Massage during radiation therapy

[christianman]

A male client came to me for a massage, having had a prostate resection. I asked him if everthing was OK following the surgery and that he had healed up and he told me he had.

What he didn't tell me was that he was still awaiting the results of the biopsy. He's now having weekly radiation therapy as the prostate was cancerous and he's asked for another massage.

I've asked him to check with his doctor that this is OK and I will ask him to sign a disclaimer that he has done this (this is in line with guidelines from my insurers).

He's obviously got his doctor's approval now as his name is now in the diary at the clinic where I work.

I was just wondering whether there is anything I should be aware of when treating someone in the middle of radiation therapy.

Lesley

 

[Kellie]

its been a while since I have come accross this but I believe radiation therapy can make you thirsty...as can a massage so make sure plenty of water to hand.....

T
xx

 

[Scott H]

Having undergone radiotherapy myself, I would not have wanted any form of therapy - my skin became very sensitive and I felt drained and irritable. That was 5 years ago, and nothing much as changed!!!!!
I was taught not to treat patients receiving radiotherapy, and to wait at least 3 weeks post treatment.

 

[academicns]

When I had my course of radiotherapy - for prostate cancer, i did have a massage or two with no problems.

But I think that radiotherapy does affect different people differently.They regularly asked me if I was experiencing any problems and seemed surprised that i had absolutely nothing to report.

al

 

[DobeLover]

Thanks for all your help.

I saw my client today. He's about halfway through his course of radiation therapy and is fine, apart from some waterworks and bowel problems which are keeping him up at night.

He had a holistic massage treatment using grapeseed oil, and really benefitted from the treatment.

He also signed to say that his doctor was happy for him to have the treatment.

Lesley