“We cannot direct the wind, but we can adjust the sails.”
– Dolly Parton
What is Oncology Massage?
Oncology massage is the adaptation and modification of massage techniques in order to safely work with effects of cancer and cancer treatment, and includes people in active treatment, those in recovery, or survivorship, as well as those at the end of life.
Essential aspects of the oncology massage therapist's skill set are an informed understanding of the pathophysiology of cancer, the side effects of cancer treatments, such as medications, surgery, chemotherapy and radiation, and the ability modify modalities and treatment approaches to consider where the patient is on the spectrum of treatment and their activities of daily living.
A General Health Intake form as well as an Oncology Intake form, and Physician Authorization form are required to complete the assessment, and treatment plan process. Goals can be adjusted to the patient's immediate or long term needs.
What is Oncology Massage?
Oncology massage is the adaptation and modification of massage techniques in order to safely work with effects of cancer and cancer treatment, and includes people in active treatment, those in recovery, or survivorship, as well as those at the end of life.
Essential aspects of the oncology massage therapist's skill set are an informed understanding of the pathophysiology of cancer, the side effects of cancer treatments, such as medications, surgery, chemotherapy and radiation, and the ability modify modalities and treatment approaches to consider where the patient is on the spectrum of treatment and their activities of daily living.
A General Health Intake form as well as an Oncology Intake form, and Physician Authorization form are required to complete the assessment, and treatment plan process. Goals can be adjusted to the patient's immediate or long term needs.
"Your body is like a tree with many rings; Your body holds your entire life story, and I honor, respect, and consider that when you come to my table."
– Ronda Crary
Ronda applies and combines the massage modalities of Swedish Esalen, myofascial release, reflexology, craniosacral, CFT, and cross fiber as appropriate for each client's unique situation.
Ronda is also trained in scar tissue release protocol post-mastectomy, reconstruction, and radiation. Rest, Relax, Repair, Restore. The goal is to correct musculoskeletal imbalances, to improve alignment, posture and flexibility of the body, remove soft tissue restrictions, support nerve regeneration and pathways, increase joint range of motion, and stimulate lymph collection.
Ronda applies and combines the massage modalities of Swedish Esalen, myofascial release, reflexology, craniosacral, CFT, and cross fiber as appropriate for each client's unique situation.
Ronda is also trained in scar tissue release protocol post-mastectomy, reconstruction, and radiation. Rest, Relax, Repair, Restore. The goal is to correct musculoskeletal imbalances, to improve alignment, posture and flexibility of the body, remove soft tissue restrictions, support nerve regeneration and pathways, increase joint range of motion, and stimulate lymph collection.
Massage modifications will also include timing, positioning, pressure, pace and/or direction of massage strokes. Certain massage modifications could remain lifelong especially considering bone integrity, vital organ involvement, and compromised lymph nodes.
Massage Adaptations are
required for:
fatigue
tumor site or metastasis
fragile or unstable tissue
radiation or surgery
removal of lymph nodes
lymphedema
bone pain
bone metastasis
blood clots
low blood cell counts
peripheral neuropathy
medical devices
medications
late effects of treatments
Benefits:
General sense of overall well being
Induces parasympathetic nervous system response
Enhances body image
Help with the management of pain
Reduce unpleasant sensations from chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy
Reduce post surgical swelling and support rehabilitation and recovery
Support the lymph system and assist with lymphedema management
Reduce anxiety
Improves sleep
Scar tissue release post surgery, mastectomy, reconstruction, radiation
Increased joint ROM and flexibility
Postural realignment
Oncology Massage Contraindications
Deep tissue applications for a person in active treatment, and one year post treatment, and massage over a tumor site. For the client in active cancer treatment or recovery, a practitioner should avoid pressure and speeds that may add to fatigue, compromise skin or bone integrity, aggravate the side effects of compromised blood cell counts or vital organ involvement, cause nausea, create risk for blood clots, or trigger or exacerbate lymphedema.
Provider of Oncology Massage, Reiki, and Lymphatic Drainage since 2015