Oncology Massage 101: What you need to know and why you want to.
When I went to massage therapy school I never intended to work with cancer patients.
In fact I didn't even know that it was possible.
I knew I wanted to help people feel better but through the first year of my 18 month program I really wasn't sure exactly how I was going to put this work into practice for myself.
Then one day, near the beginning of my final term, I was listening to a panel of speakers describe the different types of practices they ran and populations they worked with and one speaker talked about their experience caring for their grandfather during his illness and death and I was mesmerized.
Oncology massage had entered my world and blown my mind.
I remember thinking, “wow, what if this had been around for my mom 25 years ago when she was in the thick of cancer treatment at only 38 with a young family at home?”
And then I thought, “what if this could be there for ME should I be diagnosed myself?”
The idea that human touch and connection could be utilized for relief from difficult side effects during such a challenging time in someone's life touched me deeply and I was hooked.
A dozen years in I am more enamored than ever with the power of this work and its ability to not only transform a person's physical experience through and beyond cancer but to support their mental and emotional well-being too.
And despite the fact that oncology massage is now a recognized and beneficial modality both among massage therapists and integrative care centers, it is amazing how little people know about it.
So let's dig into what it is, who it serves, and how it can help you.
Returning to work shortly after my own active treatment for breast cancer ended.
What is Oncology Massage?
In the simplest terms Oncology Massage is the professional practice of massaging people who are living with a cancer experience.
An Oncology Massage Therapist uses a variety of modifications and adjustments to traditional massage therapy techniques in order to meet the unique and ever changing needs of someone in treatment for cancer or living with a history of cancer.
These modifications aren't just about using lighter touch or avoiding certain areas.
A trained oncology massage therapists studies cancer and cancer treatments as a large part of their specialized training.
A well-educated therapist is able to use critical thinking skills for each individual who comes in no matter how simple or complex their medical conditions/history may appear.
The easiest way to understand this work is to look at how it is different than other types of massage therapy.
Massage comes in many forms but oncology massage is a truly special and specialized modality.
How is “oncology massage” different from other forms of massage therapy?
Oncology massage is more than just about who we are working with.
A person in treatment for cancer or living with a cancer history can go get a massage anywhere with anyone and just because the client has a cancer experience does not make their session an “oncology massage”.
Massage therapy typically focuses on the manual manipulation of muscles and soft tissue to release muscle tension and encourage systemic relaxation.
And even with this simple foundation there are many ways to utilize this work for different populations and purposes:
sports massage can support endurance, recovery, and performance for an athlete or active person
prenatal/postpartum massage caters to the unique needs of a person during and after pregnancy and birth
myofascial release/massage works with the interwoven connective tissue to create a ripple effect of release beyond the muscles and muscle grouping themselves
“medical massage" addresses specific ailments like tennis elbow, piriformis syndrome, plantar fasciitis, or TMJ disorders
Each of these examples requires a therapist to have:
an understanding of the conditions they are treating
skills to treat them successfully with anticipated outcomes
recognition of the many ways in which these issues affect their clients on a larger scale than the body parts being manipulated.
This is the same for oncology massage.
A safe massage therapy care plan for someone with a recent cancer diagnosis, in active treatment, or living with a cancer history, revolves around the short and long-term side effects created by the cancer itself and the treatment interventions like surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.
The most common changes made to make a session an “oncology massage” are around:
the length of the session
the pressures used
the position of the client on the table
and areas of specific compromise or concern
These changes are all driven by not only what we are trying to treat (pain, nausea, fatigue, etc..) but also by what potential harm might be done if not approached in the correct way.
There are numerous factors that have to be considered when working with oncology clients and many of them don't end when treatment does.
Here are some of the things we look out and adapt for when performing oncology massage:
medical devices like mediports, pic lines, feeding tubes, or patches (think Neulasta!) that can be pulled or dislodged if not carefully worked around
skin fragility and burning from radiation that can be made worse with improper lubricants or rough touch
bone fragility from medications, early menopause, or bone metastases
low blood or platelet counts that can result in easy bruising
higher risk of blood clots with recent diagnosis and active treatment
existing tumors that are best avoided
risk of lymphedema (swelling) due to lymph node biopsy, removal, or radiation
nausea and fatigue from chemo that can be made worse if not careful
numbness from neuropathy or surgery that can make it hard for a client to evaluate what feels good and what doesn't
compromised finger and toe nails from chemotherapy that can tear or fall off
higher risk of infections and illness whether viral or bacterial
damage to vital organs from the cancer itself or treatment interventions
surgical scars that need to be left alone vs. those that can be successfully worked with
unexpected reactions to fragrance, lotions, or temperature that might not be their “norm” before cancer and cancer treatment
emotional releases like crying during the intake or even while on the table
inability to lay face down or flat on their back due to surgical impacts
an individual's comfort level with hair loss and whether or not to touch their head
And to be honest this isn't even everything that we have to think about before we put our hands on you each and every time!
