
24 Jan I’d love a massage….and I’ve got cancer
I’d love a massage.
And I’ve got cancer … where do I start?
I’m looking for more ease and comfort in my life right now … how do I find it?
Who can provide the massage that I’m looking for?
Massage can be a powerful tool to help relax and bring a sense of peace to body and mind.
For someone with a cancer diagnosis, appropriate skilled massage may create the relief that is sought.
What questions could be asked when seeking a therapist?
- Is my therapist able to work with me in hospital, or at home? Do I need to go to a clinic?
- Does my therapist understand my particular cancer diagnosis, my treatment, the medications I’m taking, the side effects that I am experiencing, and how I am really feeling, right now?
- What experience has she had in working with people like me?
- Will she/he ask for a detailed medical history, so as to be really clear about my journey?
- What specialised training has she or he had? Who was it with? Was it training to both a national and an international standard?
- Can this massage help with tight scar tissue which is creating limited arm movement?
- Is my therapist really aware of my risk for lymphoedema?
- My platelets are low. Can this therapist still work with me?
- I’m feeling really stressed. I just need time out from the world. Can my massage therapist help with this?
- My last cancer treatment was years ago – and my body still needs special care. Will my therapist understand and work with these long term effects on my body?
- I am so exhausted and feel really low. I just need to feel nurtured by touch. Can my therapist offer this to me through massage? Will I feel safe?
- My partner is near the end of his/her journey – will my massage therapist be able to meet his/her touch needs? Does she have experience with palliative care?
- Will my therapist ask for a medical clearance from my doctor?
- Are there some brochures I can take to my doctor’s clinic?
Finding a massage therapist who can provide a safe and effective massage to meet your needs is relatively easy.
In Australia, this specialised training is delivered by Oncology Massage Training, a non profit organisation with both national and international accreditation. The OMT website maintains a list of qualified practitioners in every state.