Oncology & Palliative Massage
Oncology and palliative massage are evidence-informed, specialised treatments designed to support comfort, relaxation, safety, and quality of life for people living with cancer, complex health conditions, chronic illness, or receiving palliative care.
Sessions are carefully adapted to your medical history, symptoms, energy levels, and treatment stage. Pressure is typically gentle, and the focus is on relaxation, comfort, and nervous system support.
What This Treatment May Help With
- Fatigue and low energy
- Anxiety, stress, or nervous system overload
- Pain, muscular tension, or physical discomfort
- Sleep disturbance and difficulty relaxing
- Side effects associated with medical treatment
- Feelings of overwhelm or emotional stress
- Body awareness and comfort
- Creating space for rest and supportive care
Safety & Care
Treatment is always adapted carefully to your individual situation, medical history, symptoms, treatment stage, and energy levels on the day.
Oncology and palliative massage uses specialised considerations around pressure, positioning, treatment duration, skin integrity, fatigue, lymphatic changes, and overall comfort.
Medical clearance may sometimes be recommended, particularly following surgery, during active medical treatment, or when new or unexplained symptoms are present.
If additional support or specialist input is needed, collaboration with your healthcare team helps ensure treatment remains safe, appropriate, and supportive.
What to Expect During Your Session
Sessions are gentle, unhurried, and adapted to your comfort and energy levels on the day. The focus is on creating a calm, supportive space where the body can rest.
Treatment may involve light massage techniques, gentle holding approaches, supportive positioning, quiet grounding techniques, or simply creating space for comfort and relaxation.
You remain in control of pressure, positioning, communication, and pacing throughout the session. Adjustments can always be made to help you feel safe and supported during treatment.
Some people leave feeling deeply relaxed or rested, while others simply appreciate having time to pause, breathe, and feel cared for within a calm environment.
Oncology & Palliative Massage FAQs
Is oncology massage safe during cancer treatment?
The short answer is yes, oncology massage can often be adapted safely during or after cancer treatment, however sessions are always modified based on your medical history, treatment stage, symptoms, energy levels, and overall health situation.
Will the treatment be very gentle?
Yes. Oncology and palliative massage treatments are typically light, slow, and carefully adapted to prioritise comfort, nervous system support, and overall wellbeing.
Can massage help with fatigue or stress during treatment?
Many people seek oncology massage support for relaxation, stress reduction, muscular comfort, nervous system regulation, and creating space for rest during difficult or physically demanding periods.
Do I need medical clearance before booking?
Not always, however in some situations medical approval may be recommended, particularly following surgery, during active treatment, or when new symptoms are present.
What should I wear to my appointment?
You can wear comfortable clothing to your appointment. Treatment is usually performed directly on the skin using appropriate draping, however your comfort is always prioritised and some approaches can also be adapted to work over clothing where appropriate.
Can treatment be adapted if I am unable to lie comfortably?
Yes. Positioning, bolsters, side-lying support, pacing, and treatment duration can all be adapted to help you feel as comfortable and supported as possible during your session.
Is palliative massage only for end-of-life care?
No. Palliative massage may be appropriate for people living with complex health conditions, chronic illness, cancer, or significant fatigue where the focus is on comfort, quality of life, relaxation, and supportive care.
Locations
Oncology and palliative massage treatments are available in Takapuna, Wairau Valley, Te Atatū, and Huapai/Kumeū, Auckland.