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Massage and Cancer
Big question! Massage and Cancer? I hear pros and cons about when and what kind of massage you can do on a client with cancer. Power of touch in the safe zone, what is Safe? I just had a client who completed the client information form but neglected to state they were undergoing chemotherapy until half way through the massage. Thank you, Rick Romine
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Mike Hinkle on
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Hi Richard,
Was the question specifically on the form? If so, maybe you need to talk then through the form. We will cover this at this year's Festival in the Mastectomy Massage Class.
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Permalink Reply by Kim Goral on
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There is a lot of research on massage and cancer. I would recommend searching through Google Scholar (not regular google- but if you click on the top menu bar under "more" scholar is one of the options) and read up on some of the research done. I'm not overly familier with it but it might have suggestions for techniques, contraindications, etc. Otherwise, try to find somone who specializes in oncology massage in your area and ask them for help/tips/info. Also, I believe there is a group on this site "oncology massage"- you might want to repost this question there, you will probably get a lot of helpful information!
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Permalink Reply by Darcy Neibaur on
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This is also something we are interested in at Massage Envy as we have had several clients come in who are receiving cemo and radiation. Thanks for your sharing Kim.
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Permalink Reply by Richard G Romine on
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Good point, closes we have on the form is, Is there any medical condition we need to be aware of? Thank you
Mike Hinkle said:Hi Richard,
Was the question specifically on the form? If so, maybe you need to talk then through the form. We will cover this at this year's Festival in the Mastectomy Massage Class.
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Thank you for the site. I will look it up.
Kim Goral said:There is a lot of research on massage and cancer. I would recommend searching through Google Scholar (not regular google- but if you click on the top menu bar under "more" scholar is one of the options) and read up on some of the research done. I'm not overly familier with it but it might have suggestions for techniques, contraindications, etc. Otherwise, try to find somone who specializes in oncology massage in your area and ask them for help/tips/info. Also, I believe there is a group on this site "oncology massage"- you might want to repost this question there, you will probably get a lot of helpful information!
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Excellent, Google Scholar. Gives alot of information. Thank you
Kim Goral said:There is a lot of research on massage and cancer. I would recommend searching through Google Scholar (not regular google- but if you click on the top menu bar under "more" scholar is one of the options) and read up on some of the research done. I'm not overly familier with it but it might have suggestions for techniques, contraindications, etc. Otherwise, try to find somone who specializes in oncology massage in your area and ask them for help/tips/info. Also, I believe there is a group on this site "oncology massage"- you might want to repost this question there, you will probably get a lot of helpful information!
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Permalink Reply by Cheyenne Stallings on
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I have always been told that massage is tricky when they are going through active Chemotherapy, since some cancer cells can be relocated to other sites very easily. On the flip side I have also been told of therapist providing reflexology while gloved, on patience receiving their Chemo to calm their stomach. Doctors do not seem to be on the same page either. This information should be available to all therapist not just those certified in Oncology massage. I am looking in to Oncology massage certification at some point myself. Now I volunteer with Hospice but even that can be tricky. We need more therapists that are also medical professionals. They seem to have the best well rounded training and understand how the body functions collectively with massage modalities to put them to the best use. Issues like this have inspired me to go back to school this spring and finish prerequisites to transfer into an ND program in 2013. Keep me posted. Blessings
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Great advice. I would like to find training to properly help those in need. Common theme from everyone is helping those going through this to relax and reconnect while insuring their safety. Thank you
Cheyenne Stallings said:I have always been told that massage is tricky when they are going through active Chemotherapy, since some cancer cells can be relocated to other sites very easily. On the flip side I have also been told of therapist providing reflexology while gloved, on patience receiving their Chemo to calm their stomach. Doctors do not seem to be on the same page either. This information should be available to all therapist not just those certified in Oncology massage. I am looking in to Oncology massage at some point myself. Now I volunteer with Hospice but even that can be tricky. We need more therapists that are also medical professionals. They seem to have the best well rounded and understand how the body functions collectively with massage modalities to put them to the best use. Issues like this have inspired me to go back to school this spring and finish prerequisites to transfer into an ND program in 2013. Keep me posted. Blessings
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Permalink Reply by Julie Onofrio on
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I have a section on my website on massage and cancer and have been collecting all the articles I can on the topic. I have worked on people undergoing chemo and don't think it is a big problem but actually don't know all of the specifics for sure. I think it has to do with what kind they are getting, how much etc. I would take a class if you are going to do more on it or read a few of the books out there.
