Highlands Oncology offers personalized massage to meet the unique needs of our patients. Our massage therapists are specialized in oncology massage to assure compassionate and safe techniques to address symptoms of cancer as well as side effects of treatment.

Potential Benefits of Oncology Massage

• Relaxation ^1,6
• Less stress and anxiety ^1,7
• Chemotherapy-related nausea ^7,8
• Pain control ^2,3,7
• Prevention of peripheral neuropathy when treated with paclitaxel ⁴
• Enhanced well-being during palliative care ¹
• Fatigue ^{5, 7}

Cautions and Risks:

Potential risks or indications of the need to avoid massage may be any current infections, low white blood cell count, low platelet count, high risk of fractures, current skin breakdown, current or suspected blood clots, reactions or sensitivities to lotions or massage oils. If you have any questions regarding the safety of a massage, please discuss them with your doctor prior to booking. We also ask avoidance of scheduling massage within 24 hours before or after a PET scan.

Each patient’s massage is designed for their specific needs while taking into account their condition, symptoms, treatment type, and response to treatment. Many massage and bodywork modalities are available including:

Relaxing Swedish Massage or Deep Tissue Massage

*Pricing as of January 1, 2025

Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage (MLD) or Neuropathy Massage

For Patient: $85/ 60 min • For Caregiver: $95/ 60 min

If you are interested in scheduling a massage, you may complete the application here. Our rehab team will review your application and consult with your medical team as needed to verify any concerns.

Locations:

Resources:

1. Armstrong, M., Flemming, K., Kupeli, N. et al. Aromatherapy, Massage and Reflexology: A Systematic Review and Thematic Synthesis of the Perspectives from People with Palliative Care Needs. Palliative Medicine. 2019.
2. DaSilva, P., Moreira, G., Zomkowski, K., denoronha M, Al, Sperandio, F. Manual Therapy as Treatment for Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain in Female Breast Cancer Survivors; A systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics. Sept 2019, Vol 42, Issue 7: 503-513..
3. Gentile, D., Boselli, D., O’Neill, G. et al. Cancer Pain Relief After Healing Touch and Massage. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. 2018. 24(9-10):968-973.
4. Izgu, N., Metin, Z., Karadas, C. et al. Prevention of Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy with Classical Massage in Breast Cancer Patients Receiving Paclitaxel: An Assessor-Blinded Randomized Controlled Trial. European Journal of Oncology Nursing. 2019. 40:36-43.
5. Kinkead, B., Schettler, P., Larson, E. et al. Massage Therapy Decreases Cancer-Related Fatigue: Results From a Randomized Early Phase Trial. Cancer. 2018. 124(3):546-554.
6. Lyman, G., Greenlee, H., Bohlke, K. et al. Integrative Therapies During and After Breast Cancer Treatment: ASCO Endorsement of the SIO Clinical Practice Guideline. Journal of Clinical Oncology. 2018. 36(25):2647-2655.
7. Robison, J., and C. Smith. Therapeutic Massage During Chemotherapy and/or Biotherapy Infusions: Patient Perceptions of Pain, Fatigue, Nausea, Anxiety, and Satisfaction. Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing. 2016. 20(2):E34-40.
8. Sheikhi, M., Ebadi, A., Talaeizadeh, A., and H. Rahmani. Alternative Methods to Treat Nausea and Vomiting from Cancer Chemotherapy. Chemotherapy Research and Practice. 2015. 2015:818759