Cancer and Massage

When I first started in massage in 1987, the golden rule was never massage anyone with cancer. 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.

1. 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.

2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.

Massage and Cancer Articles Online - Free articles online from various sources.

Cancer Massage Books

 

Web resources:

Cheryl Chapman is a pioneer in massage for Cancer and Mastectomy.

Tracy Walton - Another pioneer for massage and cancer.

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

See also Pathology Section:

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