http://thebodyworker.com/medrxcancer.html
Julie
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Permalink Reply by Susan G. Salvo on
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Hey Richard,
Here's what I have...
General Guidelines for Massage Therapy and Cancer:
1) Obtain clearance from the client’s physician or oncologist before massage begins (he or she will be under medical supervision).
2) Conduct a thorough intake and ask about the type of cancer and any cancer treatments your client is undergoing. Find out about medications your client is taking. Also ask about any symptoms he or she may be experiencing.
3) Because fatigue is a symptom not only of cancer, but also of most cancer treatments, your client will likely experience fatigue. In these cases a slower, shorter massage (30 minutes or less) with lighter-than-normal pressure is indicated. A longer more vigorous massage would further fatigue and overtire your client.
4) Be attentive about pressure. Use moderate, firm (not deep) pressure during the massage. Proper pressure is critical because light stroking or feathering is generally aversive and irritating (very similar to tickling). In some cases, methods that utilize touching rather than massage (e.g., therapeutic touch, polarity, Reiki, craniosacral therapy) may be appropriate if your client cannot tolerate pressure.
5) Avoid known tumor sites, cancerous lesions (e.g., skin cancers), enlarged lymph nodes, areas subjected to radiation (both entrance and exit sites) up to two weeks after treatment is complete, and ports used to administer chemotherapy.
6) Metastatic cancer must also be considered. For example, if cancer has spread to the bones, bone integrity may be affected. In these cases, deep pressure, traction, and joint mobilizations are contraindicated. Also, note and avoid areas of inflammation (such as redness and heat) not previously mentioned during the intake. Bring these areas to the attention of the client or caregiver.
7) Document the session.
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Thank you Susan for sharing these guidelines.
Susan G. Salvo said:Hey Richard,
Here's what I have...
General Guidelines for Massage Therapy and Cancer:
1) Obtain clearance from the client’s physician or oncologist before massage begins (he or she will be under medical supervision).
2) Conduct a thorough intake and ask about the type of cancer and any cancer treatments your client is undergoing. Find out about medications your client is taking. Also ask about any symptoms he or she may be experiencing.
3) Because fatigue is a symptom not only of cancer, but also of most cancer treatments, your client will likely experience fatigue. In these cases a slower, shorter massage (30 minutes or less) with lighter-than-normal pressure is indicated. A longer more vigorous massage would further fatigue and overtire your client.
4) Be attentive about pressure. Use moderate, firm (not deep) pressure during the massage. Proper pressure is critical because light stroking or feathering is generally aversive and irritating (very similar to tickling). In some cases, methods that utilize touching rather than massage (e.g., therapeutic touch, polarity, Reiki, craniosacral therapy) may be appropriate if your client cannot tolerate pressure.
5) Avoid known tumor sites, cancerous lesions (e.g., skin cancers), enlarged lymph nodes, areas subjected to radiation (both entrance and exit sites) up to two weeks after treatment is complete, and ports used to administer chemotherapy.
6) Metastatic cancer must also be considered. For example, if cancer has spread to the bones, bone integrity may be affected. In these cases, deep pressure, traction, and joint mobilizations are contraindicated. Also, note and avoid areas of inflammation (such as redness and heat) not previously mentioned during the intake. Bring these areas to the attention of the client or caregiver.
7) Document the session.
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Thank you
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