Oncology massage

Gentle, personalised massage for people living with or beyond cancer

I offer specialist oncology massage for people affected by cancer, including during treatment, recovery or living with longer-term effects.

I’ve completed specialist Oncology/Cancer Massage Therapy training with the London School of Massage, alongside my Level 4 Sports Massage qualification.

The focus is not on treating cancer, but on providing a calm, supportive and individually adapted massage that prioritises comfort, dignity and wellbeing.

If you’re considering massage during or after cancer treatment, please get in touch using the contact us form before booking so we can discuss your needs and whether it’s appropriate for you.

What is oncology massage?

Oncology massage, sometimes called cancer massage, is a gentle and adaptable approach for people living with or beyond cancer.

Cancer and its treatments can affect the body in many ways, including fatigue, sensitive skin, neuropathy, swelling, bruising, pain and changes in mobility.

Rather than using a standard deep-tissue or sports massage approach, treatment is adapted to you — including pressure, techniques, positioning, duration, areas treated and how you feel on the day.

My specialist training covered consultation, precautions, contraindications, pressure and positioning when working with people affected by cancer.

A gentler approach to massage

If you’re used to sports massage, deep tissue massage or firm pressure, oncology massage can feel very different. My approach is deliberately slower, gentler and more responsive.

The specialist training I completed emphasises caution with pressure and recommends using broader, gentler contact rather than deep, forceful techniques where appropriate. It also highlights the importance of considering factors such as bone health, fatigue, neuropathy, bruising, oedema and lymphoedema risk.

More pressure isn’t always better.

The goal is to help you feel comfortable, supported and listened to — never to push your body beyond what it can comfortably tolerate.

Massage may be possible during cancer treatment, but it needs to be carefully adapted.

Your treatment history and current health will be discussed during your consultation. This can include information about:

  • Surgery / Lymph-node removal

  • Chemotherapy / Radiotherapy / Hormone therapy / Medication

  • Medical devices such as ports or central lines

  • Skin sensitivity / Neuropathy / Fatigue

  • Swelling / Oedema / Bruising or bleeding risk

  • Areas of pain or discomfort

Your first appointment

Your first session begins with a private consultation. We’ll discuss your health, cancer treatment, how you’re feeling, areas you would like treated and anything you’d prefer to avoid.

Your treatment and positioning will then be adapted to your needs and comfort.

Treatment tailored to you

There is no one-size-fits-all approach. Your massage may focus on specific areas or be a gentle full-body treatment.

You can remain partially clothed and choose a position that feels comfortable, including seated or supported positions.

Your comfort, choice and wellbeing come first.

Complimentary care

Oncology massage is complementary wellbeing care, not cancer treatment. I do not diagnose, treat or cure cancer, and I will never advise you to change or stop medical treatment.

Where appropriate, I may recommend discussing massage with your oncology team or healthcare professional.

A calm space to pause

Cancer treatment can be physically and emotionally demanding. My approach starts with listening.

There is no pressure to tolerate discomfort or have a particular type of massage. Your treatment can be gentle, adapted and as simple as you need it to be.

Who is oncology massage suitable for?

Oncology massage may be suitable for people who are:

  • Currently undergoing cancer treatment

  • Recovering from cancer treatment

  • Living with or beyond cancer

  • Experiencing treatment-related fatigue or muscular tension

  • Looking for a gentle, supportive touch

  • Feeling physically or emotionally overwhelmed by their treatment journey

  • Looking for a massage experience that can be adapted to how they feel on the day

  • Receiving palliative or supportive care, where appropriate

Every person and every cancer journey is different. Your treatment will therefore be based on your individual circumstances rather than a standard massage routine.

What can oncology massage help with?

Massage is a complementary therapy and does not treat cancer itself.

However, gentle massage may help support general well-being by providing:

  • Relaxation

  • A sense of calm

  • Relief from muscular tension

  • Comfort and nurturing touch

  • Improved mood

  • A greater sense of connection with your body

  • Time away from the demands of treatment and everyday life

Macmillan Cancer Support notes that massage can be used to relax the mind and body, relieve tension and enhance mood, and that some studies suggest it may help with anxiety, depression and fatigue. (Macmillan Cancer Support⁠)

Your treatment will always focus on comfort rather than intensity.

When is a massage to be avoided or modified?

Massage may need to be adapted or avoided depending on your cancer, treatment and medical history. Extra care is needed around tumour sites, lymph nodes, radiotherapy areas, wounds, medical devices, blood clots and bone involvement.

If you're undergoing cancer treatment or are unsure whether massage is suitable, please speak with your cancer care team before booking.

For more information, see Macmillan Cancer Support's guidance on massage and touch therapies.

Frequently asked questions

  • Massage may be possible during chemotherapy, but it needs to be carefully adapted to your current health, treatment and symptoms. Factors such as fatigue, skin sensitivity, bruising, neuropathy, immune status and medical devices need to be considered.

    Please discuss massage with your oncology team if you are unsure whether it is appropriate for you.

  • Yes, massage may be appropriate after treatment, but the approach depends on your treatment history and any ongoing effects or complications. Previous surgery, radiotherapy, lymph-node removal, bone health, neuropathy, scarring and lymphoedema risk may all affect how treatment is provided.

  • Massage does not treat or cure cancer. It is a complementary therapy that may support relaxation, comfort, mood and relief from muscular tension. Macmillan Cancer Support recommends gentle massage rather than vigorous deep tissue massage for people affected by cancer. (Macmillan Cancer Support⁠)

  • Lymph-node removal and radiotherapy can increase lymphoedema risk, so massage needs to be adapted carefully. Oncology massage is not the same as specialist Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD), which requires specific training and clinical consideration.

    If you have diagnosed lymphoedema, your healthcare team may recommend assessment or treatment from an appropriately trained lymphoedema specialist.

  • Areas being treated with radiotherapy, and for a period afterwards, may need to be avoided because the skin and underlying tissues can be sensitive or fragile. Your treatment will be adapted accordingly.

  • Not everyone will need formal medical clearance, but there are circumstances where speaking with your cancer doctor or specialist nurse first is particularly important — for example if you have bone involvement, a low platelet count, significant symptoms or concerns about your current treatment.

    If you’re unsure, please contact your healthcare team before booking.

Specialist Oncology Massage

Gentle. Personalised. Considered.

If you’re looking for oncology massage in St Albans or Hertfordshire, contact VHMC to discuss your needs before booking.

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