Massage for people with cancer – by Roushan Martens

I have been a therapist for over four years, and have enjoyed seeing how massage can make a huge difference in the lives of those who receive it. One group of clients who did not seem to seek out massage, however, were people with cancer. I couldn’t understand why this would be. When I did the course in Massage for People with Cancer last September, however, I quickly saw why someone with cancer, or someone with a history of cancer now in remission, might avoid massage.

Having been poked, prodded, possibly operated on, subjected to painful and unpleasant chemotherapy or radiation treatment and all their side-effects, it is understandable that a person might not want anyone else near their body. With the experience of side-effects from treatment, and doctors’ warnings to be careful with a variety of tasks that used to be second nature, why would anyone risk further ill-effects from a massage? Having worked with people with cancer since completing the course, I can see that the benefits are enormous, and would encourage anyone with cancer to consider massage.

But isn’t there a risk of metastasis or nasty side effects?

No there isn’t! The conditions under which metastasis (the spread of cancer to other areas of the body) occurs are biochemical, and cannot be brought about by massage. As far as side effects are concerned, the therapist’s first intention is always that your treatment should be a nurturing, pleasant process, with no ill effects whatsoever. We are therefore extremely careful to avoid anything that may cause discomfort either during or after the treatment. We are also keen to work in co-operation with your medical team, and would advise that you tell your doctor you are having massage.

Specialised Therapists

It would, perhaps, be advisable to go to therapists (and not just for massage) who have experience and/or training in working with people with cancer. There are aspects of complementary therapies that can affect people with cancer differently, and an awareness of these means that the treatment will not inadvertently cause you any discomfort. A thorough history is taken before the massage itself, so the therapist is fully aware of what you have been through with treatment and any side effects. The information given here ensures that the massage will only involve whatever is within your comfort zone at the time. It also ensures that any possible side-effects of massage (especially lymphodoema, the swelling of areas near treated lymph nodes) can be avoided.

A different kind of massage

Massage for people with cancer is a very gentle, undemanding process, unlike the more vigorous treatments you might have previously received or seen. If you are feeling very fragile, it may be as gentle as simple warm touch over a clothed body, with almost no pressure at all. The aim is to allow you to experience a positive relationship with your body, to reconnect in a pleasant and nurturing way at a time when you may have come to regard it with suspicion and fear.

Benefits of massage for people with cancer

The effects of a soothing massage treatment for someone with cancer can be really helpful in the healing process. It may help to dissipate feelings of fear and tension lodged in the body, giving physical and mental relief, which can affect things such as quality of sleep, energy and emotional wellbeing. It can be used either whilst receiving treatment or when in recovery. If used during treatment, it may help to manage the treatment and its side effects.

Finally, this is a treatment where YOU are in control – the therapist will not be dictating to you what will happen, but working in consultation with you to ensure that you receive the treatment that you want, and that will be suited to your needs. It can be a great antidote to the powerlessness many people experience as cancer patients, and a valuable tool in managing your health.

To summarise, massage for people with cancer can aid restful sleep, mental and physical tension, and be a great help in the process of ‘making friends’ with your body again. It is an empowering, soothing, SAFE, and effective way of supplementing your traditional treatment, and aiding your recovery. You don’t have to say no to massage because you have cancer – say yes!

Further information, help and advice:

For further information or to make an appointment with Roushan Martens visit her profile within the Therapies United website. Just click on 'find a therapist' and type in 'roushan'.