oncology massage.

The American Cancer Society considers oncology massage "one of the most supportive and helpful complementary therapies available" to patients and views oncology massage as helpful both physically and emotionally because "it soothes the soul and the mind" ​Oncology massage is a client-specific, customized massage session designed to meet the unique and changing needs of someone in treatment for cancer or with a history of cancer treatment.

A safe massage plan generally revolves around the side effects (both short- and long-term) of chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. Oncology massage can only be provided by a massage therapist who has received training in the specifics of cancer and cancer treatment. This training is more about cancer and less about massage. When you are receiving an oncology massage, you are receiving traditional, established massage therapy techniques that have been adapted to account for your unique health situation. Typical modalities include Swedish massage, reflexology, craniosacral therapy, relaxation and stress reduction massage and manual lymph drainage for oncology patients with lymphedema. The changes that might be made to a massage that makes it an "oncology massage" can fall under any number of categories, but typically they will be related to session length, pressure, positioning and areas of specific compromise or concern like mediports, bone metastases or skin reactions to treatment.

general Benefits of oncology Massage:

  • Increased alertness and mental clarity

  • Reduced anxiety

  • Less nausea

  • Reduced pain

  • Deep relaxation

  • Reduced stress

  • Improved sleep

  • Eased constipation

Benefits of Oncology Massage Following Surgery:

  • Improved mobility and appearance of surgical scars

  • Reduced swelling

  • Improved range of motion

  • Easier adaptation to implants and expanders

  • Reduced anxiety in advance of surgery

  • Easier recovery from anesthesia

  • Reduced post-surgical pain

Benefits of Oncology Massage Following Radiation or Chemotherapy

  • Reduced anxiety in advance of and during treatment

  • Improved peripheral neuropathy

  • Reduced post-treatment fatigue

  • Improved appetite

Emotional Benefits of Oncology Massage

  • Improved body self-image

  • Restored hope

  • Satisfaction in participating actively in a part of the healing process

  • Decreased anxiety

  • Decreased depression

  • Increased feelings of well-being

  • Being pleasantly distracted

LICENSED massage therapist

 

Linda mitchell

Linda has worked within the medical field as a Licensed Practical Nurse working with all ages in long term care facilities, as well as home care. Her continued path led her to natural practices initiating her journey in massage, craniosacral therapy, somatic emotional release, Reiki and Integrative Energy Therapy. Her work includes working with both humans, and horses. Mitchell gained her expertise from the Institute of Therapeutic Massage, Center of Being and Upledger Institute. Linda's spiritual path led her to Unity of Sussex County where she embraced working with the YOU (Youth of Unity - Teens), and as a chaplain.

Pricing

 

60 min session - adults

1 Session: $110
3 Sessions: $314
5 Sessions: $495
10 Sessions: $935

90 min session - adults

1 Session: $143
3 Sessions: $408
5 Sessions: $644
10 Sessions: $1,216

60 min session

Students, Seniors, Disabled & Vets

1 Session: $99
3 Sessions: $297
5 Sessions: $468
10 Sessions: $880

90 min session

Students, Seniors, Disabled & Vets

1 Session: $129
3 Sessions: $386
5 Sessions: $608
10 Sessions: $1,144