Over the course of the past 25 or so years the medical world has frowned on working on anyone with cancer because there was a fear that you could spread the cancer or accelerate it. Although it is still under much research and documentation, the results are showing that massage, when done properly is extremely beneficial to the client. If you think about the side effects of cancer and its treatment, nauseous, tired, loss of energy, pain, depression and fatigue, then you can understand why massage would be so beneficial to every client. A reduction in some if not all of these physical effects. This type of work is consistently changing and advancing with the knowledge and changes in the medical field.
What I have found in the years I have been a therapist is that it isn't whether you can or can't get a massage, it's how you should get a massage. There are so many ways, medically, that our bodies can be compromised. All medications make changes in our bodies. Knowing these changes and how to treat a person is what Conscious Touch and Oncology Massage is all about.
Common Myths/arguments about oncology massage: After numerous studies and trials it has been shown that in order for a cancer cell to grow it would have to metastasize. This would require a cancer cell to move within the body and then attach and regenerate itself in a different location. Numerous studies have been tracked and there have been no known studies yet that has shown an increase in cancer cells either at the site or at another site. Now that there is more education out there about how to massage clients with all different types of cancer we have a better knowledge of how to treat each client. Some studies have compared the movement of muscle tissue with the amount of movement (Flexion/ extension) of a client that is physically active. The level of movement from a massage is less than the movement generated from exercise.
Taking this knowledge and breaking it down to simple sessions and in ways to help the caregivers learn how to touch those they are taking care of. Helping someone through the process of treatment is so challenging, so giving the caregivers a tool that brings comfort, relaxation, rest and the ability to show how much they care is quite possibly the greatest gift. Teaching the caregivers about the side effects of treatments, surgeries, both in hospital and out, is a gift that gives to the caregivers as well as the client. This can be a small group setting or a private class. Usually about 3 hours and works best to have the caregiver and client present. You will leave knowing exactly what to anticipate in each session, the best time to give a massage, side effects that can be expected and changes that happen as each client proceeds with treatment and care.
