Roswell Park offers massage for patients and caregivers
In the words of one Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center patient, oncology massage is like "a brief vacation from cancer." It's a peaceful and pleasant form of integrative care that complements standard medical treatment. Massage provides a way to increase relaxation and feelings of well-being and hope.
Each customized session is designed to address emotional and physical needs, and to lessen the burden of treatment-related side effects. An oncology-trained massage therapist can provide safe and effective massage at any stage of your cancer journey.
“As it relates to safety, some patients worry that oncology massage will cause their cancer to metastasize, or spread,” says Beth Bergmann, LMT, an oncology-trained massage therapist at Roswell Park. “This is a common myth; research continues to show us that massage does not cause the spread of cancer cells.”
How massages can help
Many people think of massage as a deep and sometimes painful kneading of the muscles. But when talking about massage in the oncology community, it usually means very light, simple touch intended to help you relax and reconnect with your body in a kind, gentle and nurturing way.
“Oncology massage is so relaxing that patients even fall asleep during a 10-minute session,” says Yoshie Fanara, LMT, an oncology trained massage therapist, who first learned about oncology massage during her own cancer journey at Roswell Park. “After completing my treatment, I wanted to give back to the community that had helped me tremendously during some of the toughest times of my life. Offering patients a bit of serenity amidst what I know is such a stressful time fills me with such a sense of pride.”
Oncology massage addresses the full spectrum of cancer-related issues, including the physical consequences of cancer, side effects of various treatments, and the psychosocial and emotional considerations of care. Patients and their caregivers report several significant and positive changes after massage, including:
- deep relaxation
- reduced stress and pain
- improved sleep
- eased constipation
- increased alertness and mental clarity
- reduced anxiety and depression
- less nausea
- being pleasantly distracted
- improved body self-image
Anecdotal evidence suggests there are many more benefits to oncology massage for patients undergoing treatment, such as:
- Following surgery: Massage can ease recovery from anesthesia, reduce post-surgical pain and swelling, improve mobility and range of motion and help you adapt to implants and expanders.
- Following radiation or chemotherapy: Massage may help to reduce post-treatment fatigue, improve appetite and minimize peripheral neuropathy.
Massages can be self-care
Oncology massage should only be performed by a therapist trained in the specifics of cancer and cancer treatment. With the appropriate knowledge, your massage therapist can safely support you while helping you manage your experience with cancer.
Even brief sessions of oncology massage can be helpful. “One patient I was working with, who was receiving their very first-ever massage, stated that even after a 10-minute chair massage they could feel warmth and relaxation throughout their body,” Bergmann says.
“Caregivers should also consider adding massage to their self-care routines,” she says. “Many times, caregivers are so focused on their person that they forget to do anything relaxing for themselves.”
Weekly oncology massage sessions are offered in The 11 Day Power Play Cancer Resource Center, located on the first floor of the main hospital at the downtown location of Roswell Park. Patients and caregivers are invited to experience relaxation and comfort during walk-in, 10-minute chair massages with trained oncology massage therapists Bergmann and Yoshie Fanara, LMT. No appointment is necessary — sessions are conducted on a first-come, first-served basis.
Oncology massages are also available at Roswell Park’s Northtowns Care Network Site.
Oncology Massage in the Resource Center is generously supported by donor dollars through the Quality-of-Life Program. Please contact The 11 Day Power Play Cancer Resource Center at 716-845-8659 (Option 1) or email ResourceCenter@RoswellPark.org with any questions.
