Treatment Highlight – Oncology Massage
Oncology Massage – who, what, where, when, why?
Any person going through active cancer treatment can benefit from oncology massage.
Any person who has been through the active treatment for cancer and is now is the ‘rehabilitation’ stage can benefit from oncology massage.
Treatments can be performed for you at your home, in our clinic, at hospital or during your chemotherapy treatment session.
Oncology Massage (OM) is ‘mindful massage’ focusing on eliciting the relaxation response in clients who have cancer, are in treatment for cancer or who have a history of cancer. The level of pressure of the tactile connection is very important and the Society for Oncology Massage (S4OM) has developed international guidelines ensuring that oncology massage pressure is universally practised.
A trained oncology massage therapist can work safely with the tumour site as well as devices positioned around the body. OM can improve bowel movements and modify the unwanted side effects of chemotherapy and radiation. Positioning the client in the most comfortable position for their particular needs, at any given time, is vital for relaxing the client and ensuring all the benefits of endorphins, such as anandamide. Medical research shows that oncology massage will reduce pain by 40.2%, anxiety by 52.2%, depression by 30.6% and fatigue by 40.7% (Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Centre, New York 2004) and research in 2007 from University of California showed significant immediate improvement in neutrophils and NK cells.
Medical research also shows that the benefits of oncology massage continue for several days after the massage experience and, in conjunction with meditation, can create moments of stillness and peace in the midst of the emotional chaos of a diagnosis of cancer.
Lymphoedema management and reduction is an important aspect of treatment that may arise as a result of surgery or radiation treatments. Through a series of very gentle targets treatments, physical and visible signs of swelling start to reduce. Regular maintance and treatments can help to reduce and keep lymphoedema at bay.
Scar reduction is an important post surgical treatment for any type of operation. Gentle massage techniques, stretching and specific product help to reduce scaring from surgery, increasing skin flexibility and elasticity, improving range of motion.
Getting you back to your best pre cancer body is one of my passions utilising all of the different skill sets I have acquired though my career, together we can formulate a plan to do just that.
Check out what the Cancer Council of Australia’s official word on Cancer & Massage is:-
http://www.cancercouncil.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Massage-and-Cancer.pdf
