Clinical massage for cancer patients

I was told that massage is contraindicated for cancer because it may help spread the cancer. Is this true?
"Massage is not contraindicated for cancer, massaging the tumour is.” There is no clinical proof that massage will help spread cancer. And the benefits of massage, i.e.– pain and stress reduction, far outweigh the risks.

Are their any contraindications for massage therapy?
There are many contraindications for massage and cancer patients. Which is why I request your oncologist’s or your General Practitioner’s approval before your first massage therapy session.

Are their periods during my treatment program that I should avoid massage?
Yes. During Chemotherapy treatment blood count for platelets and/or white blood cells may drop below normal levels. Also, during radiation treatment the skin develop minor burns. These are a few examples of the treatment side effects that your massage therapist must be familiar with before proceeding with massage.

Benefits of massage therapy for cancer patients may include:

• Pain Reduction
• Increase Relaxation
• Stimulate Lymphatic System
• Reduce Muscle Tension
• Feel Better, Do Better

Obviously, massage cannot cure cancer; however, research has shown that a variety of touch modalities, including stone therapy, positively affects some cancer treatment side-effects, including fatigue, insomnia, pain and nausea. Many of us have seen the devastating side-effects of radiation and chemotherapy. Chemotherapy and radiation deplete the body’s immune system and traumatize every cell. Cancer weakens one's hope and slowly separates a patient's body and soul.

Stone massage is a source of calming, soothing and nurturing. This gentle loving touch aids on every level, physically, emotionally and spiritually. The devastating side-effects of chemotherapy, radiation and drugs leave patients dependent on their weekly massage sessions to help them cope.

The therapeutic effects of warm gentle stone massage can be invaluable, no matter what stage of cancer a person suffers from. Just to see the smile of a patient's face as we apply our hands with warm aromatic stones, can be immensely rewarding.

Since cancer will likely affect all of us at one time or another, nature's gift of stones in the hands of a skilled therapist can produce profound change on many levels. What a difference we can make.

"There is something about another person touching you that makes you feel… it just makes you feel good. It gives you hope that they are not scared of you just because you have cancer".

Medical experts say there is no risk to cancer patients from massage, as long as the therapist avoids the area of the body where the cancer is present. Deep physical and mental relaxation reduces anxiety and can help a person to better cope with pain. Your doctor may be able to recommend reputable therapists. Otherwise, ask friends or contact the professional association for your chosen therapy and ask for a list of members in your area.

Helpful therapies include:

• Breathing and relaxation - scientific studies have shown that correct breathing, using the diaphragm and abdomen, can soothe the nervous system and manage stress.
• Hypnotherapy & Creative Visualization - the use of imagery to induce a dreamy, relaxed state of mind. Hypnotherapy can also help to ease some of the side effects of cancer treatment, such as nausea.
  Massage - the skin is the largest organ of the human body and is packed with nerve endings. Massage works by soothing soft tissue and encouraging relaxation.
• Meditation - the deliberate clearing of the mind to bring about feelings of calm and heightened awareness. The regular practice of meditation offers many long term health benefits, such as reduced stress and blood pressure.
• Tai Chi - a Chinese form of non-combative martial arts that consists of gentle movements to clear the mind and relax the body.
• Yoga - an ancient Indian system of postures synchronised with the breath.

A relaxing session with a qualified massage therapist helps to reduce anxiety, pain, fatigue and other types of discomfort in cancer patients.
Massage therapy is a "non-invasive, pleasant, inexpensive therapy that has the ability to reduce these very serious symptoms.

When I first started in massage in 1987, the golden rule was never massage anyone with cancer. Times have changed and the golden rule no longer holds true.

Working with cancer patients can be the most rewarding, soul searching, emotional experience and you may have as a practitioner.

In spite of great strides in the treatment of cancer in recent years, people who have the disease often suffer pain, anxiety and nausea caused as much by the treatments as the cancer itself.
Hospitals are now employing a variety of unconventional therapies to help cancer patients and one of the most popular and effective is massage.

There are many contraindications for massage and cancer patients.

Prior to your first visit I would ask you to bring a referral from your oncologist’s or your General Practitioner to approve of the treatment before your first massage therapy session.

Therapeutic massage does not treat, heal, prescribe or cure anything. It is complementary healthcare, not a substitute for a Medical Doctor.
Some conditions are “red flags” that prohibit massage, including phlebitis, some cancer, infectious disease, and some skin and certain cardiac conditions.

Your therapist should take a health history, but it is always best to consult your physician if you have any concerns. “Don’t wait until you feel like a train wreck before you come to see me.” I, like many therapists, offer a discount for those who come regularly; it makes the work more effective for you and easier on both of us (minimum of 6 sessions for discount).