Oncology Massage for People Diagnosed with Cancer: Supporting Self-Care During and After Treatment

What is Oncology Massage?

Oncology massage for people diagnosed with cancer is a specialized form of massage therapy designed to provide supportive care before, during, and after treatment. Self care supports comfort, managing symptoms, and overall well-being.

Oncology massage therapists receive specific training to adapt techniques for people at various stages of cancer and recovery. We understand the impact of treatments like chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery, allowing us to tailor massage to ensure safety and comfort. Whether you’re actively in treatment, in remission, or have a history of cancer, oncology massage offers a way to feel more at ease in your body.

Benefits of Oncology Massage for People Diagnosed with Cancer

Research shows that oncology massage provides several physical and emotional benefits during and after treatment:

• Stress Reduction and Relaxation: Massage therapy helps lower cortisol levels and reduce anxiety (NIH study). Learn more about how massage helps in my blog post, reduce stress and anxiety.
• Pain Relief: Weekly massage sessions were shown in a randomized trial to meaningfully reduce pain for people with advanced cancer (JAMA Network Open).
• Improved Sleep: Adolescents hospitalized for cancer experienced longer and higher quality sleep with nightly massage (PubMed).
• Lymphatic Support: Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) may help ease swelling associated with lymphedema (Oncology Nursing Society). Curious about this? Read my overview of Manual Lymphatic Drainage.
• Emotional Well-Being: Massage supports improved mood, less anxiety, and a sense of calm (Systematic review).

My Training and Approach to Oncology Massage

At NoVA Weekend Warriors, my goal is to provide safe and effective care. I completed Healwell’s extensive Oncology Massage training, which included over 44 hours of continuing education, combining in-depth online modules with 21 hours of hands-on, in-person experience.

During this program, I studied Janet Penny and Rebecca Sturgeon’s leading textbook, Oncology Massage: An Integrative Approach to Cancer Care, and explored:

• Diagnostic tools and cancer treatments, including surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and reconstruction.
• The Walton Pressure Scale to guide touch and pressure adaptations.
• Clinical decision-making for client safety and therapeutic results.

This training has been transformative, particularly in how I now approach massage therapy for clients with a history of cancer. For example:

• Adaptations for Long-Term Survivors: Even if cancer treatment occurred years ago, considerations like scar tissue management or lymphatic system support are crucial.
• Active Self-Care Goals: Many of my clients are physically active and focused on fitness. My oncology-informed approach allows me to integrate safe, supportive massage into their self-care routines.

Scope of Practice: What Massage Therapists Can (and Can’t) Do

As a licensed massage therapist in Virginia, I work within a clear scope of practice. While I can assess whether massage therapy is appropriate and adapt techniques accordingly, I do not diagnose or prescribe treatments.

All information provided here is for general educational purposes only and is not medical advice or a guarantee of specific health outcomes. Please consult your healthcare team for personalized guidance regarding your health.

Other Supportive Self-Care Options

Oncology massage can be part of a broader self-care plan. Here are additional resources and services to explore:

• Life with Cancer Programs: INOVA’s Life with Cancer provides free massage and integrative therapies for people diagnosed with cancer.
• Johns Hopkins Kimmel Center: The Kimmel Cancer Center offers integrative therapies and support programs.
• Stress Management Self-Care: Beyond massage, practices like mindfulness, gentle yoga, and guided breathing can help. Explore my blog post on breathwork.

Closing Thoughts: Supporting Your Self-Care with Oncology Massage

Oncology massage is about comfort, care, and connection. Whether you’re currently undergoing treatment, in remission, or supporting a loved one diagnosed with cancer, massage therapy may offer some relief and a sense of balance. The adaptability of oncology massage means it can meet you exactly where you are.

If you’d like to explore working with me, scheduling an exploratory call is the first step. During this 15 minute online video call, we’ll review your goals and go through an Oncology Massage and Skin Care Assessment to ensure massage is safe and appropriate for you. I’ll also provide you with additional resources for self care, including organizations that offer low cost and complimentary self care. If I’m not the right fit for you, I’ll connect you with trusted professionals in the area.