With all of these considerations it might make you wonder if it's worth getting a massage during or after cancer treatment but the truth is that the benefits are immense!
This is the part I LOVE to talk about - the benefits you'll receive!
When done by a trained therapist an “oncology massage” can feel just as restorative as any other massage out there (and sometimes even better!).
What are the benefits of oncology massage?
The reason I am so personally devoted to this work is not because it tests my brain daily (though I do like that) or sets me apart from the crowd (ok that is pretty cool) but because of what I have seen it do for hundreds (maybe even thousands at this point!) of people during my career.
While each individual is unique in what they get out of this work here are some of the most common and widely recognized benefits of receiving oncology massage:
reduced pain perception during and after treatments or from cancer itself
reduced nausea and fatigue from chemotherapy and radiation
reduce anxiety and depression
reduced post-surgical swelling and risk of lymphedema
reduced pins and needles sensations from chemo-induced neuropathy
increased energy and improved sleep quality
increased range of motion in limbs following surgeries
prevent or improve restrictions created by scar tissue
improve the look and feel of superficial and deeper scars
increase relaxation and overall sense of well-being
improve body image and ability to connect with one's own body through sight and touch
In my own practice of working with hundreds of women impacted by breast cancer some of the most beautiful transformations I've witnessed have involved:
someone who wouldn't look at her reconstructed breasts in the mirror for two years but finally did after our work together
someone who wouldn't take her shirt off with her partner following surgery but finally allowed him to see and feel her chest
someone who felt disconnected from her reconstructed breasts and nipples following surgery and treatment but began to accept them as her own through our work
someone with severe delayed onset radiation fibrosis living in pain who found the path to relief through our work and my guidance
someone struggling with fear and sadness in early survivorship who learned how to understand and care for her body on her own leading to feelings of empowerment and confidence in her skin
someone with a long, jagged mastectomy scar who learned to massage it herself and turned it into a muse for her poetry and art
someone who wouldn't talk about her experience with her friends or family but could shed tears in my office knowing it was a safe space to find release
Whether physical, mental, or emotional, the benefits of oncology massage can begin the day someone is diagnosed and continue throughout their lifetime in survivorship.
So who can or should receive oncology massage therapy?
Oncology massage is great for everyone living with a cancer diagnosis or history.
Who can/should receive oncology massage?
This answer is actually pretty short and sweet.
Almost everyone who has experienced a cancer diagnosis, at any stage of their experience with cancer, can and should receive oncology massage!
When performed by a trained oncology massage therapist the adaptations we can make ensure that almost anyone can receive massage therapy in a way that is safe, effective, and appropriate for their needs.
In my career I have worked with people at all stages of a cancer experience:
through the diagnostic process
recently diagnosed in planning their treatments
during and after radiation therapy
during and after chemotherapy
before and after various surgeries such as lumpectomy and mastectomy
during the “expander” process for breast reconstruction
through months, years, and decades of cancer-free survivorship
with those living with metastatic or stage 4 cancer
and even those in the process of dying and at the end of life
My education, training, and experience in oncology massage has allowed me to work with people not only in my own private practice but through:
chair massage in hospital resource centers
chemotherapy infusion centers with patients receiving active chemo
hospital based-palliative care and cancer care
home-based palliative and end of life care
Even children being treated for cancer are able to receive massage therapy in the right setting and circumstances!
A great example of the value of this work is the Washington D.C. area non-profit Healwell who partners in research about the benefits of hospital-based massage.
Healwell and its founder Cal Cates were the catalyst to my entering this field and where I have continued to receive exceptional training over the years.
One thing that I always try to emphasize is that if you have had a cancer experience it is in your best to interest to work with a trained oncology massage therapist even if you are cancer-free and years out from treatment.
