What is it?
Oncology Massage is a gentle, individualised style of massage that’s adapted for people who have been diagnosed with cancer, are currently receiving treatment, or are living with the ongoing effects of treatment. The session is tailored to your current health, energy levels, symptoms, medical devices (such as ports/PICC lines), and any guidance from your treating team.
Our approach is careful, respectful, and focused on comfort. Techniques, pressure, positioning, and session length can all be modified to suit what your body can tolerate on the day.
Who Oncology Massage may suit
Oncology Massage may be appropriate for people who:
- are undergoing chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy or hormone therapy
- are recovering from surgery (with appropriate timing/clearance)
- are living with fatigue, muscle tension, stress, sleep disruption, or general discomfort
- are navigating changes such as reduced mobility, scar sensitivity, or persistent aches
- want supportive, relaxing care that is adapted to their medical situation
If you’re unsure whether massage is appropriate for you right now, we can help you decide what’s safest, and we’re happy to work alongside your GP or specialist where needed.
What to expect in your appointment
1) A short, relevant health check-in
We’ll ask about:
- your diagnosis and treatments (current or recent)
- symptoms you’re experiencing today (fatigue, pain, nausea, swelling, sensitivity, etc.)
- medications that may affect bruising, skin integrity, or immune function
- surgery sites, scars, radiation areas, and any devices
- preferences (pressure, areas to avoid, positioning, draping)
2) A treatment tailored to you
Oncology Massage is often lighter and slower than standard remedial massage. Depending on what’s appropriate, your session may include:
- gentle, comforting massage to reduce tension and promote relaxation
- careful positioning (pillows, side-lying, seated options)
- shorter treatment times if fatigue is high
- avoiding or modifying work around sensitive or high-risk areas
3) Aftercare guidance
You may be encouraged to hydrate, rest, and monitor how your body feels over the next 24 hours. We can also discuss pacing, positioning strategies, and how to plan sessions around treatment cycles if relevant.
Safety first: important considerations
Your safety guides every decision. Massage may need to be modified or postponed if you have certain symptoms or treatment effects. Please let us know if you have:
- fever, infection, or you’re feeling unwell
- very low platelets, significant bruising, or bleeding risk
- blood clots (DVT/PE) or new unexplained swelling/pain
- unstable bones or known bone metastases
- open wounds, fragile skin, or recent radiation skin reactions
- severe neuropathy or altered sensation
- lymphoedema or a history of lymph node removal
If you have any red flags or rapid changes in symptoms, we’ll advise you to seek medical review.
What Oncology Massage can (and can’t) do
Oncology Massage does not treat cancer, and it is not a substitute for medical care.
It may help support:
- relaxation and stress management
- comfort and muscle tension relief
- sleep quality and general wellbeing
- a sense of calm and reconnection with your body during a demanding time
Outcomes vary from person to person, and we’ll focus on what is safe and appropriate for you.
Working with your healthcare team
Where appropriate, we can coordinate with your treating team (e.g., GP, oncologist, surgeon, lymphoedema therapist) to ensure your care is aligned—especially after surgery, with lymphoedema risk, or when blood counts are a concern.
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe during chemotherapy or radiotherapy?
Often yes, with modifications and depending on how you’re feeling, your skin condition, and any medical considerations (including blood counts). We adapt the session to your presentation on the day.
Will it make lymphoedema worse?
Massage can be adapted to respect lymphatic risk. If you have lymphoedema or are at risk (e.g., lymph node removal), we avoid inappropriate techniques and can recommend the right type of care if lymphoedema-specific management is needed.
What should I wear?
Wear whatever is comfortable. You will always be appropriately draped. Massage can be performed over clothing if preferred.
How often should I book?
That depends on your goals, symptoms, and treatment schedule. Some people prefer occasional sessions for comfort; others book more regularly during stressful or physically demanding periods. We can help you plan a safe frequency.
Book an appointment
If you’d like to book an Oncology Massage, you can do so online:
https://tuggeranongchiromassage.com.au/book-online/
Our practitioner Monica Moreno provides Oncology Massage with a calm, respectful approach and careful clinical tailoring. With over 15 years’ experience, she adapts pressure, positioning and techniques to suit where you’re at in treatment or recovery, prioritising comfort and safety. Monica is trained in Oncology Massage and focuses on supportive care to help ease general muscle tension, promote relaxation, and support wellbeing alongside your medical team when needed.
If you’re currently undergoing treatment or have complex medical considerations, feel free to mention this when booking so we can allocate the most suitable appointment time and tailor the session appropriately.