Massage done safely can relieve the physical side effects of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation treatment.  Massage, done by a massage therapist trained in safe practices for patients in treatment for cancer, can offer a gentle touch to quiet the mind, create a feeling of calmness, and relieve the muscle tension due to illness and inactivity. 

 

Massage is very safe when done by a trained massage therapist who understands the precautions and contraindications that need to be followed.  Otherwise a patient can be fatigued or hurt. Many considerations must be understood concerning the patients treatment; nodal dissection, lab values, different medications they are on, and scheduling of massage during treatment are just a few examples. Each patient is different concerning position, but a trained therapist can use a bolster for support to make the massage extremely comfortable.  Surgery and placement of port-a-caths are two examples that might require a patient to have a side-lying massage or choose not to lie on their stomach.

 

I initiated the massage program at a South Florida outpatient cancer center 6 years ago.  We started as one center and it now includes 3 centers.  I offer free massage to patients while they receive their chemotherapy and chair massage to patients before or after radiation treatment.  I also teach light stretches and movement therapy, which helps with the side effects of treatment.  I also have a private practice which allows me to see patients outside of the hospital.  I am a consultant for Lindi Skin which is a skin care line specifically created for patients under treatment for cancer.  And lastly I am a potter, which helps me to understand the healing power of the arts.

 

Visit Toni’s website at www.acaringtouchforcancer.com