Cancer Care Massage Therapy on Every Spa Menu

Choosing the best type of massage can vary depending on the clients’ symptoms and how cancer and cancer treatments have affected their body. Gentle massage is tolerated by most people with cancer, and is sufficient to release "endorphins," the "feel good" chemicals released by the brain that can reduce pain. For those who have muscle tightness and stiffness, stronger methods of massage may be needed. Common forms of massage therapy include:

• Gentle massage therapy
• Swedish relaxation massage therapy
• Aromatherapy massage therapy
• Myofascial massage therapy
• Shiatsu massage therapy

Deep tissue massage therapy. NOTE: This type of massage is not usually used during active cancer treatment but may be used to help with chronic pain and limited motion due to scar tissue after treatment is completed.

Researchers believe massage therapy may be helpful for both the physical and psychological benefits it offers. Physically, massage may:

• Decrease inflammation and swelling
• Improve circulation
• Help sore muscles
• Lower the level of stress hormones in the blood

Emotionally, massage may help people relax, provide a distracting experience that takes their mind off of the pain and any fear they may be feeling. It can reduce anxiety by lowering cortisol levels and sometimes help minimize depression.

There are potential adverse effects of massage therapy for cancer patients. They include the following:

• Infection: The risk of infection is greater if white blood cell count is low due to chemotherapy, recent surgery, or open sores from radiation therapy or other conditions.
• Bruising: If platelet count is low due to chemotherapy there is increased likelihood to develop bruises.
• Risk of fracture: If bone metastases or the client is taking medications that can weaken bones there may be an increased risk of fractures. While bone metastases are sometimes mentioned as a contraindication for massage, there is also some evidence that massage may reduce pain in people with bone metastases. In this setting, it's important to see a massage therapist who is certified in oncology massage.
• Skin breakdown: Rubbing, especially during deep tissue massage, may result in skin breakdown, especially during radiation therapy.
• Reactions to the lotions or oils: It's important to be aware of any allergies or sensitivities of the client.

Light massage is safe for most people with cancer, but there are some settings in which massage therapy should be avoided altogether among people with cancer. Some of these include:

• Known blood clots: Massage should not be done for anyone who has been diagnosed with a deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary emboli.
• Infection: If someone is currently fighting an infection, especially if a fever is present, massage therapy should not be used.
• Severely low white blood cell count: If severe leukopenia is present, massage therapy should be deferred until an oncologist gives the clear.
• Severe thrombocytopenia: For people who have very low platelet counts, massage therapy should not be performed.
• Lymphedema: Lymphedema is a relative contraindication to massage. Swelling of a part of the body due to damage to the lymphatics can occur with several types of cancer especially melanoma, but is most well known as the arm swelling that occurs in some women with breast cancer. If lymphedema is present, a type of massage called manual lymphatic drainage may be needed, but this is usually performed by a therapist who specializes in the treatment of lymphedema.

Generally, massage therapy should also avoid sites of active tumor growth, areas around a recent incision, and any areas where an open wound or sore is present. During chemotherapy, deep tissue massage should be avoided even if blood counts are all normal.