Individual therapies
Massage is an ancient therapy. It works by stroking, kneading, tapping or pressing the soft tissues of the body.
Summary:
Massage therapy has been used for centuries.
There are several types of massage - ranging from soft and gentle to vigorous and brisk.
There is no scientific evidence that massage can treat cancer.
Massage is a technique that applies pressure to parts of the body. A therapist uses techniques such as stroking, kneading, tapping or pressing. It aims to relax you mentally and physically. Massage may concentrate on the muscles, the soft tissues, or on the acupuncture points.
Massage techniques can range from being soft and gentle to vigorous and brisk. They may sometimes even be a bit uncomfortable. Therapists may treat your whole body or concentrate on a specific part, such as your head, neck or shoulders.
There are several types of massage:
Swedish massage – most common type of full body massage
aromatherapy massage - massage with essential oils
deep tissue massage – used for long standing, deep muscular problems
sports massage – used before or after sport or to help heal sports injuries
Shiatsu - uses acupressure and stretching
neuromuscular massage – helps to balance the nervous system and the muscles
One of the main reasons people with cancer use massage is because it helps them feel good. It is a way they feel they can help themselves.
Massage therapy can help lift your mood, improve your sleep and enhance your well being. There is some evidence to help support these benefits.
Massage for people with cancer might help you relax and cope with:
stress
anxiety
headaches
pain
On your first visit, the therapist asks you some general questions about your health, lifestyle and medical history.
When you have shiatsu massage you lie on soft mats on the floor with your clothes on.
With most other massage therapies, you lie on a massage table for your treatment. You might need to take off your clothes, except for your underwear. Your therapist will cover you in a gown or large towel. They only expose the parts of your body that they are working on.
Most massage sessions last an hour, but this can depend on your therapist. Your therapist might play some relaxing music during the session.
The amount of pressure your therapist applies when massaging you can vary. It will depend on the type of massage. Most people say that having a massage is very relaxing and soothing. But you should let your therapist know if you feel uncomfortable and want them to stop at any time.
You might be thirsty afterwards. So drink plenty of water.
Remember that your therapist should never massage your genital area or touch you in a sexual way. You can stop the session and leave if you are uncomfortable at any time during your massage.
Most people don’t have any side effects from having a massage. But you might feel a bit lightheaded, sleepy, tired or thirsty afterwards. Some people can feel a bit emotional or tearful for a while.
There is no scientific evidence that massage can treat cancer. But it is commonly used to help people feel more relaxed. It might help people cope with their cancer and symptoms.
Trials have been carried out to find out whether massage can help people with cancer. Most of the studies are small or have limitations to the trial design.
People with cancer should avoid very deep massage. Gentler types may be safer.
Some people worry that having a massage when you have cancer may make the cancer cells travel to other parts of the body. But no research has proved this to be true.
Sometimes massage techniques might need to be adapted if you:
are having cancer treatment
are very weak
have bone fractures
have heart problems
suffer from arthritis
are pregnant or breastfeeding
Talk to your cancer doctor or specialist nurse before using massage therapy.
Avoid massaging any area of your body where you are having radiotherapy to. And don’t have massage to areas where your skin is broken, bleeding or bruised.
Avoid general massage therapy to your arms or legs if they are swollen because of lymphoedema. Lymphoedema is a build up of fluid due to the lymphatic system not draining properly.
There is a special type of massage used for lymphoedema. Its called manual lymphatic drainage (MLD). This is a very specialised treatment and people who need MLD are referred to a lymphoedema specialist by their doctor or specialist nurse.
Private massage treatments usually cost between £20 and £60 for a 30 to 90 minute session.
Many cancer centres and hospitals in the UK now offer different types of massage therapy free of charge. Therapists working in these centres are likely to have completed additional training and have ongoing supervision for their work.
Ask if massage therapy is available in the ward or centre where you're having your treatment. If it isn’t, they might be able to direct you to a voluntary organisation that does so for free or at a reduced cost.
How many years of training have you had?
How long have you been practising?
Have you had training for treating and supporting people with cancer?
Do you have indemnity insurance? (in case of negligence)
Last reviewed: 06 Sept 2022
Next review due: 06 Sept 2025
Find detailed information and research into some of the many different complementary and alternative therapies used by people with cancer.
A complementary therapy means you can use it alongside your conventional medical treatment. It may help you to feel better and cope better with your cancer and treatment. An alternative therapy is generally used instead of conventional medical treatment.
This section has information about the safety of complementary cancer therapies and alternative cancer therapies.
Find organisations, support groups, books, websites and other resources about complementary and alternative therapies.
Treatments can include surgery, radiotherapy and drug treatments (such as chemotherapy, hormone therapy or targeted cancer drugs). Find out about treatments and how to cope with side effects.
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What to ask your doctor about clinical trials.
Meet and chat to other cancer people affected by cancer.
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