As almost everyone with a cancer history knows the impacts we live with don't end when treatment does.
Many of the side and after effects caused by cancer and cancer treatment stay with us no matter how far out we are from when it started.
Most notably for those of you living with a breast cancer diagnosis or history is the risk of breast cancer-related lymphedema.
This life-long risk is created by the biopsy or removal of lymph nodes and/or radiation therapy and massage with someone who doesn't understand how to modify for this complication could actually cause a flare up or make an existing case of lymphedema worse.
Ready to go get a great oncology massage? Let's look at how to find a therapist.
Finding the right therapist for you is both a matter of technical education and training and soft skills.
What do I look for in an oncology massage therapist?
When it comes to your health and well-being every relationship with your team needs to be a two-way street.
This means that not only do you trust their expertise but that you feel seen and heard by them for the individual that you are.
When you are putting yourself in someone else's hands (in the case of massage quite literally!) you need to be confident and comfortable to get the most out of the experience.
Oncology massage is not a licensed profession in and of itself but a modality that is learned through continuing education classes.
Most states have a standard of hours and basic skills that must be reached in order to become licensed as a massage therapist.
For many that is 500-600 hours while NY and FL licensure requires 1000 hours.
Most states also have continuing education requirements and this is where oncology massage training begins.
For someone to be safely practicing oncology massage you want a Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) who can be verified in their state AND has completed additional classes focused specifically on understanding and practicing oncology massage.
While class content can vary most foundational classes for oncology massage are 24 credit hours, ideally with in-person or hands-on learning.
This equips the therapist to understand and adapt their work to meet the needs of most people going through or living with a cancer experience.
Some therapists will make oncology massage a small piece of their larger practice and others (like myself) will deep dive into working exclusively with the cancer community.
Either way if you are seeking an appointment with someone stating they practice oncology massage they should be able to provide you with detailed information on the training they have received as well as intelligently discuss precautions and modifications for your needs.
The Society for Oncology Massage has some great recommendations and suggested questions to ask before booking an appointment with someone.
They also have a “find a therapist” feature, though admittedly not everyone who practices is listed (it requires annual payment by the practitioner to be listed on their site).
Beyond the education and training however, I also encourage you to look at how this person and their practice makes you feel.
Do they make you feel safe and comfortable?
Do they answer your questions without irritation or aggravation?
Do they treat you in a professional yet kind manner?
What is their office environment like?
All of this matters in helping you create a therapeutic relationship that you will look forward to continuing.
If you try someone and it just isn't the right fit, don't give up, just try someone else!
Now that you know what to look for in an oncology massage therapist, how do you find the right person for you?
My beautiful massage therapy studio - clinical work in a comfortable setting!
Finding your oncology massage therapist.
Here in Buffalo/WNY there are only a handful of us that I know of who are trained and practicing this work.
To my knowledge I am currently the only massage therapy practice in Western New York dedicated to making life after a breast cancer diagnosis easier at every phase of your experience.
Because of this one of my personal missions is to try and get more local LMT's to pursue their oncology massage training so that we can expand the resources available to our local cancer community across all genders and cancers.
No matter where you live here a few ways you can search for a trained oncology massage therapist:
1. Ask your local cancer center.
Many major cancer centers have integrative care practices like oncology massage available onsite. Dana Farber in Boston, MA actually has a separate facility dedicated to these types of treatments.
Here in Buffalo, Roswell Park offers free 10-minute chair massages to patients and caregivers in the resource center both at the main hospital and at the North and Southtown Care Network locations.
2. Ask your medical team or other integrative providers.
Asking your oncology team, primary GP, or other integrative practitioners like acupuncturists and chiropractors can sometimes yield results.
The challenge here is that many people outside of the massage therapy world (and sadly many within as well) don't really know about or understand massage so they may not have contacts for people with the proper training.
3. Ask the Great Google.
It is possible to find someone via the internet if you know what to ask for!
Clients find me this way all the time.
Some things to search on:
oncology massage near me
massage therapy for cancer patients
massage therapy and breast cancer (or other cancer type)
4. Ask Amy (that's me!).
One of the services I offer is a virtual “Ask Amy” consultation.
No matter where you live we can talk through your needs and goals and I can help you find local resources and recommendations (like an oncology massage therapist).
And finally, if you are local to the Buffalo, NY area and living with a breast cancer diagnosis or history, I am accepting new clients and would love the chance to work with you!
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