So, what is it about going through cancer that demands such special attention during a massage?
If you’ve experienced recent surgery (from the minor insertion or removal of a mediport to a full mastectomy or TRAM reconstruction), you should be aware of the following:
If you are receiving chemotherapy:
You must not have a full-body regular massage the day of or the day after infusion. If you do, you will end up feeling very ill and may experience flu-like symptoms.
The massage therapist should not work anywhere near or on the infused arm (if you do not have a port).The massage therapist must know the location of the port and how it works so as not to compromise the device.
The massage therapist should know enough to ask if you are experiencing any neuropathy.
If you are receiving radiation:
Your massage therapist must know not to use lubricant or powder on either the entrance or the exit radiation sites.
The massage therapist should know how to soothe first-degree or early second degree reddening of the skin with cool water compresses only (nothing else should be used).
The massage therapist must know not to use any lubricants or powders during the entire radiation treatment regimen and for two weeks beyond.
If you’ve lost lymph nodes (either in your arm pit or groin):
For Example: “I’ve had breast cancer”.
For the rest of your life, no deep pressure is to be applied to the affected quadrant; no deep pressure on the entire arm, upper chest, upper back, and shoulder region. Too much pressure can bring on lymphedema symptoms.
The massage therapist should know enough about the risk of lymphedema (particularly with breast cancer patients) to counsel you that for the rest of your life.
The National Lymphedema Network (NLN) now states that proplylatic compression, wearing a gauntlet or a sleeve, while flying should be done on a case by case basis. Dr. Judith Nudelman of StepUpSpeakOut(SU-SO) recommends a 20-30mm gauntlet with a 15-20mm sleeve if it is purely for prophylaxis. It must be well fitted and tried before flying. (See the Reference Site tab for more detailed information on Dr. Nudleman and StepUpSpeakOut(Su-SO).
Oncology massage training assures that your therapist will:
· not create lymphedema
· not mobilize a deep vein thrombosis (blood clot)
· not compromise your possible immunosuppressed state
· not send chemotherapy through your body more quickly than intended
· not over-tax your already exhausted body
If you’re nervous about getting a massage, keep in mind that receiving a massage during cancer treatment can have profound positive effects.
A qualified therapist has training in the following areas, all of which concern your safety and well-being:
How long and to what depth to work if you received chemotherapy today or yesterday.
Special techniques if you are at the end of your journey and in hospice care.
The importance of helping to improve your arm and shoulder range of motion (if you’ve experienced breast cancer).
Techniques to help scars in any location heal.
How to embrace your journey with you and help improve your body image and your self-esteem.
When you are ready for a full-body massage and you want to interview your massage therapist, here are some important and helpful questions:
Are you specially trained in oncology massage?
If the massage therapist says, “I treat cancer patients all the time,” repeat the question. The massage therapist could be treating incorrectly or without training.
Where did you receive your training?
Was it a one-day lecture or did the massage therapist train with one of the half-dozen respected authorities in the country and get extensive lectures and hands-on training?
Which precautions will you take with me as a cancer patient?
For Example: “I’ve had 10 lymph nodes removed for example from my arm pit.”
The massage therapist should understand that without modified pressure on the arm and the entire quadrant, they could create lymphedema. The massage therapist should at least know the word lymphedema. ******IF NOT, FLEE.******
Do you know how to perform scar work and tissue mobilization if I have limited range of motion?
If I’m immune compromised, what precautions will you take?
This may sound like unnecessary grilling to receive a simple massage, but it’s actually critical information.
Just re-read the above bulleted lists of your risks at the hands of an untrained therapist and you will realize the importance of interviewing your massage therapist.*
The following buttons can help you find a qualified Oncology Massage Therapist
CCRI Certified in Rhode Island, Massachusetts or Connecticut:
If you’ve experienced recent surgery (from the minor insertion or removal of a mediport to a full mastectomy or TRAM reconstruction), you should be aware of the following:
- Your wounds must be clean and dry before any touch is performed.
