Benefits of Massage for Cancer Survivors
— 3 min read —
When thinking about supportive therapies during or after cancer treatment, many patients don’t immediately consider the benefits of massage therapy. However, a growing body of clinical research shows that gentle, appropriately adapted massage can play a meaningful role in supportive cancer care.
Cancer survivors commonly experience symptoms such as sleep disturbances, constipation, stress, anxiety, fatigue, low mood, and nausea - both during treatment and in recovery. Research, including randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews, has shown that massage and relaxation-based therapies can help reduce several of these symptoms and improve overall quality of life.
One of the key benefits of massage is that it helps activate the parasympathetic nervous system, often referred to as the “rest and digest” state. This shift in nervous system activity supports relaxation, improves stress regulation, and can positively affect sleep patterns. Studies in cancer survivorship populations have found that massage and relaxation therapies are associated with improved sleep outcomes without the side effects that sometimes accompany medication-based approaches.
In addition to whole-body relaxation, an experienced, oncology-informed massage therapist can tailor treatment safely and appropriately. For example, abdominal massage techniques — when clinically appropriate — may help support bowel motility and relieve constipation, which is a common side effect of surgery, medications, and reduced activity levels during treatment.
Research and clinical practice observations support that regular, gentle massage therapy may help:
Reduce chemotherapy-related nausea
Improve sleep quality and reduce sleep disturbances
Ease cancer-related fatigue
Help manage pain and physical discomfort
Support mood and reduce anxiety and depressive symptoms
Assist with certain types of neuropathic discomfort (when adapted appropriately)
Support lymphatic flow and swelling management when delivered by properly trained therapists
Improve overall relaxation and sense of well-being
Massage therapy is also beneficial not only for cancer survivors but for caregivers as well. Those supporting loved ones through diagnosis and treatment often experience high stress and compassion fatigue. Therapeutic massage can provide nervous system regulation, stress relief, and restorative support for caregivers, too.
Because every cancer history and treatment plan is different, massage for cancer survivors should always be adapted to the individual. Working with a registered massage therapist trained in oncology-aware care helps ensure treatment is safe, appropriate, and responsive to your current stage of recovery.
To find out whether massage therapy is suitable for your situation, book an appointment with Andrea Sissons, one of wellbe’s RMTs, for an assessment and personalized treatment plan.
This post was written by wellbe’s Registered Massage Therapist Andrea Sissons. Book your first visit with her at wellbe beaches here.
