Oncology Massage & Breast Cancer Scar Care
Integrated holistic massage for the relief of treatment side effects
Helping you to rebuild a positive sense of self, and mind body connection, wherever you are on your cancer journey.
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Surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy are the most common medical interventions to prolong and save lives of those affected by a diagnosis of cancer. However they are in themselves a huge trauma for the body to go through. The side effects of these treatments are profound and not just an issue during active treatment, but can be problematic for months and even years after remission.
Integrated holistic massage for the relief of cancer treatment side effects can aid with pain, anxiety, depression and fatigue as you come to terms with your new body and the issues which arise as a result of getting to this point.
Gentle lymphatic drainage can help relieve or control the risk of lymphedema.
Scars benefit hugely from gentle massage included within a relaxing aromatherapy treatment which will also address other pain and tension that may be held within the body.
Other side effects that can be relieved through specialised massage techniques include: peripheral neuropathy, nausea, nail and skin damage from chemo, fatigue and fibrosis of the tissues from radiotherapy, cording from LNC surgery and joint pain from breast cancer medication such as Letrozol, Tamoxifen and Zoladex.
These are all issues that I am experienced in addressing and I can help you to manage your symptoms with gentle techniques and home-care advice.
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After a major surgery the body creates a scar to knit the wound back together. Scars are made from collagen that is laid down quickly and in a haphazard fashion, and as well as closing the wound they knit together layers of fascia and muscles that would normally glide over each other. This causes pain and restricts mobility.
Simple and gentle massage techniques can ease tightness and speed up the body’s healing process. Essential oils, in very low concentrations with nourishing base oils help to hydrate and soothe the external scar, while the physical connection through touch helps to acknowledge and connect to the emotions held around it.
Scars that benefit from professional scar massage include: mastectomy, lumpectomy and wide local excision surgery, DIEP/donor site scars, post radiation fibrosis scarring, SLNB (sentinal lymph node biopsy) and axillary LNC scars.
Scar massage can give you extra confidence to look after yourself and have the best healing journey possible.
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I am an aromatherapist and passionate about integrating the therapeutic properties of essential oils into my oncology practice.*
Aromatherapy is rooted in herbal medicine and the therapeutic properties of plant oils. I find it enhances the whole experience by allowing me to more fully address your specific needs through personalising a bespoke treatment for you, and enabling us to bring creativity and the sensory beauty of nature into our session.
In our session, I will talk you through the benefits of each oil and we will make your own unique blend, of usually 3 essential oils, using only the most high-grade oils. Just a few drops of these concentrated plant oils are used in a lovely nourishing base oil - which is why aromatherapy is known for its gentleness. The therapeutic properties of the oils enter into the blood stream during the massage via the skin making it a very pure and relaxing way to absorb their medicinal qualities. Alongside the clinical aspect there is the multi-sensory pleasure of using the oils – the scent alone can lift your mood, soothe and deeply relax.
Our sense of smell is located in the same part of the brain as memory and emotion, so when I give you a small bottle of your blend from our session to take home with you, you can turn to it anytime, and your mind will take you to a place where you felt safe and relaxed.
*Essential oils will not be used if you are receiving radiotherapy as they may exacerbate skin sensitivity during treatment.
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Focusing on areas of the body it is safe and helpful to work on, I integrate a combination of gentle massage techniques, manual lymphatic drainage, aromatherapy, and scar massage (when applicable) to treat radiating pain in other parts of the body, as well as localised scars.
What to expect in a session:
Your session will be unique to you, depending on your situation. We begin with a consultation and assess your needs. You may be clothed if no oils are used, or if oils are used you will remove some or all clothing (except underwear).
Every session includes guidance and teaching around home after-care and management of scars and or symptoms.
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When lymph nodes are affected due to surgery, your body needs extra help to encourage lymphatic drainage, without overloading the compromised lymph node area.
Unlike your blood which has the heart to pump it around the vessels and capillaries from the top of your head to the tips of your toes, your wonderful and essential lymph fluid needs a helping hand to deliver it where it to where it needs to go.
What to expect in a session:
This is a very gentle treatment as lymph nodes are close to the surface of the skin. Soft sweeping strokes guide the lymphatic fluid, relieving congestion and boosting immunity.
You will remain clothed as no oils are used.
Every session includes guidance and teaching around home care and management of symptoms or possible risk of lymphedema.
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There may be times when you miss that feeling of having a massage purely for a sense of relaxation and pampering, or to soothe anxiety and depression, but discover that you are unable to find a spa which will offer you a treatment with your symptoms.
I offer a gentle, nurturing, aromatherapy Swedish massage tailored to your personal needs and situation. You can deeply relax knowing that I am aware of how to safely treat you while avoiding all contraindications.
As oils will be used, you will remove some or all clothing except underwear.
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If you are a carer, or supporting someone you love who is going through cancer, it is vitally important to support your own emotional and physical well-being.
My gentle, nurturing, aromatherapy massage can aid with anxiety, depression, fatigue and tension, enabling you to deeply relax and helping you build renewed resource.
Whatever your situation, I will support your needs relating to your own self-care in a compassionate and professional way.
Treatments I offer:
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