The art of adapting pressure in oncology massage

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Adapting pressure is not a sign of doing less—

it’s a sign of clinical awareness and skill.

CANCER TREATMENTS AND SOFT TISSUE

Many of the side effects of cancer treatment require careful massage adaptations, including modification of pressure to ensure safe treatment.

Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery can have a deep and lasting impact on the body:

·      Thin, dry skin

·      Inflamed soft tissue

·      Scar tissue that alters texture and movement

·      Compromised circulatory, immune and lymphatic systems

WHAT IF WE DON'T ADAPT PRESSURE?

Radiation treatments, for example, can cause broad areas of densification and fibrosis.  To a massage therapist’s hands, this may feel ‘tight’ and require deep pressure to ‘release’ the tension.  In fact, the densification could be accompanied by chronic inflammation which requires subtler techniques.  Deep pressure may contribute to more inflammation which in turns leads to denser tissues.

The power of oncology massage is not in depth, but in nuanced, educated touch. It is also in educating our clients so that they are on-board with the essential adaptations required to ensure that that the touch they receive will not bruise, overload or exhaust fragile tissues.

WANT TO LEARN MORE?

Massage and radiation fibrosis is explored in this podcast.