Oncology Massage Therapy is the practice of skilled massage in cancer care, designed to ease symptoms and provide support to people with cancer and cancer histories.

The body of reseach on massage for people with cancer is small, but growing rapidly. Research suggests that oncology massage can:

• Relieve pain
• Ease anxiety and depression
• Facilitate sleep
• Reduce fatigue
• Relieve nausea
• Alleviate feelings of isolation

After cancer treatment is complete, skilled massage can continue to support movement and exercise, healing, positive mood, and well-being.

Advanced training of knowledge is typically required to work safely and well with people with cancer and cancer histories. Massage is adapted to treatments, side effects, bone or vital organ involvement, lymph node removal, lingering effects of treatment on the body, and other factors.

When you schedule your session over the phone, your massage therapist will ask you a few questions about your health and cancer treatment, and send out a short health form for you to complete and bring to your first session. At the first session, your practitioner will talk with you for a few minutes, review the health form, and plan out your session with you. You'll decide together on the best pressure levels and areas of focus, and check in during the session about your comfort. After the session, there is a chance to note any changes, areas of tension, or give feedback.