WHY ONCOLOGY MASSAGE?

The Client Always Has Control.

Oncology Massage (OM) is a safe and gentle massage style, designed to offer a pain-free, peaceful space for clients living with cancer. It's comforting techniques provide a side-effect free treatment option to help ease the associated effects of cancer treatments, and the disease itself.

​

Specialty training ensures I have a thorough understanding of the disease process, and the ability to recognise considerations which will modify and individualise treatment plans. These can include:

• Bone density changes

• Chemotherapy cycles

• Lymph node removal/biopsy/radiation

• Scar tissue restriction or adhesions

• Pain levels

• Fatigue and lethargy

• Medical devices, catheters, or ports

• Lymphoedema

• Low platelet or white cell count

• Skin integrity

• Physical and psychological side-effects

• Your comfort level on the table

 

OM IS NOT A TREATMENT FOR CANCER ITSELF, NOR DOES IT AIM TO TRY AND 'FIX' ANYTHING.

​

Research has however shown it to be effective in the management of symptom-distress, and palliation for cancer patients.

 

Of 1290 cancer patients over a three year period:

• Pain Improved 47%

• Fatigue Improved 42%

• Anxiety Improved 59%

• Nausea Improved 51%

• Depression Improved 48%

• Other (including shortness of breath, memory problems, dry mouth or disturbed sleep) improved 48%

 

Medical Research: Cassileth BR, Vickers AJ, 2004, Massage Therapy for Symptom Control: Outcome Study at a Major Cancer Centre, Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, 28:3:244-250

Click here for the original journal article.

​

OM is quite literally blissful, and this style of massage is just as beneficial to the broader massage clientele as it is for cancer patients.