Massage can make your cancer journey much easier. But, for your safety, it is essential that your therapist knows what not to do, when not to do it and why.
Ask if she/he has special training covering contra-indications, modifications, and benefits of massage for people with a cancer history. Was the training on the internet, a one day course or a Society for Oncology Massage recognized course of 24 hours or more including lectures and hands-on experience?
Ask about her/his experience working with people with a cancer history. How many and when.
Briefly describe your surgical, chemotherapy and radiation history and ask what kind of modifications she/he might make from standard massage. Listen for things like changes in treatment time, pressure, positioning, joint movement, etc.
Ask how being immune-compromised changes things. If you have had surgery or radiation, ask how she/he approaches the risk of lymphedema .
Will you need your physician's consent? - It is always a good idea. Will you need to give a complete medical and cancer history? - It is essential.
Listen for detailed, thoughtful answers. You want a massage that is effective and safe.
Q: Why isn't my physician's approval for massage enough?
A: There are clear medical protocols for physicians to do school physicals, approve return to work after surgery, and many others. Not so for massage therapy which is practiced in many different ways by therapists with many different levels of training. Physicians cope as best they can and a growing number welcome massage therapy for their patients. But, it is not realistic to expect them to be aware of all the variations.
Q: I have a spa gift certificate. How do I evaluate a spa for safety?
A: It is difficult. Many spas do not have trained oncology massage therapists on staff. Some may have trained therapists but are tightly scheduled, leaving little time for a thoughtful medical interview. A few provide a trained oncology massage therapist who does medical intake and gives instructions to untrained therapists. It is best to find a trained therapist who has the time to use the training, at a spa or not.
