Cancer treatment is done. Massage intake and adaptations.
Updated: 14 hours ago
Understanding the Lasting Effects of Cancer Treatment in Massage Therapy
It has been more than three years since Jared finished treatment for colon cancer. His family, friends and coworkers have largely forgotten that he ever had cancer.
From the outside, it looks as though he has returned to normal.
Although his cancer treatment is behind him, its effects continue to shape his everyday life.
He still experiences significant fatigue, neuropathy in his hands and feet, and persistent tightness around the surgical scar on his abdomen.
During the massage intake, his therapist notices a checkmark beside cancer on the health history form.
What does the therapist need to ask to ensure that Jared receives safe, appropriate and effective massage therapy?
Start With an Open Conversation
"What effects of your cancer treatment are you still noticing?"
This is an excellent opening question, communicating several important points:
There is room to talk about ongoing side effects. The therapist understands that finishing cancer treatment doesn't necessarily mean returning to life as it was before.
His experiences are relevant to massage. The therapist is knowledgeable and comfortable discussing the lasting effects of cancer treatment. He doesn't have to explain why he is still experiencing symptoms. His concerns are welcomed rather than dismissed.
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This simple question can help Jared feel that his experience is understood and that he is in a safe, supportive environment.
Explore How His Body Has Changed
"Have you noticed any changes in sensation, strength, swelling or movement?"
This is a useful follow-up question that opens the conversation further, communicating:
The therapist understands that cancer treatments can have lasting effects. Changes in sensation, strength, swelling and mobility are all relevant to how massage is adapted and what outcomes can be expected.
Jared's symptoms deserve attention. His experiences are not overlooked simply because treatment has ended.
Massage therapy is individualized. The conversation helps identify which concerns might be addressed through massage, which require adaptations, and when referral or further assessment may be appropriate.
It also creates an opportunity for a good start to the therapeutic alliance. Jared and his therapist can discuss his goals together, including what massage might reasonably accomplish and whether the therapist has the knowledge and skills to address his particular needs.
Put the Client's Goals First
"What would you like from today's massage?"
This question brings the conversation back to Jared, letting him know that:
His priorities matter. His symptoms, expectations and hopes will be considered throughout the session.
The massage will be tailored to his needs and goals. Rather than receiving a cookie-cutter massage, Jared can expect an approach that considers his particular circumstances.
He has a voice in his care. His comfort, preferences and responses help guide the treatment.
The answers to these questions provide a foundation for thoughtful clinical decision-making and help build the trust that is essential to a successful therapeutic relationship.
What Does This Mean for the Massage?
A thorough oncology massage intake gives both the client and therapist a clearer picture of how massage can best support the client's goals while adapting to the lasting effects of cancer treatment.
In the hands of an oncology-massage-aware therapist, Jared can feel confident that:
Fatigue will be taken into account. The therapist will consider treatment duration and intensity to avoid overtaxing him.
Neuropathy will be respected. Pressure and use of heat and cold will be adapted on his hands and feet, where altered sensation may affect his ability to recognize or communicate discomfort.
His abdominal scar will not be overlooked. Scar-related treatment may be considered to address persistent tightness, with techniques adapted to the condition of the tissue and Jared's comfort.
The goal isn't simply to provide a relaxing massage. It is to offer thoughtful, individualized manual therapy that recognizes where Jared is now, rather than making assumptions based on when his cancer treatment ended.
Cancer Treatment Ends. Its Effects May Not.
People impacted by cancer are part of every massage therapy practice. They may be actively receiving treatment, recovering from treatment, or living with effects that persist for months or years.
Oncology massage education helps therapists develop the knowledge and practical skills to make informed decisions about:
Pressure, positioning, duration and treatment site.
Recognizing when massage adaptations are necessary.
Understanding the potential long-term effects of cancer treatment.
Identifying when a client's needs fall outside the therapist's scope of practice or require referral.
Continue Your Oncology Massage Education
Oncology Massage Canada offers education for massage therapists at different stages of their learning:
In-person courses
1. Introduction to Oncology Massage
2. Oncology Massage: Advanced Skills
On-demand webinar. Oncology Massage: Essential Intake Skills
Our courses provide practical knowledge and hands-on skills to help massage therapists work safely and effectively with people impacted by cancer.
Approved for continuing education credits by the NCBTMB and massage therapy associations across Canada.
Learn more and register:
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