There's a new trend in cancer treatment that I just read about in the San francisco Chronicle of people who have slow growth tumors putting off treatment. They are closely followed by their oncologists, and the tumor is treated if and when it starts growing or causing other issues. I consider these folks cancer survivors, they're thriving and surviving. What would our favorite pathology cognoscenti say about massaging these folks?
We don't massage directly over a tumor ever. But can we massage in the area around the tumor? What would that change for them? The tumor is growing by multiplying itself, with like = like tissue typing. If it spread, it would go to it's next type of tissue, or just get bigger. It creates its own nutrient supply and anchoring filament network so what would massaging around that area do? We just don't know enough yet. If the person is encouraged to exercise, shower, bathe, move, go on with their lives, to me that means it's OK to massage with precautions according to research presented (Debra Curties, Tracy Walton). And what is the effect on fascial work, where you might be doing a nice gentle fascial stretch? Isn't that talking to the tumor too and asking it to come on and stretch as well? Again, they're not being told to sit in one spot and not move, so we're probably ok there too.
Massage can also help the incredible stress that must create living with a possible time bomb. Do people make friends with it? Do they try and visualize shrinking it? Do they worry that someday they may have to start treatments that may cause other issues? Massage can fit into all these scenarios, and maybe help them sleep, relax, eat and breathe a little easier for a moment. Even if it is for a moment, that would probably be a good moment.![]()
We don't massage directly over a tumor ever. But can we massage in the area around the tumor? What would that change for them? The tumor is growing by multiplying itself, with like = like tissue typing. If it spread, it would go to it's next type of tissue, or just get bigger. It creates its own nutrient supply and anchoring filament network so what would massaging around that area do? We just don't know enough yet. If the person is encouraged to exercise, shower, bathe, move, go on with their lives, to me that means it's OK to massage with precautions according to research presented (Debra Curties, Tracy Walton). And what is the effect on fascial work, where you might be doing a nice gentle fascial stretch? Isn't that talking to the tumor too and asking it to come on and stretch as well? Again, they're not being told to sit in one spot and not move, so we're probably ok there too.
Massage can also help the incredible stress that must create living with a possible time bomb. Do people make friends with it? Do they try and visualize shrinking it? Do they worry that someday they may have to start treatments that may cause other issues? Massage can fit into all these scenarios, and maybe help them sleep, relax, eat and breathe a little easier for a moment. Even if it is for a moment, that would probably be a good moment.
