Oncology Massage Therapy

Oncology Massage is a specialized form of massage therapy designed to safely support individuals who are undergoing cancer treatment or living with a history of cancer. Sessions are adapted to be gentle, intentional, and responsive to the unique physical and emotional needs that can arise throughout diagnosis, treatment, recovery, and end-of-life care.

Oncology Massage Therapists receive advanced training in cancer pathology, common treatment side effects, and the specific modifications required to ensure client safety. Each session is customized based on the type of cancer, current or past treatments, and the individual’s comfort level. Techniques are slow and gentle, as deep tissue massage can be unsafe and may increase the risk of injury for some clients.

Benefits of Oncology Massage

Oncology Massage supports both physical comfort and emotional well-being during a time when the body is undergoing significant stress.

Benefits may include:

  • Reduction in pain, muscle tension, and discomfort
  • Relief from treatment-related symptoms such as nausea and fatigue
  • Decreased anxiety and emotional stress
  • Improved relaxation and sleep quality
  • Emotional support and a greater sense of control during treatment
  • A safe, nurturing way to reconnect with the body

For many clients, Oncology Massage provides meaningful emotional support during a period when medical treatments and decisions can feel overwhelming.

Conditions and Symptoms Addressed

While Oncology Massage does not treat cancer itself, it can help manage many symptoms and side effects associated with cancer and its treatments, including:

  • Cancer-related pain
  • Muscle tension and stiffness
  • Fatigue
  • Nausea
  • Anxiety and emotional distress
  • Sensitivity related to scar tissue (with appropriate adaptations)
  • Discomfort from radiation or chemotherapy side effects

Therapists adapt each session to account for surgery sites, radiation areas, scar tissue, implants, lymphedema, and other treatment-related considerations.

Who Can Benefit from Oncology Massage?

Oncology Massage can benefit individuals at any stage of the cancer journey, including:

  • Clients recently diagnosed with cancer
  • Individuals actively undergoing chemotherapy, radiation, or other treatments
  • Cancer survivors
  • End-of-life and palliative care patients
  • Caregivers seeking physical and emotional support

Clients experiencing any type of cancer may receive Oncology Massage with express approval from their physician.

Contraindications

For safety reasons, Oncology Massage may not be appropriate in certain situations. Contraindications include:

  • Severe low blood counts (white blood cells or platelets)
  • Active fever or infection
  • Blood clots

Additionally, direct massage is avoided over:

  • Tumors
  • Recent surgery sites
  • Radiation burns
  • Implanted medical devices

Your therapist will carefully review your health history prior to treatment to ensure that Oncology Massage is safe and appropriate for you.

Our Therapeutic Approach

The intake process for Oncology Massage is more involved than a traditional massage session. Therapists take time to learn about each client’s diagnosis, treatment history, and current physical condition.

During your intake and assessment, we will discuss:

  • Type of cancer and treatments received or currently underway
  • Surgery sites, implants, and lymph nodes removed
  • Areas affected by radiation or chemotherapy
  • Physical fitness level and pressure tolerance
  • Treatment-related side effects such as fatigue, nausea, or pain

This information guides pressure, positioning, session length, and technique selection. Every Oncology Massage session is adapted with care to prioritize comfort, safety, and the client’s overall well-being.

Meet Our Oncology Massage Therapist

Andrea Kleve, LMT

Andrea Kleve, LMT is our certified Oncology Massage therapist, providing compassionate, specialized massage care for individuals navigating cancer treatment, recovery, and survivorship. With advanced training in oncology-specific adaptations, Andrea prioritizes safety, comfort, and individualized support. Her sessions emphasize clear communication, gentle techniques, and emotional well-being—offering a calming, restorative experience during every stage of the cancer journey.

Schedule an Oncology Massage Session

If you or someone you care for is navigating cancer treatment or recovery, Oncology Massage offers gentle, supportive care focused on comfort, safety, and emotional well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions

Oncology Massage is a gentle form of massage therapy designed to support individuals going through cancer treatment by addressing both physical symptoms and emotional stress.

Oncology Massage Therapists take additional time to understand your treatment plan, side effects, and any areas that require modification, such as implants, surgery sites, or lymphatic considerations. Techniques and pressure are adjusted to ensure safety.

Clients with blood clots, severe low blood counts, active fever, or infection should not receive massage. Areas with tumors, radiation burns, recent surgery sites, or implanted devices are avoided.

Oncology Massage can help reduce physical discomfort, manage treatment-related side effects, and support emotional well-being.

Anyone at any stage of cancer—from diagnosis through treatment, survivorship, or end-of-life care—may benefit. Caregivers can also experience meaningful benefits from Oncology Massage.

Yes. With physician approval and appropriate adaptations, Oncology Massage can be provided to individuals with any type of cancer.

For additional information, please refer to our Patient Information page.

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