If You've Never Had Oncology Massage, Start Here
From the Sunday Self-Care Chronicles | 5/11/25
This week’s Sunday Self-Care Chronicles covers what to know about oncology massage if you’re brand new to the idea and what to expect when working with different practitioners.
This week’s issue touches on:
✨ How a trained oncology massage therapist is different from others (and why that matters).
✨ What you might expect in your first session (with me and others).
✨ What you might be surprised by about receiving a massage when you’ve had a cancer experience.
Read the full email below - and if something speaks to you please feel free to comment, share, or reach out!
Hey friend,
If you’ve never had an "oncology" massage, you’re not alone—and you’re not supposed to already know what to expect. This kind of bodywork is still not talked about enough in conventional care circles, which means most people don’t find it until they’re already deep into recovery and asking:
"Why didn’t anyone tell me this was even an option?"
Let’s fix that.
Whether you choose to work with me or not, here’s what I want you to know:
What is oncology massage, exactly?
Oncology massage is a gentle, customized form of bodywork that supports people with a diagnosis or history of cancer.
It can be helpful at any stage of the experience: newly diagnosed, in active treatment, recovering from surgery, managing side effects, or years into survivorship.
It’s not about digging in or "fixing" things. It’s about responding to your body’s current needs with safety, intention, and compassion.
That means modified pressure, clear boundaries, thoughtful positioning, and always checking in about what feels right—as well as knowing what is (and sometimes isn’t) safe or appropriate.
What happens in a session?
No matter who you see, there are a few things that should be true across all trained and experienced oncology massage therapists:
Every therapeutic relationship should start with a health history form and a detailed intake discussion—not just about your cancer experience, but your whole health. You’re a whole human, after all!
Like most massages, your therapist will likely invite you to undress to your comfort level (wear as much or as little clothing as you prefer) and offer privacy and modesty with sheets and blankets.
What may differ from a typical massage is how it’s adapted to your needs. That might look like keeping you face-up for comfort, avoiding skin that’s undergoing radiation, or being mindful of a port or surgical site.
Oncology massage therapists are trained to check in about pressure, but ultimately, it’s their job to ensure what they’re doing is safe. That might mean working more gently than you’re used to—or even prefer.
While a good oncology massage therapist can address many concerns related to your cancer experience—treatment side effects, scar tissue, and sometimes lymphatic support (if trained)—this work doesn’t have to be limited to one thing.
Want a deeper dive? Here’s my full blog post about what to look for in a trained therapist and how to find one in your area.
What it's like to work with me.
Despite similar trainings, every therapist brings their own style to a session, so let me give you a sense of what it's like to work with me:
We always begin with a real conversation. Intake for a first session might take up to 30 minutes before we even get to hands-on work. That’s not wasted time—it’s foundational. Together, we create a plan based on your goals and my experience.
Some people want help with swelling. Others are recovering from surgery. Many are navigating fatigue, pain, scar tissue, or just want to feel safe in their bodies again.
Your session may include manual lymphatic drainage (MLD), gentle massage, scar tissue mobilization, breathwork, or simply deep, restorative rest through calming touch.
I’m one of a handful of trained oncology massage therapists in Western New York—and to my knowledge, the only one focused exclusively on the breast cancer community.
This means people often come to me for:
Post-surgical care (e.g., after mastectomy or reconstruction)
Radiation tightness and fatigue
Scar tissue restriction and appearance
Lymphedema support
My sessions often include work on the chest wall or abdomen (especially for those with DIEP flap surgeries). I’ll always ask permission before working with any sensitive area—and keep your comfort a priority (heated table included, unless you’re in hot flash mode, of course 😅).
Here's what my client Barbara had to say about her first session with me:
“Amy is wonderful. I came in nervous and anxious. I haven't really processed that I was diagnosed with breast cancer, and she made me feel so comfortable. I felt heard and understood. Then the massage was divine.”
What people find surprising.
The most common surprise? How gentle the work is—and how effective.
One of the first and most important lessons I learned in massage school was: “It doesn’t have to hurt to be effective,” and I’ve carried that into everything I do.
The second thing? How affirming it can be to receive touch that’s non-sexual, nurturing, and respectful.
Breast cancer care often involves constant exposure, poking, prodding, and medical detachment. My goal is to restore some dignity and connection.
The third? This work isn’t just about recovery—it’s about ongoing care.
I support clients years out from active treatment, as well as those living with metastatic cancer. I also help folks manage general aches and pains, surgeries unrelated to cancer, and plain old life stress.
If breast cancer is part of your story, this work can be part of your care—wherever you are in the process.
TL;DR: It is about the technique, but it’s also about the care.
If you’re curious but nervous, that’s okay. I got you. Whether you’re booking your first session or just exploring your options, I hope this gives you a safe place to begin.
>> Learn more about my practice or book a session!
💭 Something to consider:
As someone who has lived this experience, and not just studied or witnessed it in others, I know the impact that breast cancer has on your entire life, not just your body.
So, what would it feel like to receive care that's designed for your story—not just your symptoms?
You can share this with me or just reflect on it for yourself for now.
☕️ I’d love to hear from you:
Hit reply and tell me what questions you still have about oncology massage or, if you've received one (with me or someone else!), I'd love to hear about your experience!
From one week to the next, I'm always in this with you.
P.S. If you're a provider or caregiver reading this and want to learn more about oncology massage for your clients or loved ones, reply to this email or check out my Ask Amy Consultations and Professional Mentorship Sessions—I'm happy to be a resource.