Oncology Massage Therapy
What is Oncology Massage Therapy?
Oncology Massage Therapy is the use of modified, conventional massage techniques to better support a person with a current or previous history of cancer. Adjustments considered for an oncology massage session include, but are not limited to, massage pressure, patient positioning, site restrictions and session length. Our massage therapists have all completed additional oncology massage training to provide a safe, skilled and compassionate session for our patients as they navigate the short term and, potentially, long term side effects of chemotherapy, radiation and surgical treatments.
What are the benefits of Oncology Massage Therapy?
Scientific research has shown that massage therapy aids in the management of a patient’s mental and physical side-effects while in treatment for cancer. The benefits of massage therapy include:
- Increased relaxation
- Improved quality of sleep
- Reduction of stress and anxiety
- Decreased pain
What should I expect during an Oncology Massage Therapy session?
At the beginning of each session, the patient and therapist will discuss any updates to the patient’s health and treatment history. The therapist will then customize that session to best support the patient’s needs.
The hands-on portion of a session will last 35-45 minutes. A patient may request to end a session at any time.
Sessions take place on a massage table, in a chair, or in/on a mobility device. There are positioning props in each room to promote support and comfort throughout the session.
You will be clothed or properly draped at all times. Patients maintain the right to remove clothing (or not remove clothing) to their level of comfort for the massage. The patient will be appropriately draped with a sheet or blanket, exposing only the area being massaged, during the entirety of the session.
Where is Oncology Massage Therapy offered?
Private appointments are currently only available at the Pluta IOWC located at the Pluta Cancer Center.
Infusion room services, for limited hours, are available at both the Pluta Cancer Center and the Wilmot Cancer Center. (Availability and schedules vary)
Inpatient services are available, for limited hours, at the Wilmot Cancer Center. (Availability and schedules vary)
How can I make an appointment?
Discuss with your oncology provider to see if you are eligible to receive Massage Therapy. Massage Therapy is only available to WCI patients in active treatment (chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or radiation therapy) and patients must be experiencing oncology related symptoms/side effects that may be improved by massage.
If eligible, your provider will place a referral, and the IOWC scheduler will give you a call. Appointments cannot be scheduled without a referral.
Who are the Massage Therapists at the Pluta IOWC?
Visit our staff team page and meet our LMTs!
Do I need to tip my Massage Therapist?
Contrary to industry norms, our massage therapists do not accept tips at the Pluta IOWC; however, donations to the Pluta Cancer Foundation are welcome. All contributions help fund the various programs of the Pluta IOWC. All programs are provided at no cost to our patients!
Other Touch Programs
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a key component of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that is based on the theory that the human body is an organic whole that is connected by energy (Qi-pronounced “chee”) pathways called meridians (Jing Luo in Chinese). This practice involves the insertion of very fine, single-use needles into strategic points on the body.
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