Integrative Medicine

An integrative program that offers massage to the patient undergoing treatment for cancer offers a much needed antidote from necessary procedures.  Patients often comment that their massage was the first time in months that someone had touched them gently with the sole purpose of comfort. 

As a Massage Therapist for an outpatient cancer center I have seen how massage can make the treatment time in a hospital setting easier for many patients.  A patient who is extremely anxious on their first treatment welcomes an opportunity to choose calming massage as part of their treatment.  Patients pay attention to the monthly schedule for massage, anticipating their "reward" for one more chemotherapy session or radiation treatment.  Patients are pleasantly surprised to discover that a hospital would offer this service to decrease their anxiety, soothe their muscular tension and decrease their stress. 

  Chair massages can also be offered to caregivers, allowing a Massage Therapist to be the caregiver's caregiver. At one outpatient cancer site I have a small room in which a family member can receive a 10 minutes chair massage. This opportunity gives family members a few minutes to relax from the errands, appointments and always being there in every way for their family member or friend.  Family members are very grateful for this special service.

 More and more hospitals are offering massage therapy, as part of their integrative therapies.  After receiving a massage during chemotherapy many patients respond, "I can't believe that calmed me down."    These comments provide a Massage Therapist with the opportunity to discuss the benefits of massage and the research that is taking place.

Being part of the support staff within an outpatient setting, is also a  great opportunity to educate patients about safe massage by qualified Massage Therapists outside of the hospital environment. Spas are a part of our culture and it is difficult for a patient to decide what is safe during treatment and possibly even in the future. Stone therapy, paraffin wax, Jacuzzis, deep tissue massage and herbal wraps are treatments offered in spas and may need to be avoided during treatment or even after treatment.  Patients are very appreciative of the opportunity to obtain this useful information concerning spa treatments.

Everyday I enthusiactically promote massage therapy in a hospital setting by what I say and do.  Physicians and Nurses appreciate the comfort I offer to their patients.  I am most grateful for their support that that has allowed the massage therapy program to grow from one center to three outpatient centers.  It is only with maintaining our training that we, as Massage Therapists, can be recognized as an important support staff within the healthcare setting.

I hope that this web-site helps patients find a trained Massage Therapists in their area. A database needs to be created so that qualified Massage Therapists can be contacted easily in their communities. When patients request only qualified Massage Therapists during treatment for cancer, then Massage Therapists seek this training. This becomes a win/win situation for all. 

Five years ago most of the literature available for patients mentioned many relaxation techniques, and usually avoided mentioning massage. Today the literature talks about the role of massage for patients with cancer, but always by a trained Massage Therapist.

Mind, Body & Spirit  "Cancer patients are allowed to receive massage because specific medical guidelines are followed," says Ki Y. Shin, M.D., assistant professor and section chief of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation in the cancer center’s Department of Palliative and Rehabilitation Medicine.

ulPlease share your massage experiences during your treament for cancer by emailing Toni@acaringtouchforcancer.com