What Is Oncology Massage?

Massage has increasingly become accepted as a complementary form of treatment for cancer patients. However, cancer patients who are considering seeking massage should educate themselves on the types of massage that are appropriate, as well as the precautions they should take when seeking out a competent oncology massage therapist.

Definitions

• The Society for Oncology Massage defines oncology massage as "The adaptation of massage to safely nurture body, mind and spirit of anyone who is dealing with cancer." Oncology is the study of cancer, and cancer is simply defined as an abnormal mass of cells that grow uncontrolled in the body.
  Further reading defines massage as the ancient art of manipulating the soft tissues of the body to relieve stress and promote overall well-being.

Types

• The main modality of massage used in the United States is Swedish massage. This style primarily uses gliding, stroking, kneading and tapping to manipulate soft tissues and muscles. Other forms of massage that would be appropriate for oncology patients include myotherapy, reflexology, aromatherapy, energy work, craniosacral and lymphatic massage. Excepting myotherapy, each of these techniques emphasizes light contact with the patient, or in the case of aromatherapy and some forms of energy work, no contact with the patient's body. Myotherapy involves deep tissue massage to relieve pain.

Effects

• The American Cancer Society has published several articles showing the benefits of massage. Among the benefits are relaxation, stress reduction, and relief for fatigue and pain. The chief benefit is relaxation and stress reduction, although many patients report improved energy levels following massage. For patients undergoing chemotherapy, massage can improve fatigue and reduce stress while promoting relaxation. For patients undergoing surgery, massage can aid recovery and restore mobility to the affected areas. In addition, some patients report massage as a way to eliminate the need for pain medications.

Warning

• The MD Anderson Cancer Center at the University of Texas reports some dangers involved with oncology massage. Massage performed by an untrained massage therapist could result in cancer cells breaking off from the original tumor, allowing the cancer to spread. Some radiation patients report heightened sensitivity to touch, resulting in inflammation and lymphedema. Patients who are on a heavy drug regimen may bruise easily, especially if any form of deep tissue massage such as myotherapy is performed.
  To avoid or minimize possible side effects, it is important that the patient seek out a therapist trained in oncology massage and obtain a doctor's consent for massage.

Considerations

• The American Cancer Society recommends any decision to incorporate massage in a cancer treatment plan be formulated with the primary physician and the massage therapist, so that each practitioner and the patient understand the possible risks and benefits of massage, as well as what to expect from a massage session. This is to protect the patient as well as ensure that massage is safely and properly incorporated into the treatment plan.