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.
-
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.
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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.
Books on Massage and Cancer:
Medicine
Hands : Massage Therapy for People With Cancer by Gayle MacDonald
Web references:
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
MacDonaldDebra
Curtis - Breast Massage for Cancer classes
Breast Massage and Cancer
Cancer and Massage
Facts - Tracy Walton
Annieappleseedproject.org
Steve Dunn's Alternative Cancer Treatment pages
Cancer and Human Connection The
Making of an Oncology Massage Therapist By
Shirley Vanderbilt
Online Course Cancer and Massage Therapy :(pdf) contraindications and
treatment by Tracy Walton
A Vacation from Cancer By Gayle MacDonald
Could Massage Therapy Promote CANCER Metastasis? By
Debra Curties MT Journal
Mastectomy Massage By Cheryl Chapman and Eileen Kennedy: MT Journal
Massage for Cancer Patients: Indicated or Contraindicated?By
William C. Handley Jr., LMT, Oncology Massage Therapist Massage
Today
Oncology Massage Resources at Massage Magazine
Cancer and Massage: Debunking the Myths By Janine Ray, RMT,
MTI Massage Today
Massage Benefits Women with Breast Cancer -Research on Massage Magazine
Four Pillars, Two Hands, One Goal By Sabino L. Manzulli, LMT:
Massage and Bodywork Magazine
Breast Massage
Bodymechanics
school of massage - Step by step breast massage
Medical information:
Alternative approaches to cancer:
Health
World Cancer Center
Gerson
Institute- Diet, Nutritional approach to cancer developed by Max Gerson.
Ralph
Moss on Cancer - Author of books on cancer : Cancer
Therapy, Questioning
Chemotherapy, The
Cancer Industry
See also Pathology Section:
