The Association for Professional Therapists

Oncology Massage

Qualified Therapist : Professional Therapy

Cancer centres around the country offer oncology massage and clinical experience and research tell us that massage therapy is effective in the care of cancer patients.

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For oncology treatment

Use a Qualified Therapist

Oncology massage is not a cure for cancer, but studies and real-life experience indicate that it does help oncology patients cope with their treatments and conditions, both physically and emotionally. When delivered by a qualified remedial massage therapist or myotherapist, massage can be an effective compliment to other therapies. This is supported by research studies which are summarised below.

However, a massage from a friend, or a massage from an unqualified person should not be confused with professional massage therapy delivered by a qualified therapist. The human body is a complex system which is why remedial message therapists and myotherapists must have the appropriate professional qualifications and competencies to provide therapeutic benefits.

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Find a Qualified Remedial Massage Therapist or Myotherapist

Look for the Massage & Myotherapy Australia logo when you choose a remedial massage therapist or myotherapist. Search for a qualified massage therapist or myotherapist on the Australian Massage Directory.

Search for a Qualified Therapist

Who are Qualified Therapists?

Qualified therapists are members of Massage & Myotherapy Australia who are required to hold one or more qualifications. These qualifications ensure the therapist has the competencies and knowledge to provide effective remedial massage and myotherapy services. Members are therapist required to undertake on-going professional development, including first aid to ensure the quality of service remains high.

What the research and clinical experience tells us

Effective in Paediatric Oncology

Management of symptom clusters in palliative care in paediatric oncology found that therapeutic massage may be effective, especially the pain-anxiety-worry-dyspnea cluster in children and adolescents.

Improved Symptoms in Children

A review of the effects of the application of therapeutic massage in children with cancer concluded that therapeutic massage improves the symptoms of children with cancer.

Pain Improved in Breast Cancer

Massage in breast cancer found that oncology massage was associated with clinically significant pain improvement.

Reduced Pain Post-Operative Breast Cancer

Investigation into the effect of massage therapy on fatigue after chemotherapy in gastrointestinal cancer patients found that the study demonstrated that foot massage could reduce chemotherapy-induced fatigue.

Reduced Fatigue in Gastrointestinal Cancer

Improved Cancer Perioperative Pain

Systematic review of 1000 patients found significantly improved cancer associated pain, including perioperative pain. There were no reported adverse events.

Effective in Advanced Palliative Care

Massage found to be a useful tool for improving symptom management and reducing suffering in advanced palliative care patients.

Symptoms Reduced as Massage Increased

Increasing doses of massage were associated with increasing responses in clinical cancer symptom cluster of pain, fatigue and sleep disturbance.

Pain Massage

Find out about pain massage

Injury Rehab Massage

Find out about massage for injury rehab

Musculoskeletal Massage

Find out about massage for musculoskeletal issues

Massage for Emotional Well-being

Find out about massage for emotional well-being

Want to Become a Massage & Myotherapy Australia Member?

If you are interested in a career as a massage therapist or myotherapist find out becoming a Massage & Myotherapy Australia member on our website.

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