Oncology Massage

The training I have undertaken allows me not only to work with people recovering from cancer but with active cancer also. So anyone going through Chemotherapy, Radiation or still undergoing cancer treatment is able to come and receive a session. I am able to treat clients alongside their hospital care.

The session will be bespoke to your current needs on that day. I am able to use a variety of different massage techniques as well as Reflexology, and may use a whole combination depending on what’s required. It will include:

• Taking into account the most comfortable position for you to receive the treatment. This may be lying down on your back or side, seated, or seated with the back down to a comfortable level. I have cushions and bolsters which can be used to make sure you are as comfortable as I can get you to be.
• Taking into account the possibility of stoma bags, Hickman lines and healing operations sites, your comfort is important to enable you to relax.
• Side effects of your treatment may mean coming in first thing in the morning to avoid any smells of oils in the room which you may find unpleasant, please take this into account when booking. The room will also be clean and fresh, which will prevent any cross infection from another client.
• The waxes (oils) I use are organic, vegan and can be scented or unscented to your choice.
• I can also make up a blend of dōTERRA oils to be used during the massage to make it bespoke to your needs and requirements. They are safe to use whilst undergoing Chemotherapy, and some can help with the side effects, like nausea. These oils work on an emotional level as well as physical, and can be used by smelling them, diffusing them as well as topically on the skin. 

How will Massage help me?

One of the main reasons people come for a massage is to make them feel relaxed or to ease some aches or pains. Massage from a Therapist is a positive, caring touch that is very different from the touch in hospital. A listening ear away from family and friends, or a quiet non-judgmental space to switch off and be themselves. Massage Therapy is touch because you want it rather than need it, which makes a massive difference. Many clients have told me how lovely it is just to have some soft, gentle touch which is something they may not have received for a while.

A massage will generally help to relax you, which will in turn help improve your sleep, lift your mood and help you feel a little more yourself. It can help you cope with stress, anxiety, headaches and pain, Chemotherapy related nausea, and cancer fatigue.

Scar tissue work

Once the scar itself has healed I am able to work with any scar tissue which is causing you issues. Many women find after having a lumpectomy, mastectomy or removal of nodes that their range of movement is restricted and they can have pain in the shoulder or around the scar itself. Restrictions can also cause issues with breathing deeply, by restricting a full, comfortable breath. I am able to work with the soft tissue around the shoulder, ribs and diaphragm to ease the restrictions and bring back movement to the shoulder which is comfortable and a better range. I can also work with the scar itself, if it feels tight, is pulling or puckering in any way. This is a very gentle way to work and you should not feel any pain at all. I work with this area when you feel comfortable and ready to have it treated.