ONCOLOGY MASSAGE The adaptation of massage to safely

ONCOLOGY MASSAGE The adaptation of massage to safely nurture the body, mind and spirit of anyone diagnosed with cancer. Society for Oncology Massage

Oncology Massage Skilled touch is beneficial at nearly every stage of the cancer experience, during hospitalization, the pre- or post-operative period, in the outpatient clinic, during chemotherapy and radiation, recovery at home, remission, or cure and in the end stages of life. Gayle Mac. Donald, MS, LMT, Author of “Medicine Hands: Massage for People Living with Cancer”

Oncology Massage: A Recognized Modality Recommended by: American Cancer Society for Integrative Oncology Live. Strong Offered at many cancer centers: MD Anderson Cancer Center Oregon Health & Science University Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center And other cancer centers across the US and abroad

Massage Benefits during Treatment Reduces short-term pain, anxiety, fatigue, feelings of isolation Enhances mood Contributes to better rest Improves perception of treatment

Research Studies and Results Safety and Efficacy of Massage Therapy for Patients with Cancer (2005) Massage Therapy for Symptom Control: Outcome Study at a Major Cancer Center MEDLINE and CINAHL database study showing strongest evidence for stress reduction with trends toward pain reduction Memorial Sloan Kettering observational study of 1, 290 patients Rated symptoms (pain, nausea, fatigue, anxiety, and depression) preand post-massage with immediate reduction in all areas Massage Therapy May Have Immediate Positive Effect on Pain and Mood for Advanced Cancer Patients (2008) NIH funded study Randomized trial of 380 advanced cancer patients at 15 US hospices Improvement in pain and mood following massage compared with simple touch

Massage Benefits Post Treatment Restores a feeling of wholeness to the body Increases range of motion and suppleness to areas affected by surgery and radiation Stress reduction/ restorative rest Pain reduction

The Case for Oncology Massage Training People living with cancer are medically complex with unique considerations Most therapists don’t receive training to help them understand the complexity of people who have had treatment for cancer

Oncology Massage Common modalities used for cancer patients are comfort massage, reflexology, and acupressure done with light pressure Comfort-oriented bodywork provided by a trained oncology massage practitioner

Typical Oncology Massage Training The importance of being “present” for the client Benefits and precautions for cancer patients The biology of cancer; how it starts, how it spreads and its effect on the body Types of treatment and common side effects

Typical Oncology Massage Training How to do a thorough assessment/intake Utilizing critical thinking skills to provide a beneficial and safe massage session Supervised sessions with guidance from an experienced instructor

Massage in a Less Demanding Way Less is more Inch forward (or backward) Slower strokes Shorter sessions Checking in with clients the day after massage

Tailoring a Session for the Individual Oncology massage plan considers: Pressure moderation Position adjustments Site restrictions Lymphedema risk Session length

Pressure Moderation Required always, especially: Immunosuppression Extreme fatigue Nausea Lymphedema/risk of lymphedema Bone fragility/metastases Medical devices Fragile skin Peripheral neuropathy Pain medication

Position Adjustments May be required: Incision Tumor/metastases tenderness Medical devices Shortness of breath Pain Mucositis Constipation Reconstruction Expanders Ascites

Site Restrictions Always: Tumor Radiation Perhaps: Peripheral skin reaction Medical devices Skin fragility neuropathy Hair loss Bone metastases

Lymphedema Risk Surgery or radiation to cervical, axillary or inguinal nodes puts patient at increased risk of lymphedema Oncology trained therapists will often have knowledge of: Lymphatic system: quadrants Modifications for comfort based massage Less pressure, less time, stroke direction Bolsters/position

A trained therapist should easily be able to answer the following questions: Have you received training in how to work safely with people diagnosed with cancer? What kind of modifications would you make based on my current status? What do you know about massage for people at risk of lymphedema?

For Further Information … See “Medicine Hands: Massage Therapy for People with Cancer”, 2 nd Ed. (2007, Findhorn Press) http: //astore. amazon. com/sociforoncoma-20 Visit the S 4 OM website at http: //www. s 4 om. org. Email your questions to info@s 4 om. org. Contact a member of S 4 OM.