Scientific studies have been done to show the effects of various body-based practices on people having cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and surgery. These studies have shown that massage may:

• improve sleep
• reduce fatigue, pain and anxiety, nausea and vomiting
• increase energy and appetite
• give a better outlook on life and reduce depression
• strengthen the immune system – stimulation of the immune system by increasing blood flow and improving circulation and increasing mobility
• aid in the repair of scar tissue
• provides a distraction
• give some relief from constipation.

The massage will be tailored specifically for you:

A detailed health history will be completed including the type of cancer you have (or had), your treatment (past, present, future), medical devices, lymph node involvement, medications, treating specialist.
Pressure will be modified to a very light, relaxing pressure and the length of time of the massage will be reduced while we find your “new normal”.

Positioning will be modified to accommodate surgical sites, radiation sites, medical devices and your comfort.

This massage is deeply relaxing and nurturing and will restore your sense of wellbeing.

It may consist of several different modalities including bone marrow support, lymphatic drainage and massage depending on your needs at the time of your booking. (If only Bone Marrow Support is required – the client remains fully clothed. It is a sequence of hand movements that improves and supports bone marrow production).

It is important for people who have cancer to let their medical care provider know they are receiving massage. I am happy to send a letter to your medical team advising of your treatment plan.

Family members and other caregivers can be instructed in certain massage techniques and are encouraged to book their own little piece of “me time” as well. Several types of massage are available.

Further reading and information:  Massage Cancer Council

As part of your oncology massage, we will assess you regarding your risk factors for lymphoedema and offer education on where you are at.

Another benefit of massage is reducing lymphoedema. Lymphoedema is the abnormal accumulation of protein-rish fluid accompanied by low-level chronic inflammation and reactive fibrosis. In short, it is swelling in the tissues caused by a build-up of fluid after surgery or radiotherapy to the lymph nodes. It never goes away but it can be reduced and managed. Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is done as part of Complex Decongestive Therapy (CDT) which is used to help in the reduction of lymphoedema after certain cancer surgeries. CDT also includes bandaging, compression garments, special exercises, skin care and activity modification. This treatment is usually done by lymphoedema specialists rather than general-practice massage therapists.

Of course, you can. Your carer may wish to know what they can do to help relieve your symptoms and offer you comfort in between your visits to us. We will gladly go over some simple techniques that can be implemented at home.

As long as you are up to leaving your home and have the all-clear from your medical team, you are not precluded from massage. We are trained to work safely around your medical devices and surgical sites. You will be positioned on the massage table in a safe and comfortable way to allow you to reap the benefits of a nurturing massage.

Please tell us though where you are in your treatment regimen and what medications / infusions you are receiving so we, as the therapist, can safely massage you.