Frequently Asked Questions
My Clients & Services - FAQ’s
What services do you offer?
I offer in-person oncology massage and manual lymphatic drainage therapies for women living with a breast cancer diagnosis or history. My office is in downtown Buffalo, NY.
I also offer virtual consultations and online workshops that are available to anyone in the breast cancer community regardless of location.
How do I book with you?
For in-person massage or lymph drainage sessions you can request an appointment here and I will get back to you with scheduling options.
For virtual consultations you can schedule and pay for your session at your convenience here!
What are your prices?
In-Person sessions are $125. See details.
Virtual Consultations range from $50-$100. See details.
Self-care pricing varies. See details.
*discounted pricing may be available for in-person sessions. Select “Tell me more” on your appointment request form for details.
Who do you work with?
At this time, for my in-person services, I am only accepting new clients who have had a breast cancer experience.
For virtual services, I do offer consultations for caregivers, loved ones, and friends who are seeking to support someone who has had a breast cancer experience.
Do you take insurance?
I am self-pay for all of my services and do not partner with any insurance companies.
For in-person services you may use your FSA/HSA card for payment and request a receipt to submit for reimbursement if your insurance company covers it.
Oncology Massage - FAQs
What is “Oncology Massage”?
“Oncology Massage” uses modifications and adjustments to traditional massage techniques in order to meet the unique and changing needs of someone in treatment for cancer or with a history of cancer.
Understanding cancer and cancer treatments is a large part of oncology massage training. A properly trained 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.
How is it different than regular massage?
A safe massage therapy care plan generally revolves around the side effects (both short- and long-term) of chemotherapy, radiation and surgery.
The changes that might be made to a massage that make it an “oncology massage” can fall under any number of categories, but typically they will be related to session length, pressure, position of the client on the table, and areas of specific compromise or concern like mediports, skin and bone fragility, and risk of lymphedema or blood clots.
What should I look for in a therapist?
Oncology massage should only be provided by a Licensed Massage Therapist who has received training in the specifics of cancer and cancer treatment and how to modify your sessions accordingly.
Your therapist should be able to provide detailed information on the training they received and discuss precautions and modifications required for things like active tumors, bone mets, surgeries, long and short term effects of chemotherapy and radiation, blood counts, organ involvement, and swelling, pain, and numbness as well as any individual needs or preferences you may have regarding your personal comfort.
You can learn more about my professional education and background here.
PLEASE NOTE: A “doctor’s note” is not a substitution for the critical thinking skills developed during training as an oncology massage therapist.
What are the benefits?
Cancer and cancer treatment affect every person differently but some of the benefits my clients experience include:
scar tissue release and the associated comfort that comes with it
increased range of motion following surgical procedures like mastectomy or reconstruction
reduced pain perception and fatigue from treatments like radiation or chemotherapy
decreased nausea during and after chemotherapy
reduced anxiety and symptoms of depression
relief from chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN)
offers time to feel good in their bodies even during bad treatment cycles
helps them prepare for and recover from increasing activities as treatment comes to an end
creates a deeper mind-body connection and rebuilds a sense of improved body image despite permanent physical changes
Did you know that almost every person who receives a breast cancer diagnosis has a lifetime risk of lymphedema?
Read about “Breast Cancer’s Best Kept Secret” and how understanding it may be the key to reducing your risk.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) - FAQs
What is Manual Lymphatic Drainage?
Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a light touch modality that stimulates the flow of lymph fluid to align the lymphatic system with the natural rhythm of the body boosting your immunity.
The pressure used during the application of MLD is lighter than what you may be used to when receiving other hands-on treatments and self-care techniques can be taught for home use.
It is not massage therapy but can be performed by a trained massage therapist or lymphatic therapist.
What is the lymphatic system and what does it do?
The lymphatic system is one of the key components of our immune system. Its primary functions are to balance the fluid load in the body, facilitate the removal of toxins and waste, and stimulate white cell production.
What should I look for in a therapist?
Manual lymphatic drainage should only be provided by a trained practitioner who has received training in the specifics of lymphatics and lymphatic drainage therapies.
I am a Certified Manual Lymphatic Drainage Therapist (CMLDT) through Monarch Continuing Education, a Lymphology Association of North America (LANA) approved provider and have completed more than 125 hours of training and hands-on practical work in lymphatic studies with over 5 years of professional field experience.
What is the difference between Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) and Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT)?
As a Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT) and Certified Manual Lymphatic Drainage Therapist (CMLDT) I perform a hands-on bodywork technique called Manual Lymphatic Drainage Therapy as described above. This is one component of a larger treatment protocol called Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) that is often required for people living with lymphedema.
If you are living with a lymphedema diagnosis you may need a combination of practitioners to meet all of your ongoing needs.
Your first choice may be a Certified Lymphatic Therapist (CLT). These are often Physical Therapists or Occupational Therapists who have completed a 135+ hour training program around lymphedema care and management. The highest credentialing is formal certification through LANA (Lymphology Association of North America) or attending a program that is LANA approved/accredited. CLT’s can be located in your cancer center or local clinics and may work with your insurance.
Another beneficial practitioner is someone who practices manual lymphatic drainage, a technique that is a component of complete lymphatic care that supports and stimulates the flow of lymph fluid. Called a Certified Manual Lymphatic Drainage Therapist (CMLDT), these are often licensed massage therapists practicing lymphatic care and/or oncology massage such as myself. This certification is a partial completion (95+ hours) of the same LANA programs mentioned above but with less advanced study in areas of wound care, wrapping, and garment fitting. Often found in private practice, these therapists are not always affiliated with insurance programs but may be able to see you on an ongoing basis without a referral or insurance treatment limitations.
Regardless of who you choose to see and work with it is important to confirm their credentials, training, and experience working with people affected by cancer and cancer treatment. The Lymphedema Education & Research Network (LE&RN) has many wonderful resources around lymphedema education along with this article on how to find a qualified therapist near you. And, when in doubt, ask your oncologist, nurse advocate, or other cancer care team member for a referral.
What is lymphedema?
Lymphedema is a condition that can occur when there is a disruption or damage to lymphatic structures such as lymph nodes and lymph vessels. Protein rich fluid that is usually cleaned, filtered, and processed via the lymphatic and cardiovascular systems can back up and become stagnant. In mild cases, this fluid back up may result in swelling, tightness, and discomfort. In extreme cases, it can result in fibrosis (hardening) of the tissue, loss of skin integrity (open wounds), and loss of limb function.
With breast cancer, this stagnant fluid and swelling typically occurs in the arm, hand, breast, and side-body on the treated side.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage along with proper self-care education can be an important part of reducing your risk of lymphedema and, if necessary, managing symptoms to reduce discomfort and keep the condition from progressing.
Why is it relevant to a breast cancer experience?
While this technique may benefit almost all people, it is especially helpful for those dealing with or at risk of lymphedema (swelling caused by a lymphatic system blockage or damage) due to cancer treatment, medical conditions, or postoperative side effects.