Massage Therapy for Oncology Patients & Serious Illness

Manual Lymphatic Drainage

Reiki

THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE

At end-of-life, as the body slowly withdraws from its functions, massage sessions may become simpler and shorter. Gentle, compassionate touch, perhaps a whole session with Reiki, may help to bring ease to those transitioning to what comes next after this life.

Massage Therapy for End-of-Life Care

Massage Therapy for Serious Illness

For some people, supportive and nurturing bodywork can help with some of the symptoms and frustration that may come with serious and complex illness. It can bring the body and mind into the present moment, calming the nervous system and often leading to increased feelings of wholeness and steadiness.

Other common benefits can include: decreased sense of pain, increased sense of well-being, insight, and rest.

Oncology Massage

Oncology Massage Therapists are trained in the massage considerations that come with a cancer diagnosis and the treatments that may follow such as chemotherapy, stem cell transplant, immunotherapy, surgery, and radiation.

Recently, an oncology patient in active treatment said to me, “I didn’t think I’d be able to ever get a shoulder massage again.”

Not only is massage possible, but it may help to bring a little ease to symptoms and side-effects that go with a cancer diagnosis, including pain, nausea, neuropathy, insomnia, fatigue and sadness.

MANUAL LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a relaxing, gentle method that works directly with your lymphatic system.

When there is swelling due to excess fluid in your body, your lymphatic system is the reason it eventually subsides. The lymphatic system is responsible for returning fluid that escapes the blood capillaries back into your circulatory system while helping to sweep the tissues of waste and debris by way of the lymph nodes.

MLD may promote healing if swelling is due to trauma or surgery. It can be helpful for recovery from sports and exercise and positive benefits have been found in some cases of fibromyalgia, autoimmune disorders, migraines, chronic fatigue syndrome, lipedema, and congestion from allergies.

There are reasons and conditions that may make MLD inappropriate for you at this time. We would need to discuss your current medical condition before proceeding!

Manual Lymphatic Drainage is not actually the same thing as massage and requires a separate certification. I am certified through ACOLS (Academy of Lymphatic Studies) in the Vodder method.

REIKI

Reiki is a Japanese relaxation technique that uses gentle holds. It can be shared on or off the body.

How does Reiki work? Imagine the energy of life is like a stream running through you (and everything!) Things like sadness, fear, and anger can be like pebbles or twigs blocking the stream. Each Reiki session can help to gently remove those blocks.

Every session is different for every person depending on where you are at in the moment, but personally, after a Reiki session, I usually come away with an increased sense of peace and understanding of who I am.

Reiki can be incorporated into every bodywork session and there are no contraindications.

What to expect in a session

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What to expect in a session 〰️

I offer mobile home-based or care facility-based Therapeutic Massage. This complementary therapy is meant to work along with your current healthcare regimen as part of whole person care.

If patient mobility is an issue, massage therapy can take place in a chair, a reclining chair, on a sofa, or in-bed.

(If you’d like me to bring my massage table, please see “Massage Table Considerations” in the PRICING section of this website.)

Most sessions will probably be a blend of various techniques and modalities, depending on what is right for that day. I often use Myofascial Release which involves longer, lighter holds. Fascia tends to respond to these holds by letting go. There can be the sensation of melting. This can be a much more effective way to uncover spots of tension or adhesion than pounding on all parts of the body with deep tissue work. Myofascial Release also helps to regulate the nervous system and encourages a feeling of safety.

Aromatherapy is available upon request.

Techniques and Modalities

  • Myofascial Release

  • Effleurage

  • Petrissage

  • Gentle Compression

  • Post-Surgical Manual Lymphatic Drainage

  • Scar Tissue work

  • Mindful Movement

  • Body Scans

  • Aromatherapy

  • Manual Lymphatic Drainage

  • Reiki.

Pricing

THERAPIST ONLY without Lynette’s massage table

(Gentle bodywork will take place in a chair or in-bed for those with limited mobility. If you have your own massage table, we can use it!)


30 minutes: $60

60 minutes: $120

THERAPIST WITH MASSAGE TABLE*

60 minutes: $145

*MASSAGE TABLE CONSIDERATIONS

Please ask yourself the following questions if you are interested in Lynette bringing her massage table…

  1. Do I have the mobility to easily get on and off the table by myself?

  2. Do I have space for a massage table with extra space AROUND it for Lynette to have room to work?

  3. Are there less than 3 or 4 steps to access my home and massage space? (A flight of stairs is too much.)

  4. Can I provide easy parking?

If, no, to any of the above, a massage without Lynette’s table is more appropriate!

Payment

Please pay at the visit with Cash, Zelle or Venmo.

(I’m unable to process credit cards, sorry.)

Contact Lynette to discuss a session

Submit the inquiry form or email Lynette at lgotomassage@gmail.com