- Tissue integrity must be examined to assure that unhealed subcutaneous tissue is not pulled or tugged.
- Scars must be examined for integrity (no stitches left behind, no openings for the entrance of bacteria, no tiny sites of infection or redness).
If you are receiving chemotherapy:
You must not have a full-body regular massage the day of or the day after infusion. If you do, you will end up feeling very ill and may experience flu-like symptoms.
The massage therapist should not work anywhere near or on the infused arm (if you do not have a port).The massage therapist must know the location of the port and how it works so as not to compromise the device.
The massage therapist should know enough to ask if you are experiencing any neuropathy.
If you are receiving radiation:
Your massage therapist must know not to use lubricant or powder on either the entrance or the exit radiation sites.
The massage therapist should know how to soothe first-degree or early second degree reddening of the skin with cool water compresses only (nothing else should be used).
The massage therapist must know not to use any lubricants or powders during the entire radiation treatment regimen and for two weeks beyond.
If you’ve lost lymph nodes (either in your arm pit or groin):
For Example: “I’ve had breast cancer”.
For the rest of your life, no deep pressure is to be applied to the affected quadrant; no deep pressure on the entire arm, upper chest, upper back, and shoulder region. Too much pressure can bring on lymphedema symptoms.
The massage therapist should know enough about the risk of lymphedema (particularly with breast cancer patients) to counsel you that for the rest of your life.
The National Lymphedema Network (NLN) now states that proplylatic compression, wearing a gauntlet or a sleeve, while flying should be done on a case by case basis. Dr. Judith Nudelman of StepUpSpeakOut(SU-SO) recommends a 20-30mm gauntlet with a 15-20mm sleeve if it is purely for prophylaxis. It must be well fitted and tried before flying. (See the Reference Site tab for more detailed information on Dr. Nudleman and StepUpSpeakOut(Su-SO).
Oncology massage training assures that your therapist will:
· not create lymphedema
· not mobilize a deep vein thrombosis (blood clot)
· not compromise your possible immunosuppressed state
· not send chemotherapy through your body more quickly than intended
· not over-tax your already exhausted body
If you’re nervous about getting a massage, keep in mind that receiving a massage during cancer treatment can have profound positive effects.
A qualified therapist has training in the following areas, all of which concern your safety and well-being:
How long and to what depth to work if you received chemotherapy today or yesterday.
Special techniques if you are at the end of your journey and in hospice care.
The importance of helping to improve your arm and shoulder range of motion (if you’ve experienced breast cancer).
Techniques to help scars in any location heal.
How to embrace your journey with you and help improve your body image and your self-esteem.
When you are ready for a full-body massage and you want to interview your massage therapist, here are some important and helpful questions:
Are you specially trained in oncology massage?
If the massage therapist says, “I treat cancer patients all the time,” repeat the question. The massage therapist could be treating incorrectly or without training.
Where did you receive your training?
Was it a one-day lecture or did the massage therapist train with one of the half-dozen respected authorities in the country and get extensive lectures and hands-on training?
Which precautions will you take with me as a cancer patient?
For Example: “I’ve had 10 lymph nodes removed for example from my arm pit.”
The massage therapist should understand that without modified pressure on the arm and the entire quadrant, they could create lymphedema. The massage therapist should at least know the word lymphedema. ******IF NOT, FLEE.******
Do you know how to perform scar work and tissue mobilization if I have limited range of motion?
If I’m immune compromised, what precautions will you take?
This may sound like unnecessary grilling to receive a simple massage, but it’s actually critical information.
Just re-read the above bulleted lists of your risks at the hands of an untrained therapist and you will realize the importance of interviewing your massage therapist.*
The following buttons can help you find a qualified Oncology Massage Therapist
CCRI Certified in Rhode Island, Massachusetts or Connecticut: