Empowering Cancer Survivors: Understanding Modifications in Oncology Massage
Clients undergoing cancer treatment often request deep tissue or deep pressure massage. However, it is important to understand that the primary goal of oncology massage during treatment is to provide comfort and relaxation, and also alleviate the side effects of treatment. This is achieved by employing safe, supportive, and gentle techniques that do not strain our client’s already compromised system. It is crucial to comprehend why deep tissue techniques and deep pressure massage may not be suitable for clients at this time. Once treatment is completed and the recovery period has passed, firmer pressure may be reintroduced.
There are several reasons why massage techniques, pressure levels, and client positioning on the massage table may need to be modified:
Risk of Lymphedema: Cancer treatments and procedures such as lymph node removal and radiation therapy can impair lymphatic function, leading to the accumulation of fluid and swelling known as lymphedema. To minimize this risk, gentle massage techniques are employed, avoiding excessive pressure or manipulation around affected areas. Lymphedema is considered chronic and poses a lifelong risk, necessitating precautionary measures during every massage session.
Weakened Immune System: Cancer and its treatments can weaken the immune system, making the body more susceptible to infections. A gentle massage helps prevent overstimulation, reducing the likelihood of triggering a negative immune response.
Compromised Bone Health and Stability: Cancer treatments can significantly impact bone health, potentially causing a decrease in bone density or weakening of the bones. Gentle massage techniques alleviate muscle tension without increasing the risk of fractures or injuries.
Surgical Site Considerations: Clients who have undergone surgery may have surgical sites, scars, or areas of tissue sensitivity that require special attention or avoidance during massage. Modified techniques are employed to ensure the comfort and safety of these individuals.
By understanding and implementing these modifications, oncology massage can effectively support cancer survivors throughout their treatment journey, promoting their overall well-being and quality of life.
Ready to book your session? Contact Rachel at 630-708-6559
Lymphatic drainage massage, or Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD), is a gentle technique that aims to reduce swelling caused by blockages in the lymphatic system, often due to medical treatments or illnesses. This massage involves light, rhythmic movements to encourage lymph fluid movement towards areas with healthy lymph vessels.
Key Benefits:
– Reduces Swelling: Effective for managing conditions such as lymphedema, especially after surgeries such as breast cancer surgery where lymph nodes have been tested or removed. It can also help with swelling after cosmetic surgery and gender affirming surgery.
– Boosts Immune System: assists the body’s detoxification process and overall elimination of waste materials.
– Improves Skin Health: may help to minimize the appearance of puffiness and improve overall skin texture.
– Relieves Stress: Stimulates relaxation and helps to reduce anxiety
Who Should Avoid It?
– People with heart conditions, major organ failure, blood clots, or infections should consult a healthcare provider before trying this massage.
What should I expect?
Our therapist will review your intake form and may ask additional questions to formulate a plan of treatment. The therapist will use light pressure, moving their hands along your body in specific patterns to manually guide fluid toward the lymph nodes, aiding in the removal of excess fluid. This technique utilizes a very light touch and rhythmic strokes and will not feel like a traditional massage. As for a traditional massage, you will be asked to remove your clothing. You will remain covered throughout the entire treatment with only the limb/area being treated being undraped at any time.
Note: Some providers have begun providing a “Deep tissue lymph drainage” service. This is not provided in our office.
Lymphatic drainage massage can be a great addition to your wellness routine, promoting overall health and well-being. If you think this therapy might be right for you, discuss it with your healthcare provider.
There are many healing modalities that promote relaxation, relieve stress, and improve overall well-being. Among these, reflexology is a holistic approach to healing that offers profound benefits for the body and mind. In today’s post, we’ll discuss reflexology in detail, starting from historical aspects, the main principles of its functioning, and its many benefits to recipients.
What is Reflexology?
Reflexology is a therapeutic practice that involves applying pressure to specific points on the feet or hands. Some reflexologists work with these points on the scalp, face, or ears. These points, or reflexes, correspond to different organs and systems within the body. Stimulating these reflexes is believed to promote healing and balance in the corresponding areas.
More than just a foot massage, reflexology is a holistic treatment that aims to rebalance the whole person to correct disharmony in the body.
The History of Reflexology
It is believed that reflexology has roots in ancient civilizations, with evidence of similar practices found in Egypt, China, and India. The modern evolution of reflexology is primarily attributed to Dr. William Fitzgerald, an American ear, nose, and throat specialist who performed “zone therapy” during the early twentieth century. This concept dissected the body into ten longitudinal sections, each of which aligned with different areas of the feet and hands.
The technique was later adapted and further developed by Eunice Ingham, a nurse and physiotherapist. She specified the clear reflex points on the feet and hands and established what is practiced today as reflexology.
How Does Reflexology Work?
Reflexology is based on the idea that there are zones and reflex points in the human body. These reflex areas on the feet, hands, and ears are linked to different organs and systems through the body’s energy pathways.
When pressure is applied to these reflex points, it is believed to stimulate the corresponding organ or system, improving energy flow, and promoting the body’s natural healing processes. For instance, applying pressure to the reflex point on the arch of the foot, which is associated with the digestive system, may aid in relieving digestive upset.
Reflexology is not only about applying pressure, but it entails a level of knowledge about the body’s reflex maps, proper techniques, and consideration for the current condition of the client.
Benefits of Reflexology
Reflexology offers a range of physical, emotional, and mental benefits, making it a valuable addition to any self-care routine. Some of the key benefits include:
Stress Reduction: Reflexology is known for its ability to promote relaxation, helping to reduce stress and anxiety. It has a soothing effect on the nervous system, improving the client’s sense of well-being.
Improved Circulation: By stimulating reflex points, reflexology can enhance blood circulation, ensuring that oxygen and nutrients are efficiently delivered to cells and tissues.
Pain Relief: Reflexology is widely applied as a therapy for pain, ranging from long-term diseases like arthritis to pains caused by accidents. Reflexology is considered to promote the production of endorphins which are the natural pain killers of the body.
Enhanced “Detoxification”: Reflexology is believed to help the body eliminate excess waste by stimulating the lymphatic system and improving organ function.
Boosted Immune System: Regular reflexology sessions can strengthen the immune system by promoting overall balance and well-being, making the body more resilient to illness.
Better Sleep: Reflexology may offer comfort to those who are suffering from insomnia or restless nights by helping them relax their minds and bodies.
What to Expect During a Reflexology Session
A typical reflexology session lasts between 30 to 45 minutes. During the session, you will lie down, fully clothed, in a comfortable position while the reflexologist applies pressure to specific points on your feet. The pressure may vary depending on the area being worked and your comfort level.
Some reflex points are naturally tender in some people. Some points may be tender if there’s tension in the corresponding area. If this tenderness is intense or uncomfortable, please let your reflexologist know! Some teachers believe that the reflex points should be stimulated to the point of being uncomfortable. We believe this is unnecessary and counter effective to relaxation. Please speak up if you’re uncomfortable.
Many people find reflexology to be deeply relaxing. It’s common to feel drowsy or even fall asleep during a session. Afterward, you may feel a sense of lightness in the feet, reduced tension, and an overall improvement in your well-being. Also, your feet may feel a little different when you first get up and walk. So, take your time.
Is Reflexology Right for You?
Reflexology is a gentle and non-invasive therapy suitable for people of all ages. Whether you’re dealing with stress, chronic pain, neuropathy, or simply looking for a way to enhance your wellness routine, reflexology could be a valuable addition to your self-care practices.
Conclusion
Reflexology is not just foot massage but a proven ancient technique of healing from within. Reflexology addresses the body’s imbalances and allows the healing energy to flow through specific points of the body, relieving pain and stress and promoting overall wellness. If you’re curious about this practice, consider adding reflexology to your wellness journey and experience the benefits for yourself.
Whether you have been practicing reflexology for years or are just now becoming acquainted with it, we hope this post has brought you some insight into this fascinating treatment. If you’re ready to explore the benefits of reflexology, we invite you to book a session with our skilled therapist and take the first step toward a healthier, more balanced you.
Reflexology is offered in our office as a 45 minute full session, or as a 30 minute add-on to any massage. Book your session here!
Whether you’ve had breast surgery due to cancer treatment, cosmetic reasons, or chest surgery as part of gender affirmation, the recovery process is a journey. One of the tools that can make this journey smoother and more comfortable is massage therapy. While it may seem like a luxury, massage has some real benefits that can make a big difference in how you heal.
Reducing Swelling and Fluid Buildup
After surgery, it’s common to experience swelling and fluid retention around the surgical site. This is your body’s natural response to healing, but it can be uncomfortable. Gentle massage can help move this fluid out of the tissues and reduce swelling. Techniques like manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) are especially effective at helping your body reabsorb excess fluid, making you feel more comfortable sooner. MLD can be performed early in the healing process, usually within weeks of surgery, as soon as your drains are removed and your surgeon agrees.
Scar Tissue Management
As your body heals, scar tissue forms at the incision sites. While this is a normal part of the healing process, too much scar tissue can lead to tightness, restricted movement, and even discomfort. Massage can help break down excess scar tissue, keeping it more flexible and less noticeable. This is particularly important if you’re aiming to maintain or regain your range of motion in the chest or arm areas. Massage is only performed on or near scars after the skin has completely closed and your surgeon indicates it’s okay to massage.
Improving Circulation and Promoting Healing
Massage stimulates blood flow to the area, which is key for healing. Improved circulation brings more oxygen and nutrients to the tissues, which can speed up the recovery process. This enhanced blood flow also helps flush out waste products from the tissues, reducing inflammation and promoting overall healing.
Relieving Pain and Discomfort
Surgery can leave you feeling sore and stiff. Massage can be a natural way to manage this pain. By relaxing the muscles around the surgical area, massage reduces tension and helps you feel more at ease. This can be especially helpful in managing the discomfort that often comes with chest tightness or stiffness after surgery.
Supporting Emotional Well-being
Let’s not overlook the emotional side of recovery. Surgery, especially on such a personal area as the chest, can be emotionally taxing. Massage isn’t just good for your body—it’s good for your mind, too. The physical touch involved in massage can release endorphins, those feel-good hormones that reduce stress and anxiety. This can make a world of difference in how you feel overall during your recovery journey.
Guiding Your Body Back to Normal
As you recover, it’s easy to develop habits of holding your body in protective or compensatory ways—maybe you’re hunching your shoulders or guarding your chest without even realizing it. Massage can help identify and correct these patterns, encouraging better posture and movement. This is crucial for avoiding long-term issues like muscle imbalances or chronic pain down the line.
Creating a Personalized Recovery Plan
It’s important to work with a qualified massage therapist who understands the nuances of post-surgical care. They can tailor the massage to your specific needs, whether that’s focusing on reducing swelling, managing scar tissue, or simply helping you relax. Be sure to talk to your surgeon or healthcare provider about when it’s safe to start massage therapy after your surgery, as timing can vary depending on your procedure and overall health.
Final Thoughts
Massage therapy can be a powerful ally in your recovery from breast or chest surgery. It’s not just about feeling pampered (though that’s a nice bonus!); it’s about actively supporting your body’s healing process. From reducing swelling to managing scar tissue, improving circulation, and even boosting your emotional well-being, massage offers a range of benefits that can help you feel more like yourself again—faster.
If you’re considering massage as part of your recovery, talk to your healthcare provider to ensure it’s right for you and contact us to discuss how we may be able to help. Your body—and your mind—will thank you for it.
As a massage therapist specializing in oncology and post-surgical care, I understand that cancer treatment is not just physically and emotionally challenging but often financially overwhelming. To support those going through cancer treatment, I am excited to introduce my “Pay What You Can” program, designed specifically for cancer survivors currently in treatment.
Why This Program?
Massage therapy offers tremendous benefits for individuals navigating the side effects of cancer treatment, from reducing pain and managing anxiety to supporting overall well-being. Unfortunately, the cost of treatment and care can be overwhelming. This program is here to make sure that everyone, no matter their budget, can get the benefits of massage therapy.
How It Works
Donations and Tips help cover cost: Tips for services are never expected, but always appreciated. I am blessed with generous clients who have donated tips, gift cards, and other funds to help support this program.
Flexible Payment: As a client currently undergoing treatment for cancer, you are able to schedule a 30 minute session, once per month and pay what you can afford. There’s no judgment or expectation—just an open-hearted understanding that everyone’s financial situation is unique.
Personalized Care: Whether you’re dealing with chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery, I will tailor each massage session to meet your specific needs, always considering your comfort and health status.
No Questions Asked: You don’t need to prove anything. No paperwork, no questions—just care.
The Benefits of Massage for Cancer Survivors
Cancer treatment can leave you feeling tired, sore, and stressed. Massage therapy has been shown to help in the following ways:
Relieving pain and tension often caused by surgery, radiation, or the stress of treatments.
Easing fatigue, improving energy levels and mood.
Reducing anxiety and depression, providing emotional support during a difficult time.
Enhancing sleep quality, leading to better overall well-being.
Boosting circulation and promote healing, especially after surgery or radiation therapy.
Let’s Walk This Journey Together
The “Pay What You Can” program is my way of giving back to the cancer community—a community I’ve had the honor of serving through oncology massage. I believe everyone deserves access to care, no matter their financial situation.
If you or someone you know is currently in treatment and could benefit from this offering, please reach out. You are not alone, and I’m here to support you through your healing journey.
Together, we can make massage therapy accessible, affordable, and available to those who need it most.
Contact Information To book your session or learn more about the program, feel free to contact me
