There are a number of precautions that need to be taken when performing massage on anyone who have been afflicted with cancer. Treatments are often tough on the body and can cause side effects that can last beyond the treatment time. Depending on where along the treatment path the client is will change what can be done during a massage. Talking with your massage therapist about your treatment is important so the session is customized to your benefit. Being cleared for massage is something you should talk with your primary care physician about before undertaking.

Brain fog, infections, nausea, nerve problems (peripheral neuropathy), change in sensitivities and fatigue are some of the few things that can have a detrimental effect on the ability to receive a massage. Brain fog is a common side effect patients may experience that unfortunately may restrict their ability to travel or function in their day to day lives. A change in sensitivities can occur that may alter what a patient is able to experience in regards to time, temperature, pressure and aromas. Oncology massage is usually time limited due to a patient suffering from fatigue which results in their lack of ability to receive treatment for longer periods of time. Nerve pain may make it difficult to receive a massage and ultimately make it impossible for the area to be treated.

Skin on the part of your body receiving radiation therapy can sometimes become dry, itchy, peel and turn red or darker. Patients receiving radiation therapy may have skin start to look sunburned, become swollen or puffy. Receiving massage is not advised if you begin to develop sores, especilly if they become painful, wet, or infected. Chemotherapy can also cause your skin to become dry, itchy, peel and turn red or darker. It is possible to develop a minor rash or sunburn easily during cancer treatments and these are signs to avoid receiving a massage. If you are experiencing any side effects from your cancer treatment it is important to discuss these with your primary care physician before booking a massage session.

Manual lymphatic drainage is most commonly used to assist people with lymphedema caused by the removal of lymph nodes during cancer treatments. Studies have shown that edema and lymphedema can be affected by consistent manual lympathic drainage sessions. If caught early enough these treatment sessions are usually prescribed by your doctor and will have to be practiced daily to see the best results. Late stages of lymphedema become much more difficult to address and require serious medical intervention that massage therapists are unable to provide.

If you, or someone you know is suffering from cancer or the side effects caused by treatments, please visit the National Cancer Institute at: https://www.cancer.gov/