
Cancer and cancer treatment affect every person differently. All of the body's systems are involved in fighting the disease and in making the most of the various courses of treatment.
Many of the therapists at The Teal Center are trained in oncology massage which means they have a working knowledge of cancer and its effects on the body, what treatments are available, how those treatments can affect an individual and the ways in which massage and other hands-on modalities can be employed to mitigate symptoms, lessen pain and improve mood, energy, perspective and strength. Our therapists can work with surgical scars to return range of motion and lessen swelling to decrease and even reverse the effects of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. Clients have found relief and support from our services at all stages of treatment from diagnosis through surgery and chemo and into recovery. Some of our therapists are also trained to provide Manual Lymphatic Drainage which can be helpful in preventing and managing lymphedema.
What this work is used for.
- Pain
- Anxiety
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
- Reduced Range of Motion
- Scar Tissue
- CIPN
Practitioners who offer this.
Bodywork during and after cancer treatment.
Several of our therapists hold advanced training in oncology massage and Manual Lymph Drainage, with hospital-based clinical experience. Sessions are adapted to your stage of treatment, active chemotherapy, post-surgical recovery, lymphedema risk, and longer-term survivorship each call for different positioning, pressure, and pacing.
Before your first session
- Tell us about your diagnosis, current treatment, and any port or surgical-site history during intake.
- If your oncologist has positioning or pressure requests, share them, we'll coordinate directly with their office on your behalf.
- Lymphedema risk is screened during intake; we adjust technique accordingly and refer for CDT when indicated.
- Sessions can be arranged in shorter formats (30 or 45 minutes) for clients with limited stamina.
What we adapt
- Active treatment: very light pressure, side-lying with bolsters, careful avoidance of ports and IV sites.
- Post-surgical: work around incisions, scar-tissue mobilization once cleared, lymph-drainage technique for swelling.
- Survivorship: gradually deeper work as comfort allows, restorative focus, ongoing lymphatic support.
- Always: trauma-informed pacing, no surprise techniques, your "stop, ease up" signal honored immediately.
If you'd like a brief conversation before booking, we're happy to talk through your situation and match you to the right practitioner. You can also bring your oncologist's clearance note to the first session, or have it faxed to (703) 522-7637.
Ready to book oncology massage?
Not sure it is the right fit? A free 15-minute conversation sorts it out before you book.
Part of Massage & Bodywork at The Teal Center.
View all massage & bodywork