Does massage spread Cancer?

Massage Therapy for those living with cancer.

When I first graduated from massage school almost two decades ago we were taught that massage was contraindicated for anyone that has been diagnosed with the big "C".

 Fortunately, there are a number of people that questioned the theory that massage spread cancer.So they went about doing the intensive research.

 I was not one of them but, now I am appreciating the research they did. The work that these pioneers in the relatively new professional discipline of Oncology Massage is revealing that it is safe and beneficial for those that have been  diagnosed with cancer at some in their life.

Massage does not cure cancer but it can make it easier to tolerate the effects during and after of the treatments.

The practice of Oncology Massage has only been around since 2008 as a specialty.

After my own learning experience I believe that therapist working with a cancer patient should be trained and anyone affected by and living with cancer seeking a massage should question the therapist 

first if they have been trained to work with people with cancer.

 Working with folks affected by cancer is almost unavoidable today with the rate of cancer survivors.

 However, working with clients with a history of cancer is very complex with the need of many adjustments. 

That being said the next question that comes to mind is what exactly is Oncology massage and how does it differ from traditional massage?

By definition Oncology massage is adaptation of massage techniques to safely nurture the body of someone affected by cancer or its treatments.

Furthermore, massage can be safe and therapeutic during and after cancer treatment(s).

Oncology massage can make your cancer journey easier.

This therapy is increasingly used in many hospitals and care centers to improve the quality of life of people affected by cancer to help manage cancer treatment and related side effects.

So before going to a spa here are thoughts what a cancer patients and survivors need to know.

• The techniques that are used is deeply relaxing using gentle and slow strokes to promote relaxation.
• Adaptations are made for site, pressure and position.
• It is tailored to how someone is feeling on that day.
• Its aim is not to work out muscle kinks.
• Skilled touch is beneficial at nearly every stage of the cancer experience.

Many cancer treatments require long-term massage modifications

Massage adaptations are required for:

•      Low blood cell counts 
•      Blood clots
•      Bone metastases
•      Radiation or surgery
•      Lymphedema
•      Peripheral neuropathy
•      Medication
•      Medical devices
•      Late effects of treatment.

What are some of the benefits that can be anticipated would be another question to consider?

Massage and Cancer Clinical Research shows that massage can improve some cancer treatment side effects.

It can:

•  Reduce pain and fatigue,
•  Decrease anxiety, 
•  Improve sleep, 
•  Greater sense of well-being,
•  Feeling less nausea.
•  Enhance body image

 How is oncology massage different from traditional massage therapy?

Skilled touch is beneficial at nearly every stage of the cancer experience.

Many cancer treatments require long term massage adaptations.

Massage adaptations are required for:

• Low blood  cell count
• Blood clots
• Bone Mets
• Radiation or surgery
• Fatigue
• Removal of lymph nodes 
• Lymphedema
• Medications
• Peripheral neuropathy
• Medical devices
• Late effects treatments.

Why should I request an oncology trained therapist?

• If you're in or have a history of cancer, request an oncology trained therapist.
• An oncology trained therapist has completed comprehensive, specializes training that address the side effects of cancer or its various treatments.
• Most therapists don't receive training to help them understand the complexity of people who have had treatment for cancer.
• Even after people are out of treatment receiving bodywork from an oncology therapist is important due to the potential late effects of treatment.
• Are you a member of the Society for Oncology Massage

 A trained therapist should easily be able to answer the following questions.

• Have you received training in how to work safely with people diagnosed with cancer?
• What kind of modifications would you make based on my current status?
• What do you know about massage for people at risk of lymphedema?

 

What are other saying who have received massages?

• "Being so far out of treatment I didn't anticipate being able to feel that much better, but after the massage I did."
• "This is not about pampering, it's about keeping myself in one piece until I'm done with treatments." 
•  "I slept well and felt so relaxed."
• "I'm so grateful and have this beautiful calmness about me." 
  

Finally Gayle MacDonald, author of "Medicine Hands: Massage for People Living with Cancer says this: 

"Skilled touch is beneficial at nearly every stage of cancer experience, during, pro& post-operative period, outpatient clinic, during chemotherapy and radiation, recovery at home, remission, or cure and in the end stages of life"

 Massage is recommend by:

American Cancer Society

Society for Integrative Oncology Live Strong

Finding the Keys to your Body

Finding the Keys to your Body

And yet is is possible for you to find the keys to your body again.....

and to find your proper vitality,health and autonomy.

Therese Berterat

 Take a moment or two to check in with your body right now. Is your neck is so tight that you have a hard time turning it left or right in fact sometimes you twist your whole upper body just to see. 

The shoulders are pulled up around ears, your back never stops aching or what about old recurring injuries from your youthful days of sports and lets not forget possible old car accidents.

 As a massage therapist of 16 years and having worked on literally thousands of bodies I know the relief outcome massage can bring.

