Recommended by the American Cancer Society to bring comfort and to improve the quality of life for cancer patients, massage therapy has been added to integrative oncology programs at many cancer treatment centers. To enable cancer patients to minimize the negative effects of cancer treatment, massage therapy can help relax and soothe the body. Physicians and trained massage therapists provide patients with the facts about the potential advantages of massage therapy, which include:
A variety of massage techniques are used, from therapeutic touch to neuromuscular massage.
A light, subtle form of touch therapy designed to completely relax the body and mind. Therapeutic touch involves work with the hands on or off the body depending on the goal of the session. Typically admired for its centering properties, this modality has also been to shown to reduce many negative side effects that are associated with treatment and improve overall sense of well-being.
Methods can be performed either seated or lying down and can include breathing exercises, light joint movements and visualization techniques. Loose, comfortable clothing is encouraged. Treatments times range from fifteen to an hour and a half depending on your specific treatment plan.
A passive form of therapy, Gentle Stretching (light joint movements), can incorporate the necessary techniques to improve flexibility, reduce muscle tension, chronic pain and stress relief.
Performed either seated or lying down, clients are encouraged to completely relax while specific areas of the body are stretched lightly. Each session can include passive stretching and gentle yoga modalities combined with deep breathing exercises, positive visualization and helpful relaxation tools to carry into everyday life.
Based on ancient techniques, Reflexology is a system of trigger points on the feet that are individually correlated to other areas of the body. Treatments provide relaxing effects for enhanced periods of time and are gentle in nature. This form of therapy is often mistaken for a foot massage but, Reflexology is genuinely designed to detoxify individual areas of the body, cleanse the lymphatic system and calm the mind.
Each session can be performed in twenty to forty five minute intervals with patients either seated or in a reclining position.
Swedish massage is one of the most gentle forms of therapeutic touch. It involves light manipulation of the superficial muscle layers that provides an overall state of relaxation to the mind and body. Using gentle pressure, in long, fluid strokes it allows for muscle tension to be released and generates improved health and well-being.
This massage technique is the most common and special considerations are taken to ensure that your therapy session is not only safe but structured in conjunction with your physician’s current treatment plan. Treatments are offered in increments of five minutes to an hour and a half depending on your realistic and desired goals.
Lymphatic Massage is a subtle form of touch that is designed to aid the Lymphatic System and boost immunity. It is performed using fingertip pressure in slow, soft circular movements. Based on the flow of the lymph system, lymphatic massage can have peaceful, relaxing benefits that enhance the healing process.
Closely adhering to your physician’s and personal guidelines, your Oncology Massage Therapist is dedicated to providing a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere. This technique is a natural compliment to current conventional treatment, turning release into positive experience.
Sessions are fifteen to sixty minutes, performed on separate segments of the body individually and applied in a systematic series.
Based on Trigger Point Therapy, NMT is designed specifically for pain relief and releasing areas of chronic muscle tension. The therapist uses thumb pressure to actively relax and reset muscles therefore improving overall posture and enhanced self awareness.
Often mistaken for Deep Tissue Massage, NMT is a more effective, less intense and has the ability to reduce many systems associated with treatment.
Hand in hand with your doctor, you NMT Oncology therapist can provide sessions of fifteen minutes to an hour and a half. Specific areas of the body are treated individually each session or as a whole depending on your treatment goals.
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Also known as RC Cancer Centers.
