Oncology Massage Sessions are funded by
donations and grants, they are provided at no cost to patients who are newly diagnosed or in active treatment.
Sessions are currently available at our locations in
Auburn Sturbridge
Webster
Our Millbury and Worcester locations are
temporarily closed due to Covid19 restrictions
The cost of one oncology massage session for a cancer patient is $50.
Won't you consider giving a gift of an oncology massage session.
PinkHippy.org is a
501(c)(3)
nonprofit charitable organization
ONCOLOGY MASSAGE
Oncology massage is a combination of
knowledge, skilled massage, heart and compassion. It is a gentle, supportive
massage that can provide comfort and relaxation to those recently diagnosed, in treatment, or recovering from cancer.
Oncology massage is a complementary therapy that works in conjunction with your treatment. The benefits of oncology massage include:
improved sleep
easing
of pain
reduced anxiety
reduced fatigue
help in controlling nausea
increasedrange of motion
easing the effects of lymphedema
reducing neuropathy
Our network of skilled therapists
come from diverse backgrounds and are trained in a variety of
specialties including oncology massage, manual lymphatic
drainage, scar tissue reduction, reflexology, and myofascial
release. We work with your doctors to provide the safest
and most effective therapy for the maximum benefit for each
patient that we serve.
FAQ's
Is Massage Therapy Safe for People Living with Cancer?
Yes, when practiced by a skilled therapist with background or
training in massage and cancer. If this was not covered in their basic
training in detail, they should have advanced training in the work.
Massage should be modified to work around side-effects or complications of radiation, chemotherapy, surgery, and medications. Blood counts should be considered in massage design, as well. Even after years of survivorship, there are a few simple but critical adjustments in massage therapy, for example, if lymph nodes were removed or treated with radiation, or if bone metastases are present.
Therapists with experience or training are aware of these and other adaptations for cancer treatment. Be sure to see a massage therapist who asks about treatments during the interview and who explains any needed massage modifications.
A skilled therapist will combine a thorough intake process with sound clinical
judgment and clear communication about what to expect in the session. She or he will adapt the massage to your needs and requests, fashioning a hands-on session that relaxes, energizes and reduces pain and discomfort.
Can Massage Spread Cancer?
No, it cannot. Massage of a solid tumor site should be avoided, but there is more to a person than a tumor site.
An old myth warned that massage could, by raising general circulation, promote metastasis since tumor cells travel through blood
and lymph channels. We now recognize that movement and exercise raise
circulation much more than a brief massage can, and that routine
increases in circulation occur many times daily in response to
metabolic demands of our tissues. In fact, physical activity usually
is encouraged in people with cancer; there is no reason to discourage
massage or some form of skilled touch. Massage is practiced widely at
the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Memorial Sloan-Kettering, and
growing numbers of hospitals around the country. Metastasis is not a
concern; instead, patients and researchers report countless benefits.
Oncology
massage sessions for those who are newly diagnosed or currently undergoing treatment are provided free of charge
through PinkHippy.org. Our network of providers offers
several locations including Auburn, Millbury, Sturbridge, Webster,
and Worcester.
To schedule a session or to request more information,
please contact our coordinator at 508-304-3463
serving
those in SouthCentral Massachusetts
NorthEastern Connecticut
NorthWestern Rhode Island
and beyond
