Times have changed and the golden rule no longer holds true. Working with cancer patients can be the most rewarding, soul searching, emotional experience and you may have as a practitioner.
Here are some guidelines to support you along the way.
- Research as much as you can about the type of cancer your patient has. Find out what is involved in their treatments. Talk with the patient. Talk with the patients doctors. Become informed.
- If they are going through chemotherapy or radiation, research the drugs that are being used. Their bodies are going to be destroyed by the drugs. They may experience nausea, vomiting, fatigue, hair loss, skin changes, and an extreme fluctuation in emotions. Fear will be with them through out the process.
- The best thing you can do for your client is be there and not interfere in their process or be judgmental. Stand back and look at what they are going through and decide how can you
best support their process. If you step in and start suggesting alternative therapies they might be overwhelmed. If they want something different or more information they will ask. Just offer them the best massage session you can. Listen to them. Listen to their pain. Listen to their fear. Listening may be the best healer.
- Be in constant contact with the client at all times. What may have previously felt fine to them, may not now. Ask them what they want – more pressure, less pressure or just a certain body part. They may not want some areas touched. Their skin may be more sensitive when going through chemotherapy or radiation.
Web resources:
Cheryl Chapman is a pioneer in massage for Cancer and Mastectomy.
Tracy Walton – Another pioneer for massage and cancer.
FAQ’s on massage and cancer from Tracy Walton
Medicine Hands: Massage for People Living with Cancer: A Basic Training Course for Massage Practitioners and Students, Bodyworkers, and Other Professional Touch Therapists by Gayle MacDonald
Debra Curtis – Breast Massage for Cancer classes
Does Massage Promote Cancer Metatisis? (PDF) by Debra Curtis
Breast Massage
Bodymechanics school of massage – Step by step breast massage
The Evolving Practice of Breast Massage By Kate Jordan, NCTMB – Massage Today
Massage Therapists and Breast Care: Easing the Controversy By Bruno Chikly, MD, DO (hon.)
Breast Massage and Cancer
Cancer and Massage Facts – Tracy Walton
The Need for a Less-Demanding Approach – Massage and Bodywork Magazine By Gayle MacDonald: Massage and Bodywork Magazine
Massage Therapy for Cancer Susan G. Salvo
Louisiana Institute of Massage Therapy
Cancer and Massage, The Courage to Touch Massage and Bodywork Magazine
Massage Boosts Mood and Benefits Immune Function in Children with Leukemia
- A Study of Foot Massage and Cancer Symptoms
- By Tracy Walton, LMT, Ms
- Developments in Oncology Massage
- By Tracy Walton, LMT, Ms
- Studying the Benefits of Massage for Advanced Cancer Patients
- By Julie Engebretson, Associate Editor
Learning From the Largest Study on Cancer and Massage By Tracy Walton, LMT, Ms
Cancer and Human Connection The Making of an Oncology Massage Therapist By Shirley Vanderbilt
A Vacation from Cancer By Gayle MacDonald
Massage for Cancer Patients: Indicated or Contraindicated?By William C. Handley Jr., LMT, Oncology Massage Therapist Massage Today
Cancer and Massage: Debunking the Myths By Janine Ray, RMT, MTI Massage Today
Four Pillars, Two Hands, One Goal By Sabino L. Manzulli, LMT: Massage and Bodywork Magazine
Studying the Benefits of Massage for Advanced Cancer Patients By Julie Engebretson
Cancer, Radiation and Massage The Benefits and Cautions By Gayle MacDonald Massage and Bodywork Magazine
Chemotherapy and Massage 11 Questions to Ask Your Clients By Tracy Walton Massage and Bodywork Magazine
Chemo Care For Clients Ask An Expert By Barbara Hey Massage and Bodywork Magazine
Massage Clients With Cancer by Susan Salvo, November 16, 2010 AMTA
The Progression of Oncology Massage Difficult Lessons Learned By Gayle MacDonald Massage and Bodywork Magazine
Oncology: Bodywork for Cancer Patients The Need for a Less-Demanding Approach By Gayle MacDonald Massage and Bodywork Magazine
Blood Cancers: When Helpful Turns Harmful pathology perspectives By Ruth Werner Massage and Bodywork Magazine
Cancer, Treatment and Detoxification By Tracy Walton, LMT, MS Massage Today
Touch Matters: Massage for Children With Cancer By Tina Allen, LMT, CPMMT, CPMT, CIMT Massage Today September, 2012, Vol. 12, Issue 09
Cancer Treatment, Massage, and Wholeness By Tracy Walton, LMT, MS Massage Today
April, 2009, Vol. 09, Issue 04
Massage Reduces Stress in Breast Cancer Patients By Editorial Staff Massage Today
April, 2010, Vol. 10, Issue 04
Tracy Walton’s column on Massage Today
Online CE Classes:
AMTA
Cancer and Massage Therapy: Essential Contraindications Part I
Cancer and Massage Therapy: Treatments Part II
Research:
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17452429
Billhult A, Stener-Victorin E, Bergbom I. Source: Department of Physiotherapy, The Sahlgrenska Academy at Göteborg University, Göteborg, Sweden.
Use of reflexology foot massage to reduce anxiety in hospitalized cancer patients in chemotherapy treatment: methodology and outcomes. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16487421
A Study on Massage and Symptom Relief By Tracy Walton, LMT, MS
Massage and Cancer from Evidence Based Medicine Facebook Page
See also:
LiddleKidz – Massage for Cancer Classes with Tina Allen
Oncology Massage Education Associates Gayle MacDonald, M.S., L.M.T., is the author of Medicine Hands: Massage Therapy for People with Cancer (Findhorn Press) and Massage for the Hospital Patient and Medically Frail Client
Tracy Walton Cancer Research and Classes on Massage and Cancer