Cancer and Massage

I have 8 years of experience and comprehensive, specialized training in working with adults and children living with cancer through my massage practice at Be Well Partners and as a Massage Therapist with The Zakim Center for Integrative Therapies / Dana Farber Cancer Institute.

 

 

Here are a few of the questions that people often ask about massage and cancer:

Can massage spread cancer?
There has been and continues to be extensive research on cancer as well as the use of massage with patients living with cancer. The spread of cancer involves very complex processes, and there has not been any documentation that shows that massage spreads cancer.

The question of cancer spread is usually associated with the notion that circulation is one of the routes of spread and that massage increases circulation. There has not been any documentation regarding increase of circulation and its correlation to the increase in cancer spread. In fact increase in circulation normally happens with the body's daily functions or activities, movement or exercise, and even temperature changes to name a few. None of these have been implicated in the spread of cancer. In addition, the research on whether or not and how much circulation increases with massage has not been as strong as the research on the benefits of massage for people living with cancer.

Can massage help people with cancer?
Studies with cases documenting various types of cancer have overall shown the tremendous benefits that massage can provide to cancer patients, including:
• emotional support and comfort
• decrease in anxiety and depression
• relief/reduction of pain, nausea, vomiting and fatigue
• increased quality of life

When given by a trained professional, massage is a valuable integrative modality that works hand in hand with traditional care to:
• help improve symptoms from illness and treatment, with
• profound effects on mind, body, and soul that allow the cancer patient to continue to participate in life with greater quality,
  dignity, courage, comfort, and joy.

How is massage for cancer patients different?
The basic massage techniques are the same. The difference is that adjustments may need to be made to create a safe and effective massage session based on the type of cancer, current treatments or complications, or the patient's tolerance for massage. The most common adjustments can include pressure, position, site, speed, and duration.

How do I know if my massage therapist is qualified to do this work?
Always ask about someone's training and their experience in working with people with cancer. They should have received specialized training, and have some medical understanding of cancer in general, as well as how interventions and complications might alter the body's capability to receive massage.