Managing Cancer Pain with Oncology Massage

What is Oncology Massage?

Oncology massage is the modification of existing massage therapy techniques in order to safely work with complications of cancer and cancer treatment.  Anyone who has ever received cancer treatment, from those in active treatment to those in recovery or survivorship, as well as those at the end of life, are best served by a massage therapist who has received training in oncology massage.  

In a recently published article entitled “How Massage Can Reduce Cancer Pain and Anxiety”, author Karen Apold writes:

"Oncology massage therapists are taught to manage patients’ symptoms and side effects and use an individualized therapeutic treatment to care for, comfort, and support them in their process," she writes, adding, "The treatments become part of the healing process."

Massage Therapy Benefits Cancer Patients

Having cancer and receiving treatment for it can be overwhelming, physically and emotionally. But the soothing effects of massage therapy may provide the exact comfort you need — improving sleep, boosting your immune system, and relieving anxiety, stress, tension, pain, and fatigue.

"Massage can provide a nurturing, caring touch to cancer sufferers, which is a welcome change from medical procedures to treat the disease," says CG Funk, vice president for industry relations and product development at Massage Envy Spa in Scottsdale, Arizona.