Massage After Cancer Is Different
Living with cancer or living with a cancer history is different than living without it. Massage therapy in this setting accounts for these differences and adjusts to support the individual on the day in question. Each session may require different adjustments, and a skilled massage therapist will know what questions to ask to create an effective and appropriate experience.
Massage Therapists with additional Oncology Massage training will adapt for:
• Fatigue - offering a session that does not demand as much of a client's energy resources
• Peripheral neuropathy
• Low blood cell counts
• Blood clots/risk of clotting
• Bone metastases
• Radiation or surgery
• Removal of lymph nodes
• Medications
• Medical Devices
Clients and Patients who experience informed oncology massage therapy have reported:
• Reduced pain and fatigue
• Decreased anxiety and nausea
• Improved sleep
• Ease sense of isolation
• Enhanced body image
• Nurtured well-being
Client Testimonials
"Over the past 6 years, I have survived a bilateral lung transplant, lymphoma, and 5 broken vertebrae. I have been to PTs and other alternative healers. I had never realized that there were massage therapists specifically trained in oncology massage. I somehow heard of Kathleen and made an appointment. This has been the most beneficial thing that I've done for myself.
Kathleen understands the pain inside a body and works with the pain - first very gently and gradually introducing other touch. When I first met her, it hurt to have my body touched in many areas. No more. I've had many massages in the past, but I've never been able to relax into it as I have with Kathleen. Her fingers are really magical. I cannot say enough positives about her. " JF - Washington, ME
Whole Person Care In The Comfort Of Your Home
I AM KATHLEEN WING, LMT. I BELIEVE IN WHOLE PERSON CARE.
BACKGROUND: ESTABLISHED in 2008, I AM A LICENSED MASSAGE THERAPIST WITH A FOCUS ON ADJUSTING MASSAGE TO BE SAFE AND EFFECTIVE FOR MEDICALLY COMPLEX CLIENTS. I HAVE NEARLY 20 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE WITH MASSAGE AND 15 YEARS SPECIALIZING IN WORKING WITH CLIENTS IMPACTED BY CANCER. FOR 10 YEARS, I WORKED AT THE DEMPSEY CENTER, A MAINE-BASED NONPROFIT OFFERING Personalized care FOR PEOPLE IMPACTED BY CANCER through counseling, support groups, nutrition, integrative therapies, movement and fitness, and more—at no cost. MY APPROACH IS ROOTED IN WHOLE PERSON CARE, BEST PRACTICE, AND CLIENT-LED TREATMENT PLANNING.
PRACTICE: I AM A PARENT AND A PRACTITIONER. MY PRACTICE IS LIMITED TO TWO DAYS PER WEEK. I DELIVER MASSAGE THERAPY SERVICES IN CLIENTS' HOMES TO LOWER BARRIERS TO ACCESSING CARE. CLIENTS LIVING GREATER THAN 15 MILES FROM MONROE, ME, MAY INCUR AN ADDITIONAL TRAVEL FEE. I HAVED SERVED CLIENTS IN MANY SETTINGS, INCLUDING AT HOME, IN-HOSPITAL, IN-OFFICE, IN-HOME HOSPICE, HOSPICE HOUSE, AND EVEN ON A BOAT. I HAVE EXPERIENCE SUPPORTING REFERRALS AND ASSISTING CLIENTS TO IDENTIFY AND ADVOCATE FOR THE SERVICES THAT ALLOW THEM TO LIVE WELL AND WITH DIGNITY.
STATE LICENSED MASSAGE THERAPIST (LMT), ME & NY 2008-Present
Over 1,000 hours cumulative continuing education
ADVANCED CERTIFICATION IN Oncology Massage Therapy (Over 300 hours)
CLINICAL SPECIALIZATIONS IN Scar Tissue management, MANUAL Lymphatic Drainage
