Oncology Massage
Wherever you are in your journey with cancer, managing pain, anxiety/stress, fatigue, nausea or depression, or managing the effects that can linger years after treatment, oncology massage can help.
Oncology massage is an approach to massage therapy based in both compassion and specialized massage treatments to help people manage their experience with cancer.
My intention as an Oncology Massage Therapist is to meet people where they are in their experience with cancer and apply a highly individualized massage treatment to comfort, nurture and support them, their caregivers, family, friends and medical team, in their experience.
Research is showing us that Oncology Massage has positive effects on symptom control for those in cancer treatment and can improve the well-being and sleep of clients and their caregivers.
There are currently some small studies such as clinical trials and growing areas of encouraging research in support of Oncology Massage but I think the most powerful evidence to the positive effects is to just ask out clients. They tell us over and again that massage helps with managing pain, nausea, fatigue, anxiety/stress, and depression.
They also share with us the more subtle positive effects like improving sleep, decreasing loneliness and isolation, increased feelings of peace and the ability to disconnect from the medicalization of their experience. The desire for a respite -- a relaxing pleasurable experience in the midst of everything that is going on.
My clients tell me that receiving an Oncology Massage session is a safe place to be heard, felt and seen. It gives me great joy to hear them say things like “I look forward to coming here each week for my hour of peace” or “ I had the best sleep in months after my last session”
The sessions are modified according to the full spectrum of cancer-related issues: the physical, psycho-social and emotional consequences of cancer. In addition, the person's individual goals are considered and aspects of the disease and cancer treatment side effects such as peripheral neuropathy, DVT, Lymph Node involvement or metastasis.
Shannon is currently the only preferred provider in Hilton Head / Bluffton SC with The Society For Oncology Massage
“Hi, my name is Ted. I have been treated for metastatic liver cancer for about a year. Limited to palliative care. I have investigated other treatment programs at other institutions and all lead back to the option I was given at the onset of the disease, Palliative Care. Through the past year I have been bombarded with orders, tests, poked, prodded, procedures, office visits, information, alternatives, etc.
I am fortunate to have a good support group, especially my wife, her enduring love, support and dedication. Sometimes I believe it has been as hard on her as myself. Many times all this seems overwhelming, do this, do that, take this, avoid that...... AGGHH!!
Enter Shannon...she has given me a place of peace, solitude, a non-judgmental environment where it feels I am the only person that matters. I can rest, think of nothing, melt into the table and allow Shannon through quiet, touch, soothing sounds and aromas to help me escape my thoughts and worry; clear my mind, realign my priorities.
I will admit I am sometimes brought to tears knowing that I am in the gentle hands of someone who cares only for my well-being, even if it is just for that hour, every couple weeks. She has been an integral part of my care, allowing me to keep my sanity throughout this entire process. I am so happy that she is part of my life in this process I am enduring.
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