oncology massage the adaptation of massage to safely nurture the body, mind and spirit of anyone...
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ONCOLOGY MASSAGEThe adaptation of massage to safely nurture the body, mind and spirit of anyone diagnosed with cancer.
Society for Oncology Massage
Oncology Massage
Skilled touch is beneficial at nearly every stage of the cancer experience, during hospitalization, the pre- or post-operative period, in the outpatient clinic, during chemotherapy and radiation, recovery at home, remission, or cure and in the end stages of life.
Gayle MacDonald, MS, LMT, Author of “Medicine Hands: Massage for People Living with Cancer”
Oncology Massage: A Recognized Modality
Recommended by: American Cancer Society Society for Integrative Oncology LiveStrong
Offered at many cancer centers: MD Anderson Cancer Center Oregon Health & Science University Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center And other cancer centers across the US and abroad
Massage Benefits during Treatment
Reduces short-term pain, anxiety, fatigue, feelings of isolation
Enhances mood Contributes to better rest Improves perception of treatment
Research Studies and Results
Safety and Efficacy of Massage Therapy for Patients with Cancer (2005) MEDLINE and CINAHL database study showing strongest
evidence for stress reduction with trends toward pain reduction Massage Therapy for Symptom Control: Outcome
Study at a Major Cancer Center Memorial Sloan Kettering observational study of 1,290 patients Rated symptoms (pain, nausea, fatigue, anxiety, and depression)
pre- and post-massage with immediate reduction in all areas Massage Therapy May Have Immediate Positive Effect
on Pain and Mood for Advanced Cancer Patients (2008) NIH funded study Randomized trial of 380 advanced cancer patients at 15 US
hospices Improvement in pain and mood following massage compared
with simple touch
Massage Benefits Post Treatment
Restores a feeling of wholeness to the body
Increases range of motion and suppleness to areas affected by surgery and radiation
Stress reduction/ restorative rest Pain reduction
The Case for Oncology Massage Training
People living with cancer are medically complex with with unique considerations
Most therapists don’t receive training to help them understand the complexity of people who have had treatment for cancer
Oncology Massage
Common modalities used for cancer patients are comfort massage, reflexology, and acupressure done with light pressure
Comfort-oriented bodywork provided by a trained oncology massage practitioner
Typical Oncology Massage Training
The importance of being “present” for the client
Benefits and precautions for cancer patients
The biology of cancer; how it starts, how it spreads and its effect on the body
Types of treatment and common side effects
Typical Oncology Massage Training
How to do a thorough assessment/intake Utilizing critical thinking skills to provide
a beneficial and safe massage session Supervised sessions with guidance from
an experienced instructor
Massage in a Less Demanding Way
Less is more Inch forward (or backward) Slower strokes Shorter sessions Checking in with clients the day after
massage
Tailoring a Session for the Individual
Oncology massage plan considers: Pressure moderation Position adjustments Site restrictions Lymphedema risk Session length
Pressure ModerationRequired always, especially:
Immunosuppression
Extreme fatigue Nausea Lymphedema/risk
of lymphedema Bone
fragility/metastases
Medical devices Fragile skin Peripheral
neuropathy Pain Pain medication
Position AdjustmentsMay be required:
Incision tenderness
Medical devices Shortness of
breath Pain Mucositis
Tumor/metastases
Constipation Reconstruction Expanders Ascites
Site Restrictions
Always: Tumor Radiation skin
reaction Medical devices Skin fragility
Perhaps: Peripheral
neuropathy Hair loss Bone
metastases
Lymphedema Risk
Surgery or radiation to cervical, axillary or inguinal nodes puts patient at increased risk of lymphedema
Oncology trained therapists will often have knowledge of: Lymphatic system: quadrants Modifications for comfort based massage
Less pressure, less time, stroke direction Bolsters/position
A trained therapist should easily be able to answer the following questions:
Have you received training in how to work safely with people diagnosed with cancer?
What kind of modifications would you make based on my current status?
What do you know about massage for people at risk of lymphedema?
For Further Information …
See “Medicine Hands: Massage Therapy for People with Cancer”, 2nd Ed. (2007, Findhorn Press)http://astore.amazon.com/sociforoncoma-20Visit the S4OM website at http://www.s4om.org.Email your questions to [email protected] a member of S4OM.