What is an oncology massage: how is oncology massage done, types of oncology massage, the skills necessary for oncologists.
Introduction
An oncology massage is a technique that can be included in the care of cancer patients. Cancer patients undergo changes in the way their body functions. The massage therapist uses different techniques to help alleviate this discomfort and prevent muscle pain, swelling, and other effects of cancer treatments.
Oncology massage may be helpful for some people with cancer or in its early stages by improving quality of life and treating side effects such as insomnia, fatigue, or numbness.
Oncology massage therapy is also used as a healing modality for people who have completed cancer treatments and are living with the effects of cancer. Some side effects include loss of sensation, muscle stiffness, and joint pain. People often report feeling less pain after receiving an oncology massage despite taking the same amount of pain medication.
Oncology massage received approval from the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA), the largest professional body of massage therapists in the United States, to be included as a form of treatment in cancer patients.
How is oncology massage done?
Oncology massage utilizes massage techniques based on the patient’s medical conditions and their treatment plan. For example, if a patient is receiving chemotherapy, they will likely be unable to move their arms and legs. This can make it difficult to get comfortable while lying down during their treatment.
Another method used in oncology massage therapy is the use of heat. This type of therapy focuses on heating a specific area of the body to relieve pain and discomfort from any challenges that have occurred from cancer treatments.
Oncology massage uses strong yet gentle pressure to provide relief to the patient’s muscles and soft tissues. Oncology massage can help to break down adhesions, build collagen, and reduce muscle pain.
Some oncology massage techniques can be used in conjunction with chemotherapy treatments if they are unable to provide an effective level of pain relief otherwise. Oncology massage treatments are not just limited to the cancer patient. Physiotherapists and doctors find that using oncology massage has numerous benefits for their patients and clients.
Types of oncology massage
There are several different types of oncology massage techniques.
Craniofacial Massage is a massage technique involving the head, neck, and face that can help relieve pain and dental problems from cancer treatments. This type of massage may be recommended for people who are not able to stand or sit comfortably during their treatment sessions due to chemotherapy-related sores.
Lymphedema Massage is used to treat the swelling of a person’s arms or legs. This type of massage can be uncomfortable for a person who has lymph node removal as part of their treatment as it focuses on these areas.
This type of massage focuses on treating the lymph nodes and the patient’s muscles while working to reduce pain caused by lymphedema, which can be helpful in dealing with one of the side effects of cancer treatment. The lymphatic system is part of the immune system and helps remove waste from the body. However, cancer treatments may lead to swelling in this area which can cause pain and discomfort.
Oncology Myofascial Taping creates a supportive and customized taping system for the patient to wear at home that helps relieve pain from the cancer treatment. This type of oncology massage is recommended for people who have undergone radiation treatment or been diagnosed with lymphedema.
Oncology myofascial taping uses an elastic bandage to help reduce swelling, support healthy lymphatic flow, and provide comfort to the patient. This type of taping can also be applied to help with shoulder and lower back pain.
The skills necessary for oncologists
oncologists should have vaccination skills, advanced training, ability to stay within their scope of practice, and mainstream participation.
Vaccination Skills
oncologists must have the ability to offer the necessary vaccines to their patients. Since oncologists treat cancer patients they have a responsibility to offer these vaccines since they are at risk of developing an infection.
Advanced Training: What is an oncology massage
Since this is an emerging role in the medical field, oncologists should have advanced training in order to be successful within this field. Oncologists need additional training to be able to provide support for the patient’s physical and emotional needs as well as their overall health.
Oncologists should be licensed to perform all forms of massage therapy and be familiar with federal laws pertaining to their profession. They also need to meet with other medicine and health professionals when appropriate to do so.
Ability to Stay Within Their Scope of Practice
The oncologist is not just there to provide their patients with massages. They must be able to provide the patient with oncology massage therapy as well as keep in touch with their medical team due to the fact that they are still a part of a medical setting.
Mainstream Participation
The oncologist should get involved in medical conferences and conversations about the role an oncology massage therapist plays within a medical setting.
Conclusion
Cancer patients benefit a lot from an oncology massage. They are able to relax, recover and manage their stress. Oncology massage is good physical and psychological support for cancer patients. The main reasons why cancer patients may receive an oncology massage.
First of all, a patient is receiving chemotherapy which can cause pain in the affected area. In addition to this, radiation can also cause pain in that specific area as well as nausea and vomiting. By receiving an oncology massage, these difficulties can be resolved and the patient can regain his or her usual physical and psychological state.
Oncology massage therapy can also help relieve pain which is caused by treatment for cancer. Massage therapy also helps to strengthen muscles that have been weakened during radiation treatment or chemotherapy as well as assist in healing after a tumor has been removed from the body.
Massage can contribute to a patient’s overall health and well-being, which is why oncology massage therapy is so beneficial and beneficial for cancer patients. Oncology massage therapy can contribute to the relaxation of the patient as well as help with managing their stress throughout their cancer treatment.Read Also: How to find the best oncologist: Breast Cancer Treatment; Inflammatory Breast Cancer; Metastatic Breast Cancer; Will Massage Reduce Cellulite; How Does Massage Reduce Inflammation?
External resource: verywellhealth
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