Massage and Cancer Patients

By Kelley Studholme, CMT

Kneaded Touch of Professional Massage

. http://www.thekneadedtouch.info/

More Cancer Awareness Articles

Massage and Cancer Patients

When I went to massage school (1987-88), giving massages to cancer patients was contraindicated unless there was approval from the patients doctor. Today, it is still a good idea to have the patient get the “ok” from their oncologist, but massage schools don't think of massage being contraindicated for cancer patients anymore.

In fact, in 2008 an organization called The Society for Oncology Massage (S4OM) was formed. Its mission has as its basis a philosophy of compassion and service. They are focused on connecting cancer patients, their families and their caregivers with skilled oncology massage therapists.

They have a massage therapist locator service and educational resources. They also offer support for massage therapists who work with this population. Many massage schools don't include working with cancer patients as part of their curriculum, so most therapists get their training from continuing education courses.

According to Massage Today magazine, “Oncology massage is a non-invasive technique, specifically adapted for individuals of all ages and types of cancer. Cancer patients should only receive massage therapy from a therapist educated in oncology massage.”

The article goes on to say that a therapist uneducated in the adaptations of these styles and proper techniques can cause problems to the patient, not by causing metastasis but by causing extra stress to a cancer patients system which is already on overload from chemotherapy, radiation, and/or surgery.

It is suggested that massage therapy should start very lightly and then progress in pressure with each successive session according to how the client responds and feels after the previous session.

Massage for cancer patients, when done correctly, engages the parasympathetic nervous system causing relaxation, rest, and rejuvenation of the body systems. Many patients think they can handle firmer pressure but they can be mistaken if their body isn't yet ready to handle the increased demand.

Energy work techniques, such as Reiki or Cellular Expansion and Healing, can be the best alternative for cancer patients. Energy work is non-invasive and non-demanding and should leave the client with a feeling of well-being.

For more information on The Society for Oncology Massage go to www.s4om.org.