This article focuses on an emerging specialty in the field of therapeutic massage, oncology massage–more specifically, pediatric oncology massage. Its audience is licensed massage therapists who may still know little about the practice of oncology massage, or oncology massage therapists who want to know more about working with children and teens with cancer. Only ten years ago, massage therapy training programs were teaching students that cancer was a contraindication for massage. This now debunked notion still lingers in the field of massage therapy. But over the past decade, professionals in the field with scientific and/or medical training questioned the notion that cancer patients should not receive therapeutic massage. Now, thanks to their efforts and evidence obtained via research, a new specialty has come to life that aids cancer patients in dealing with the side effects and symptoms of chemotherapy and other stressful cancer treatments. (One indication of the newness, as well as the progress, of this field is the fact that the Society for Oncology Massage was created in 2007.) This is not to say, however, that just any type of massage therapy is safe or good for cancer patients and cancer survivors. The article stresses that specialized training in oncology massage is required of therapists who set out to work on children or teens undergoing cancer treatment, since there are numerous risk factors and other considerations that must be considered–from both the client’s and the therapist’s point of view. For example, the article points out that the work can be quite emotionally draining or disturbing for some therapists since many clients will not survive. It is not for every therapist. I interviewed experienced pediatric oncology massage therapists who shed light on this consideration. The article also notes sources of training for this work. It also cites key research studies that have been completed and published. The evidence obtained from studies shows that massage can provide relief from pain and anxiety, nausea and sleeplessness, symptoms associated with chemotherapy. The article also notes an ongoing study at the Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, D.C. Lead investigator of the study is Lauren Cates, who is also president of the Society for Oncology Massage. The article concludes that research, along with growing awareness of the need for and benefits of this work, will light the way to a bright future for pediatric oncology massage.
