Oncology Massage
Therapy

Living with cancer treatment can bring physical discomfort, fatigue, and emotional stress. Oncology massage therapy is a gentle, tailored treatment designed to support your body through every stage of care, helping to ease symptoms, promote relaxation, and restore a sense of comfort and calm.

What is Oncology Massage Therapy?

Oncology massage therapy is a modified, clinically informed massage treatment for people who have been diagnosed with cancer. It is not a standard relaxation massage — techniques, pressure, positioning, and session structure are carefully adapted to suit your condition, treatment history, and overall health.

This therapy can be appropriate:

During active treatment (chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy).
Before or after surgery.
During recovery and rehabilitation.
In survivorship.
In palliative or supportive care.

Each session is thoughtfully adjusted based on how you are feeling that day.

What to Expect During Your Oncology Massage?

Your first appointment includes a detailed consultation to ensure your treatment is safe and appropriate.

During your session we will:

Review your medical history
We will discuss your diagnosis, treatments received or planned, medications, side effects, and any precautions advised by your medical team.
Talk about current symptoms
Common concerns may include fatigue, neuropathy, scar tightness, swelling, pain, anxiety, sleep difficulties, or general tension.
Adapt positioning for comfort
We use supportive bolsters, side-lying positions, or seated options to ensure you are comfortable and safe, particularly if you have ports, surgical sites, or limited mobility.
Provide gentle, modified massage techniques
Pressure is adjusted carefully. The focus may be on calming the nervous system, easing muscle tension, supporting lymphatic flow, or reducing discomfort.
Monitor how you respond
Your body can respond differently during cancer treatment, so we check in regularly and adjust as needed.

Benefits of Oncology Massage

While oncology massage does not treat cancer itself, it can help manage treatment-related symptoms and improve quality of life.

Clients often report improvements in:

Muscle tension and stiffness
Pain and discomfort
Fatigue
Anxiety and stress
Sleep quality
Nausea (in some cases)
Overall sense of wellbeing

It can also provide valuable relaxation and emotional support during a challenging time.

Your Personalised Management Plan

Every person’s cancer journey is unique.

Your treatment plan will be based on:

Your diagnosis and stage of care
Current side effects
Energy levels
Personal goals

Some clients attend for regular sessions during treatment to manage fatigue and tension. Others seek occasional support during recovery or survivorship.

If needed, we can communicate with your broader healthcare team to ensure coordinated care.

1 / Education and self-management strategies

You will learn practical techniques to help manage your swelling at home, including positioning, movement, and daily care strategies that support your lymphatic system.

2 / Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD)

This is a gentle, specialised hands-on technique that helps stimulate lymphatic flow and encourage fluid movement away from swollen areas.

3 / Compression therapy

If appropriate, we may recommend compression garments or bandaging. Compression helps support the tissues, prevent fluid from building up, and maintain improvements.

3 / Exercise and movement guidance

Specific exercises can help activate the muscle pump and support lymphatic flow. We will guide you on safe and effective ways to stay active.

3 / Skin care advice

Healthy skin is essential in lymphoedema management. We will provide guidance to help protect your skin and reduce the risk of infection.

3 / Ongoing monitoring and support

Lymphoedema is a chronic condition, but with the right support, it can be managed effectively. We will work with you over time to adjust your plan as needed.

How Oncology Massage Differs from Regular Massage?

Oncology massage is specifically adapted to account for:

Compromised immune function
Low platelet counts or anaemia
Radiation-affected skin
Surgical sites and scar tissue
Lymph node removal
Risk of lymphoedema
Bone fragility (if metastases are present)
Medical devices such as ports or PICC lines

These considerations ensure the treatment remains safe and supportive rather than overstimulating or inappropriate.

Do you need a Referral?

Private Clients do not need a referral from your general practitioner (GP) or other medical specialist to book in for a Oncology Massage Appointment.

Aged Care clients that have a Home Care Package will require appropriate documentation and referral from their GP or care coordinator, in line with their funding arrangements.