prevalence of cancer, I started to see more people in my practice who were dealing with cancer. I also experienced personal losses from cancer. Seeking more information, I attended a workshop at Memorial Sloan Kettering in NYC, one of the nation’s leading cancer centers. At that workshop, the idea that massage was NOT going to spread cancer was driven home. I then attended a more experiential class with Tracy Walton in Boston, a researcher, writer, award-winning educator, and specialist in massage and cancer care. With knowledge about cancer, an experienced therapist can offer great relief.

Learn more

Benefits of Oncology Massage, MD Anderson Cancer Center

Oncology Certification

MEDICAL MASSAGE FOR THE CANCER PATIENT 1
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center Integrative Medicine Service , 2007

CARING FOR CLIENTS WITH CANCER: SIMPLE STEPS TO SAFE, EFFECTIVE MASSAGE THERAPY
Tracy Walton, Watertown Center for the Healing Arts, 2009