We do not currently have a therapist on staff who is trained in Oncology Massage. Please contact these two excellent local providers if you have need for Oncology Massage:
Mary Aguilera-Titus, CMT, NCBTMB
Full Circle Massage Therapy
Silver Spring, MD
301-806-5673
fullcircle.mat@gmail.com
Mary has specialized experience with lymphatic drainage techniques, hospital-based massage.
Jill Nelson, LMT
Integrative Therapies
Kensington Parkway,
Kensington, MD 20895
240-347-1560
Jill has extensive training in complete decongestive therapy for lymphedema and in energy healing.
What's so special about Oncology Massage?
Oncology Massage adapts massage therapy to nurture your body, mind and spirit during cancer treatment and recovery. We will work with you to design a session that will minimize side-effects of chemotherapy, radiation and/or surgery using advanced, research-based massage techniques.
You should work with an oncology-trained therapist, rather than someone at a day spa or clinic because we are trained in adaptations that need to be made for:
Caring and professional massage reminds you of your own body's healing resources...healing starts from within. We may be able to:
Relieve pain Reduce anxiety Improve sleep Renew energy Support immune function
Reduce swelling Soften scar tissue Restore range of motion Provide deep relaxation
You should work with an oncology-trained therapist, rather than someone at a day spa or clinic because we are trained in adaptations that need to be made for:
- Positioning - perhaps you have a chemo port, or ascites, or burns from radiation. We understand these situations and can work with you to assure your comfort.
- Side effects - a standard, 1-hour session may not always suit your situation. We can modify the time and the techniques to adjust for fatigue, nausea and other effects you're experiencing. And we can sometimes come to you if hampered immunity makes you uncomfortable being in public. We are trained in specific protocols for peripheral neuropathy and other conditions you may be experiencing.
- Pressure - vigorous massage on lymph-compromised limbs can increase the risk of lymphedema. We understand the contraindications and adjustments that need to be made.
- Scars - surgical sites can benefit greatly from scar tissue release techniques. We can provide this care and also show you self-care techniques to use at home.
Caring and professional massage reminds you of your own body's healing resources...healing starts from within. We may be able to:
Relieve pain Reduce anxiety Improve sleep Renew energy Support immune function
Reduce swelling Soften scar tissue Restore range of motion Provide deep relaxation