I can't tell you the many times I've asked ,"So when was the last you had a massage?" and the answer most often is,"Oh! about a year ago!" 

Why? Is it because we just don't want to take the time to be good to our bodies or gee just let me take a pain medication and it'll go away. 

Wrong! How about considering working with it in a cooperative way.

First, we have to acknowledge that the body has constriction or its has restricted movement  something is definitely out of balance. 

I often use the analogy of telephone pole that is held in place with guy wires. 

Now just for a second imagine if one side of the guy wires is slack what would happen. The pole would start to lean towards that side and the wires on the other side would start to pull out of ground. Right.

 Well that's what happens to our bodies. One side of spine or the body usually the back the muscles are overworked stretched long and the other side is contracted short pulling our posture forward and totally out of alignment. 

 After a while our poor bodies become so distorted we are in chronic pain constantly.

There are many causes that create this unfortunate circumstance. 
But that's a story for another time.

Today we are just going to explore  basic massage modality, Swedish massage .

Massage therapy modalities are as diverse in nature as leaves on a tree; and subsequently, quite effective in helping to naturally heal common and chronic health conditions.  
The rest of this discussion will focus one of the more common massage therapy modalities, specific strokes and general health benefits.
I'll keep it short and easy to read.
Most of the techniques we use as therapist are the same  5 basic stokes. 
Effleurage which is simply long, flowing strokes  gliding up or down the body
 Used to apply the lubricant or to warm up the muscle tissue,  
it's very gently and soothing yet preparing the tissue for deeper pressure.
Petrissage is kneading ,squeezing,pressing or rolling the muscle tissue. 
It's more vigorous, deeper and it will decongest the muscles. 
A deeper stroke that will loosen stiff muscles and relief soreness.
Tapotement is a series of percussive,rythmic movements.  
 Used only for a few seconds to stimulate.
Friction or rubbing frees muscles from adhesions and scar tissue.
It helps to broaden the underlying muscle tissue.
Vibration is rapidly shaking to stimulate nerves and release tight muscles. 


These all can be used for either light or used for deeper work depending on the need of the body.
Also, different tools can be used besides the hand such as forearms, closed or relaxed fists, elbows.
Most other  modalities stem from these basic techniques. 

Journey of a Lifetime

                                                     There is force within
                                                     Which gives you life
                                                               seek that.

                                                      In your body
                                                      Lies a priceless gem
                                                                 seek that.

                                                      O wandering Suli,
                                                      if you want to find
                                                       the greatest treasure
                                                       don't look outside
                                                                   Look inside
                                                                                    Rumi



 We are going on a journey. No,not a journey that takes us adventures in far away places but a journey of discovery. We are going to discover with fascination  the miraculous wisdom of the body. Mirka Knaster authors "Discovering the Body's Wisdom"and I will be pulling much from her book frequently. 

                "Most of us go through the day without being aware of how we are in our bodies and what they are trying to communicate". Mirka Knaster

                  "The Human body is not an instrument to be used, but a realm of one's being to be experienced, explored enriched and thereby, educated." 
                                                                     Thomas Hanna
As a massage therapist or any massage therapist has heard  often  people say, " I have boulders sitting on my shoulders.my neck is so tight I can hardly turn it, or my lower back is killing me' .
So how do you respond when your body is sending out these signals of pain? 
Do you keep on working through it, or taking some sort of pain relieving pill, maybe a few shots of a favorite beverage to numb the pain? 

The first question I usually ask once I have assessed their muscle tonality do work on a computer, or are you on your feet all day?

Each type of job we do leave its tell-tale signs in the muscles of the body and that is where the pain resides.

Someone that is on the computer 8 or more hours a day every work day eventually start to hunch forward, the neck extends down and the muscles between the shoulder blades are screaming with no relieve.

The sales person who's standing on the cement floor all day or most of the day will have a one hip higher than other from bearing all their weight on one leg instead standing balanced. Mom's of toddlers have the same syndrome because the toddler is sitting on that hip shelve. Hence low back discomfort.

Often I've heard "I didn't even know I had pain there" till after I start working in that area. That is denial but common.

Fortunately, the body is not set in stone and it can be transformed and brought back into balance and ease.

Massage is somewhat of a limited word but one that we are all familiar with.

There is long history of different techniques applied to assisting  you to feel comfortable in your body.

Why not explore with me the "Bodyways" that will work the best for you. Each person is different.

Like shoes you must try them on to see which one will fit the best for which purpose.

Just like you wouldn't wear work boots if you going to a formal affair or would you wear dress shoes to shovel snow. Of course not

Our bodies are a work in process and sometimes we need deeper pressure and the are times when a lighter touch is needed.

It all depends on what needs to be changed and how to change it.

The goal is to improve movement and ease discomfort.

This is the beginning of our journey, next we will explore various techniques to choose from.