It’s been said that cancer patients have three major components to their recovery: medical treatment, emotional support and physical wellness. Therefore cancer-specific therapy can be beneficial to your mind, body and spirit during cancer treatment and is such a self-caring way for you to feel in control of nurturing touch.
In the category of physical wellness, oncology massage is a highly recommended form of therapeutic relief for people going through chemotherapy or radiation. It can help with chronic pain from surgery and alleviate muscle spasms caused by the treatments.
What is Oncology Massage?
Oncology massage is a form of non-invasive, compassionate touch that is very specialised; very different from traditional forms of massage.
Oncology massage uses a light touch with slow, steady movements, working with the central nervous system to help the body relax. Aside from the physical effect of massage therapy, there are proven psychological benefits to help aid cancer patients.
Cancer Research UK suggests, “One of the main reasons people with cancer use massage is because it helps them feel good.”
I offer client-specific, customised touch/non-touch sessions designed to meet your unique, changing needs and adapt as your cancer treatment also changes.
I work with you to agree on a safe touch plan that revolves around the side effects of chemotherapy, radiation and surgery.
I will take a full history, from there, we can decide what time suits you for treatment. This may work around your chemotherapy and side effects, finding comfortable positions following surgery, around catheters and radiation sites.
I encourage you to take my oncology health form to your oncology team and ask that I am made aware of any changes to your treatment that may affect how I would manage our sessions together.
What are the benefits of Oncology Massage?
Oncology massage is a gentle form of therapy that aids sleep, promote fewer headaches and stress. The benefits also include an improved ability to tolerate cancer treatment side effects as well less chemo-induced nausea or vomiting for those patients undergoing chemotherapy treatments. Oncology massage is often needed because it helps you avoid medication overloads which could lead to severe complications with their long term health, especially if they continue receiving these medications over time.
Conclusion
With its proven benefits, many cancer patients choose to receive oncology massage in their daily lives, realising that, especially during such a difficult time in their lives, oncology massage has the potential to enhance their quality of life.
If you’d like to find out more about the benefits of Oncology massage or would like to book an initial consultation to discuss your needs, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
