Thursday, August 1, 2024

Notes on Oncology Massage (In No Particular Order)

"Cancer treatment, like a lot of things, is not so much about decisions as it is about trade-offs." - Hank Green

This is by no means an exhaustive list and is likely to be added to, later. 

  • "First, do no harm."
    • All sessions should be approved by a doctor and/or surgeon prior to treatment.
    • Understand the risks and contraindications -- recognize that oncology massage is a whole different breed of massage therapy.
    • Touch is never contraindicated. Remember that touch is vital for mental, emotional, and physical health, and we want to use touch as safely, effectively, and ethically as possible. Focus on what we can do, and trust that it will be more than enough to make a difference.
    • Slow down, be still, be soft. Maintain a quality of contact that isn't tentative or feathery.
    • Massage is generally okay 6- to 8-weeks post-surgery, so long as any drains, ports, and irritated/healing areas of skin are avoided. This is also dependent on the client's medications, including any active drug or cancer treatments (extended or trials).
    • Do not add to the body's "To Do" list.
    • Do not use pressure over a tumor site or area of active cancer.
    • Avoid joint movements that would affect a tumor site or area of active cancer.
    • If the exact location of the cancer is currently unknown, avoid all pressure everywhere. Static Level 1 pressure only.
    • If there is active lymphedema, refer out. Seek additional training.
  • Massage -- often including the anticipation of receiving a massage and the environment in which massage is often performed -- triggers the parasympathetic response (rest & digest), providing relaxation and allowing for healing.
    • Chronic inflammation and chronic stress are risk factors for developing cancer.
    • Medical treatment can be traumatizing.
    • Through massage, endorphins are released which can help to fortify the immune system. The vagus nerve, especially, contributes to anti-inflammatory, immune-boosting actions.
  • Sometimes, oncology massage is simply about Presence -- providing affirmations, love, increasing feelings of well-being, and helping to empower the caregivers by educating them on what they can do.
  • The lymphatic system is directly tied into the cardiovascular and immune systems. Many lymphatic structures have valves and smooth muscle tissue to support their function. When the lymphatic system becomes compromised, so too does oxygen delivery to and waste pick-up from tissues throughout the body. This can affect blood pressure and create swelling.
    • The Right Lymphatic Duct receives lymph fluid from the right-side of the head, neck, arm, and upper chest quadrant. This fluid is then fed into the Internal Jugular Vein.
    • The Larger Lymphatic Duct (or Thoracic Duct) receives lymph fluid from literally everywhere else. The fluid is then fed into the Subclavian Vein.
    • "Mucus membranes" actually have lymphoid tissues (and lymphocytes -- immune cells) to try and stop pathogens from entering the body.
    • Lymphatic Watersheds represent linear areas on the skin that separate territories from each other and contain relatively few lymph collectors.
    • Lymphedema can, unfortunately, occur in the trunk of the body ("truncal lymphedema").
    • Regardless of diagnosis, it's important to ask: "Is the lymphatic system functioning as normal or is it compromised? Has it been exposed to radiation?" If one or more lymph nodes have been damaged or removed, the client is at risk of lymphedema.
  • Cancer cells replicate rapidly, much like bone marrow cells, hair follicles, and cells in the mouth.
  • Chemotherapy and other cancer drugs target the growth and division mechanisms of cells -- the molecular systems and processes. At this time, these treatments can and will affect healthy cells of the entire body, but research is working to fine-tune the targeting so that the specific cancer cells take a greater hit than the beneficial cells.

“You always have to keep in the back of your mind exactly what your intent is with this person. And the intent for doing massage with cancer is not to heal them or cure them; the intent is to touch them with love and to provide as much quality of life as you can without doing any harm.”

– Cheryl Chapman, via “Massage and the Cancer Patient” by Kieran McConnellogue, Massage & Bodywork magazine, December/January 2000

Important (re)Sources:

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