I am a qualified oncology massage therapist, which means I have the skills and knowledge to treat clients undergoing active treatment for cancer, as well as those in remission.

For some this might mean only minimal adjustments to a 'normal' treatment, for others it might mean working around treatment cycles and physical limitations. As with every treatment (oncology or not), I will work with you to create the best treatment for your current circumstance. This could look and feel very different from week to week - and that's absolutely ok. I'm here to support you the best I can, however you show up in the day of your treatment.

If you are undergoing active treatment, it's best to inform your oncology team that you are considering massage therapy. They might suggest areas to avoid or and be able to help you identify the best time in your treatment cycle. It's rare that massage needs to be avoided entirely but there are a number of considerations and possible limitations (don't let that put you off though - there is always PLENTY we CAN do to treat you).

If extra comfort is required for sore spots, surgery sites, medical lines, colostomy bags etc, that is also no problem at all. I have a huge number of blankets, pillow, bolsters and towels that have an endless combination of uses and I'm yet to encounter a scenario that doesn't result in the client so comfortable they could (and do) doze off. Whenever you picture someone having a massage, they lie on their front, don't they? But even that's not a necessity. You could be on your side, on your back or even seated - in short, we'll find a way to make massage work for you.

There are even ways I can treat you that don't include actual touch (as odd as that sounds!). Areas of the body that are sensitive or that you would rather not expose can be treated through clothing or a towel and I can even use soft massage tools, rather than my hands. These options are a great way to help your recovery, without the need for discomfort or any anxiety on your part. We'll always work together on what feels good and possible on the day for you. In some circumstances the duration of your treatment will be a little shorter, just to assess how your body copes with a massage, whilst also undergoing treatment (this will of course be reflected in the price). This can be adjusted each time, depending on what you feel capable of on the day. Before the massage: If you're currently undergoing active treatment, I will send you a few questions ahead of your session, just so I can make sure I have everything I need at hand to get you as comfortable as possible. It'll also give me some time to go over some of your medical information so that I'm familiar with your course of treatment - this also means we get to do less medical chat on the day of your treatment. I'd much rather spend our face to face time chatting about what you'd like to get out of your treatment and learn more about you.

Home / Hospital massages
If you're not up for travelling to my central Tonbridge treatment room, I am more than happy to travel to your home (or hospital setting) to facilitate your massage. If you're in your own home I will bring my massage couch with me, along with everything that's needed to make you comfortable throughout your treatment. In the hospital we'll work with what we have - be that a chair or a hospital bed. Like I said a few paragraphs earlier - there is always SOMETHING we can do to make you feel better.

During the treatment
The most important thing is that what you say goes. I'll make suggestions and will try different techniques and approaches but if you're not a fan of something, just say the word and we'll change course. It's your time and we'll get the most out of it for you together. The treatment more than likely won't be a 'working into tension' kind of massage that you might be used to. There may be less depth, simply because we don't want to overwhelm your body, but it'll be what I call 'informed depth' instead, that aims to support you in the best possible way.

Benefits of oncology massage
The overarching aim of Oncology Massage is to give you an element of control back on how you'd like to be touched and treated and to feel overall more positive in yourself. Massage can assist in recovery from treatments, dampen side effects like nausea and trouble sleeping and simply give you time and space to connect with your body again (although - I'm on hand to chat the entire way through your treatment if you can't think of anything worse than 'go inward and connect with yourself'). If surgery was part of your treatment, massage can assist healing and help with scar care and minimise adhesions.

If you'd like to know more or have any questions specific to your personal circumstances, please get in touch via email or phone call.

You can book online here (or email/message me to book)