Oncology Massage is a specialized massage therapy designed for anyone who has cancer as part of their current or past medical history. Our certified therapists at Nimbus Massage are trained to provide safe and gentle massage techniques that address the unique physical and emotional challenges associated with cancer, its treatment, and the sometimes lingering effects after recovery.
For those in treatment: Oncology Massage focuses on alleviating common cancer-related symptoms such as pain, fatigue, anxiety, nausea, neuropathy, and discomfort caused by treatment. It helps improve the quality of life for those navigating cancer care. We do ask that you check with your medical team for guidance on when you may seek out massage during treatment. We typically recommend shorter (30 Minute) sessions for people who are in treatment and able to receive massage.
After treatment: Oncology Massage focuses on tailoring an approach that can help you with your individual goals while keeping your overall health and the effects of your treatment in mind. For some, this may be a fairly straightforward session; for others, we may have to adapt to changes in the body. Even if your experience was decades ago, it is important to go to someone who understands Oncology Massage because some treatments have life-long effects. Our team undergoes training to understand the effects of different treatments and their implications for massage.
Anyone with cancer as part of their current or past medical history should seek out Oncology Massage. Our therapists are experienced in adapting massage sessions to meet each individual’s specific needs and medical history, providing a safe and supportive environment.
End-of-life care. Call to ask about this service. We have therapists who will make in-home visits for people wanting massage as part of their end-of-life care. Sometimes caring, therapeutic touch can be supportive during this time of a person’s life.
Oncology Massage is a lovely way for someone to reconnect with feeling good and grounded in their body. Book a session online or feel free to reach out in advance to discuss your case. You may also check the FAQs for more information.
Oncology Massage offers numerous benefits, including pain relief, reduced anxiety, improved sleep, enhanced emotional well-being, and increased relaxation. By promoting a sense of calm and comfort, it contributes to an overall improved quality of life during and after cancer treatment.
Pain relief: Massage can help reduce discomfort associated with cancer treatment as well as provide general pain relief for someone who has cancer as part of their health history.
Stress reduction: A calming massage can ease anxiety, promote relaxation, and improve sleep quality.
Improved well-being: Many clients experience an improved sense of well-being, heightened energy levels, and enhanced quality of life.
Experience Positive Touch: While in treatment many people experience medical touch, which is not always comfortable or comforting. Massage can provide a positive touch experience for those in or recently finished with treatment.
At Nimbus Massage, we understand that cancer is both physically and emotionally challenging. Let’s help you lessen your stress and anxiety, even before a session begins, by giving you a walkthrough on what to expect in an Oncology Massage session.
Oncology Massage is a specialized form of Massage Therapy designed for individuals who have cancer or who have had cancer in the past. It’s safe when performed by a trained Oncology Massage Therapist. Those who are in, or recently finished with, treatment should consult with their medical team for guidance on when they may receive massage. This type of massage is adapted to accommodate changes in a patient’s health, energy levels, and treatment side effects.
No, Oncology Massage does not spread cancer. It is designed to complement medical care by addressing symptoms and side effects of cancer and its treatments. However, during certain courses of treatment, it may be necessary to postpone massage or use specialized techniques. For example, for immuno-compromised individuals, massage may not always be appropriate. Or, after radiation treatment, the affected areas are too delicate to massage. If you are in or recently finished with treatment, consult with your healthcare team before starting massage therapy.
You can expect a client-centered experience in which we develop an individualized massage session for you based on our intake process. We take your goals, medical history, cancer treatment, activity level, overall health, past experience with massage, comfort, and sensitivities into account to create a treatment plan for you. We will adjust techniques, positioning, pressure, table temperature, lighting, scents used, etc.. for your comfort and health.
Yes. Oncology Massage Therapists are trained to work with cancer patients safely. However, there are many precautions and some contraindications based on your individual circumstances, some of which are lifelong. Most of these revolve around risks and side-effects of cancer treatment. It’s essential to discuss your situation honestly with your therapist and healthcare team.
Oncology Massage is gentle and adapted to your comfort, overall health, and energy level. It should not be painful. After the massage, many feel profoundly relaxed and report reduced pain, tension, and anxiety. Some individuals may also experience increased energy, but responses vary. Good communication with your therapist can go a long way in optimizing your experience.
With approval from your medical team, yes, you can receive Oncology Massage during active cancer treatment. It can be particularly beneficial in helping manage the side effects of treatment and anxiety that go along with treatment. During this phase, massage sessions are typically short and gentle in order to be supportive and not taxing. However, massage is not always appropriate during all stages and types of treatment. Therefore, it is essential to talk to your healthcare provider about your interest in massage and take their advice on when to start.
Check with your medical care team prior to booking, or if something changes in your health between the time you book and your appointment, to make sure you may receive massage. Once booked, fill out your intake form in advance. Please arrive a few minutes prior to your session so that we can review the information with you. If you have a complex medical history which requires a long intake process, some of your appointment time may be used reviewing your health history. Think about your goals, focus areas, energy level, sensitivities, and things that have/haven’t worked for you in the past.
Of course! You may bring a trusted guardian with you during your session at Nimbus Massage.