As you embark on your career as a massage therapist or possibly somewhere along the way in your practice, you may want to consider training in oncology massage. It is an approach to massage therapy to help current and former cancer patients manage their experience with the disease.
Contrary to what some may consider, oncology massage is not a technique. An oncology massage therapist modifies and adjusts traditional massage therapies modalities, whether Swedish, relaxation massage, myofascial release, or aromatherapy, to meet the unique needs of those being treated for cancer or who have a history of it.
Modifications of standard modalities are designed to address the side effects of cancer treatment or complications from the disease. Each session is personalized to meet the specific goals and needs of a client. As an example, if someone currently is in treatment for cancer, a session might focus on a softer touch to help the patient reconnect with the body in a kind, healing way. Later, a session might focus on techniques to deal with reduced range of motion due to surgery or radiation. [1]
To make standard massage an oncology massage, the most common changes affect:[2]
- Session length
- Pressures used
- Client position on the table
- Areas of specific compromise or concern
Broad benefits
Cancer can present itself in a range of maladies, with different symptoms. Then, too, medications and treatments can result in many side effects and complications, resulting in nausea, fatigue, pain, neuropathy, and scar tissue that impacts mobility.
Oncology massage aims to nourish the body as well as the mind and spirit. The benefits are many, including: [3]
- Improved quality of life
- Reduced anxiety
- Pain management help
- Improved sleep quality
- Reduced fatigue
- Reduced unpleasant sensation from chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN)
- Increased function in areas affected by scar tissue resulting from surgery and radiation
- Reduced post-surgical swelling and support for rehabilitation and recovery
- Lymph system support and assistance managing lymphedema
- Improved body awareness and image
Types of lubricants
The types of massage lubricants used for oncology massage need to factor in the effects of cancer treatments on skin. Generally, the treatments cause the skin to become dry and sensitive to sunlight. For these reasons, the lubricants should be: [4]
- Easy to apply with light pressure
- Unscented
- Made with high quality ingredients to provide maximum skin nourishment
Required training
In addition to the required massage license, to provide oncology massage therapists should have four hours of training in oncology massage, including a basic study of cancer, treatments, side effects, patient challenges, massage technique modifications, and hands-on practice.[5]
Oncology massage can be very rewarding in helping people as they go through cancer treatment and after and improve their quality of life.
[1] “Oncology Massage 101,” Society for Oncology Massage, Accessed June 15, 2024. https://www.s4om.org/member-area/resources-for-webpage/oncology-massage-101/
[2] Hartl, Amy, “Oncology Massage 101: What you need to know and why you want to,” Amy Hartl, November 4, 2023. https://www.amyhartl.com/blog/oncology-massage-101
[3] “Benefits of Oncology Massage,” Society for Oncology Massage, Accessed June 15, 2024. https://www.s4om.org/member-area/resources-for-webpage/benefits-of-oncology-massage/
[4] Penny, Janet, RMT and Sturgeon, Rebecca, “Oncology Massage: An Integrative Approach to Cancer Care,” Massage Magazine, June 20, 2022. https://www.massagemag.com/oncology-massage-an-integrative-approach-to-cancer-care-135055/
[5] Sumler, Sat-Siri, Cohen, Lorenzo, PhD., “Massage for cancer patients: 4 tips to find a qualified therapist,” MD Anderson Cancer Center, February 7, 2013. https://www.mdanderson.org/cancerwise/massage-for-cancer-patients-cancer-massage.h00-158827278.html