Cancer Care

Oncology Massage

Oncology massage is the modification of existing massage therapy techniques in order to safely work with complications of cancer and cancer treatment. Oncology massage can help cancer patients deal with anxiety, depression, nausea, fatigue, pain relief, improved body image, and improved sleep.

Anyone who has ever received cancer treatment, from those in active treatment to those in recovery or survivorship, as well as those at the end of life, are best served by a massage therapist who has received training in oncology massage. Certain massage modifications will remain crucial even decades after treatment is complete. When providing massage for someone who has a history of cancer treatment, primary massage considerations include but are not limited to bone integrity, vital organ involvement, and compromised lymph nodes.

Our massage therapist, David Whaley LMT, is certified in Oncology Massage to care for cancer clients.

David Whaley has been a licensed massage therapist and energy work healer since 1994. He is trained in Oncology Massage. He is a Reiki master, Polarity Practitioner, and a licensed, certified massage therapist. David enjoys serving others with a caring touch. Many people remark on David’s amazing hands and his big heart.

David utilizes clinical assessments and adaptations and adjusts the massage session to provide a safe massage for those experiencing cancer or with a history of cancer treatment.

Oncology Certified Skincare

Tamara Townsend is a trained Oncology Esthetician licensed since 2005, and she has received advanced training from Oncology Spa Solutions.

Standard facial treatments are not suitable for clients undergoing cancer treatments due to many contraindications such as steam, extractions, exfoliation, and certain massage techniques. With oncology training, Tamara modifies skin care therapies to suit the client’s specific cancer and treatment side effects relating to the skin. She can help clients who are about to or who are currently undergoing cancer surgery, radiation, and/or chemotherapy prepare their skin to heal as quickly as possible. Since cancer treatment can cause life-long effects, it’s important to work with someone like Tamara who is trained to safely treat those who have had cancer in the past.

Skin conditions she can help with include: chest or decollete healing, scar healing, extreme skin sensitivity, skin repair after grafting or radiation, dry and scaling skin, skin strengthening, inflammation and irritation relief.

Tamara is a member of Associated Skin Care Professionals.