I have friends who love PSL. I don’t care for them and being able to work with Oncology Patients I know sometimes that fragrance is too strong for some in the infusion room. That being said the PSL is a good reminder of how we work with people who have cancer and survivors.

 

With a licensed and properly trained massage therapist there is no specific time one should not get massage. It is not the timing or the treatment but, the effects and experiences of the client that requires us to modify a session for safety and effectiveness. Rarely, I have needed to refuse or reschedule a session for another day. Indeed, it seems challenging to think about getting a massage during chemotherapy, before or after a radiation treatment, pre- and post-op but, it happens every day around the world. And while every person is different and every session is different we always make adjustments to create the safest and most effective session for you.

 

Properly trained Massage Therapists will know how to make the following adjustments and why. So don’t be surprised to have some discussion time about Oncology Massage Adjustments or PSLs.

 

  • Pressure Moderation
    • During cancer treatment and even when you are a survivor getting a deep tissue massage may be too much.
  • Position Adjustments
    • You need to be comfortable getting the massage. Sometimes that means we use more pillows and bolsters. Sometimes we use different positions for your comfort.
  • Site Restrictions
    • Several times there may be areas or sites we will need to avoid completely or make significant adjustments to work in the area.
  • Session Length
    • With everything else going on and fatigue being an issue for many people those 90 minute sessions can be more draining than therapeutic.
  • Lymphedema Risks
    • If you’ve had surgery that will affect lymph nodes and/or radiation therapy, you’re considered to be at some risk for lymphedema.

 

There are many Licensed Massage Therapists in the area that are trained to work safely and effectively with people who have cancer and survivors. I know Christopher and I have limited schedules sometimes but, we will endeavor to get you booked as soon as possible. Feel free to call, text or email us;

Christopher Deery, LMT, BCTMB – 484-447-8689    Chris@Phoenixville-Massage.com

Xerlan Deery, LMT, BCTMB – 610-906-2322   Xerlan@Phoenixville-Massage.com

 

Also please take a look at this resource on the Society for Oncology Massage website if you are a looking for a Massage Therapist trained to work safely and effectively with oncology clients and survivors.

http://www.s4om.org/family-and-friends/is-your-therapist-trained