Massage and cancer treatment

Written by Deb Chernovsky, Remedial Massage Therapist.

For those going through the emotional turmoil of cancer treatment, massage therapy from a well-trained therapist can form a valuable part of your
recovery and care.

The many benefits of massage therapy include helping to calm the central nervous system and reduce stress by enhancing the relationship between mind & body to improve coping skills.

Massage can also help reduce some of the physical symptoms, such as the use of manual lymphatic drainage to reduce swelling from lymphedema and inflammation. (1)

The positive effects of massage can be quite significant, although more research on this is required. The largest published report on light touch therapeutic massage in cancer care, conducted by the Memorial Sloan–Kettering Cancer Center in New York City, found that symptom scores for pain, fatigue, anxiety, pain, nausea and depression where reduced by around 50%. (2)

As part of your care team, your massage therapist will need to gain clearance and any advice relevant to your specific case from your Oncologist, including post-surgery, prior to any massage treatment.   For example, anaesthesia from recent surgery can increase the risk of thrombosis in the first 6-8 weeks and there is a risk that massage could move any potential blood clots post-surgery. So, any deep tissue work is avoided during this period.

Other reasons where massage would be contra-indicated (must be avoided) or requires greater care, include the use of some medications such as Coumadin, Acetylsalicylic acid & Heparin. Coagulation disorders, which may be complicated by bruising or internal haemorrhage. Low platelet count. Bone metastases or open wounds, infection, radiation burns, pain and dermatitis. (1)

Massage is always contra-indicated during the investigation stage when cancer is suspected.  A potentially active cancer, especially when the risk of metastasis is unknown, could be inadvertently spread through the lymphatic system or blood stream.

If you are booking in for a massage, you will be asked to complete a medical history form. It is always important to let us know if you suspect you may have cancer, have recently been diagnosed, are receiving treatment and even after you receive the good news of the “all-clear”, as certain types of massage may be best avoided, or more beneficial.

Having a knowledgeable practitioner who can provide the right care and attention is essential to provide you with all the best possible benefits of massage, whilst ensuring the safety of your massage treatment.   

We look forward to helping you through this challenging time.

-          Deb Chernovsky, Remedial Massage Therapist.

References:

(1)     Sagar SM, Dryden T, Wong RK. Massage therapy for cancer patients: a reciprocal relationship between body and mind. Curr Oncol. 2007 Apr;14(2):45-56. doi: 10.3747/co.2007.105. PMID: 17576465; PMCID: PMC1891200.

(2)     Cassileth BR, Vickers AJ. Massage therapy for symptom control: outcome study at a major cancer center. J Pain Symptom Manage. 2004;28:244–9.