[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2017\/11\/massage-during-cancer-treatment\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2017\/11\/massage-during-cancer-treatment\/","headline":"Massage During Cancer Treatment to Ease Stress","name":"Massage During Cancer Treatment to Ease Stress","description":"Find out how getting a massage during chemo can help you physically and mentally during your cancer journey.","datePublished":"2017-11-23","dateModified":"2022-04-20","author":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/hillman.upmc.com\/","name":"UPMC Hillman Cancer Center","url":"https:\/\/hillman.upmc.com\/","sameAs":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/upmc-hillman-cancer-center\/","parentOrganization":"UPMC"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"UPMC HealthBeat","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/112017BLG_MASSAGECHEMO.jpg","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/112017BLG_MASSAGECHEMO.jpg","height":327,"width":754},"url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2017\/11\/massage-during-cancer-treatment\/","about":["Cancer Care","Living and Wellness"],"wordCount":610,"keywords":["breast cancer","cancer treatment","chemotherapy","massage"],"articleBody":"Going through cancer treatment is often a stressful and bewildering experience. It’s common for people undergoing chemotherapy to search for ways to relieve stress and reduce pain during and after treatment.\u00a0One strategy that can help is receiving a massage during cancer treatment.Find out how a massage during chemotherapy can help you physically and mentally during your cancer journey.Benefits of Massage During Cancer TreatmentReceiving a massage has a range of advantages when you’re going through cancer treatment. For starters, massage relieves stress, increases mental clarity, and helps you relax, according to the Society for Oncology Massage. A calming massage can also reduce nausea, lessen pain, and improve your mood.A massage during cancer treatment can help soothe your anxiety following chemotherapy or before surgery and reduce post-surgical pain and swelling.Mental benefits of a massage include increased feelings of well-being, decreased rates of depression, and restored hope. People undergoing chemo for breast cancer reported that receiving a massage lessened their anxiety, reduced their nausea, and even decreased their fatigue, according to a study published in the Journal of Oncology Practice.Best Areas for an Oncology MassageYou probably already have a favorite body part for a massage, but some of the most common massage locations for people undergoing cancer treatment are the hands, feet, scalp, and shoulders.These are less invasive spots than other places on your body, but still have significant pressure points that can have affect the rest of your body.Can a hand or foot massage really make that much difference? The answer is yes. People undergoing chemo who received a 20-minute hand massage reported significant improvement in fatigue, anxiety, muscular discomfort, nervousness, stress, happiness, energy, relaxation, calmness, and emotional well-being, according to a 2017 study published in the Journal of Science and Healing.Where to Find an Oncology MassageThe Wellness and Integrative Oncology Program at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center (WIOP) creates a customized care plan for cancer patients who would like to take advantage of massage and other mind, body, and soul methods to relieve symptoms and improve their quality of life.A medical oncologist will assess your symptoms in conjunction with specific details, such as your type of cancer, prior surgeries, and whether you\u2019re currently receiving chemotherapy or radiation.Our oncology massage therapists are available onsite in the Wellness Suite at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center. Massage therapists also travel to patients who have a difficult time leaving home.Oncology massage therapists have additional training in anatomy, lymph node drainage, and equipment, including ports and drains that are common in cancer patients.RELATED: What’s the Difference Between Chemo and Radiation OncologyBecause the oncology massage therapists at the WIOP understand the side effects of cancer treatments and receive referrals and direction from the medical oncologist, they know how to adjust massage techniques for your safety.WIOP Nurse Ambassadors who are trained by the oncology massage therapists and vetted through the program offer hand and foot massages during cancer treatment.If you’re offered a massage during your cancer treatment, consider giving it a try. Receiving a massage during chemotherapy can help you better cope with your experience and soothe both your body and spirit as you continue your cancer care.If you schedule a massage from a therapist in your local community during your cancer treatment, look for an oncology massage therapist or tell your masseuse about your cancer treatment and any sensitivity you may have before the massage. For example, mention recent or prior surgeries, smell sensitivities, or painful areas on your body.Editor's Note: This article was originally published on November 23, 2017, and was last reviewed on April 20, 2022."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"2017","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2017\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"11","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2017\/\/11\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Massage During Cancer Treatment to Ease Stress","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2017\/11\/massage-during-cancer-treatment\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]