If you’re navigating cancer treatment or recovery, you deserve therapeutic touch that’s both safe and healing. At Mindful Motion Massage in Jacksonville Beach, we specialize in oncology massage, a modified approach designed specifically for people affected by cancer. Whether you’re currently in treatment, recently completed therapy, or living with a cancer history, our therapists understand how to adapt massage techniques to your unique situation. We use gentle, comfort oriented methods that work around chemotherapy ports, surgical sites, radiation areas, and lymphedema concerns while providing relief from treatment side effects like pain, fatigue, nausea, and anxiety. Our clinical yet holistic approach combines compassionate care with specialized knowledge of how cancer and its treatments affect your body, allowing us to provide safe, effective massage at any stage of your cancer journey.
Oncology massage differs from standard massage in important ways. Your therapist uses modified techniques based on your specific cancer type, treatments received, current symptoms, and any ongoing side effects. Instead of deep pressure, we use gentle to light touch that provides therapeutic benefits without adding stress to your body. We carefully avoid areas where massage could cause complications, including active tumor sites, areas currently receiving radiation, surgical sites and incisions, chemotherapy ports and medical devices, and limbs at risk for or affected by lymphedema. Research shows that properly adapted massage therapy helps cancer patients and survivors manage pain more effectively, reduce chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting, decrease fatigue and improve energy levels, relieve anxiety and depression, improve sleep quality, reduce feelings of isolation, enhance immune function, and improve overall quality of life. The benefits extend beyond physical relief. Many clients describe oncology massage as providing a sense of normalcy and caring touch during a time when medical procedures can feel invasive and exhausting. It’s a space where you can relax, release tension, and reconnect with your body in a positive way.
Your first visit includes a detailed consultation about your cancer diagnosis, treatments past and current, medications and side effects, any medical devices or surgical history, and areas you’d like us to focus on or avoid. This conversation helps us understand your unique situation and create the safest, most beneficial treatment plan. During the massage, you’ll be positioned comfortably with extra cushions and support as needed. Sessions are typically gentler and slower paced than standard massage. We use light to moderate pressure and check in frequently about your comfort level. The massage room is quiet and peaceful, allowing you to rest and relax fully. Many clients fall asleep during treatment, which is perfectly fine and often exactly what your body needs. After your session, we’ll discuss how you felt and make notes for future appointments. Some people feel immediate relief while others notice cumulative benefits over multiple sessions. We encourage you to communicate openly about what’s working and what isn’t so we can continually adapt your care. Oncology massage is available in 60, 90, or 120 minute sessions based on your stamina and needs.
At Mindful Motion, we understand that cancer affects the whole person, not just the body. Our therapists take a thorough, individualized approach to each session. We assess your medical history, current treatments, side effects, energy levels, areas of pain or sensitivity, and your personal goals for the massage. We then create a customized treatment plan that may incorporate gentle Swedish techniques for relaxation, light pressure lymphatic work when appropriate, aromatherapy to ease nausea, energy work and Reiki for deep calm, sound healing for stress reduction, and positioning adjustments for your comfort. We work with clients at all stages, including those actively receiving chemotherapy or radiation, recovering from surgery, managing long term side effects years after treatment, living with advanced cancer, and thriving in remission. Every session is adapted to how you feel that particular day. If you’re having a low energy week or dealing with increased side effects, we adjust our approach accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, massage is safe during active cancer treatment when performed by a therapist trained in oncology massage modifications. Research and major cancer centers including MD Anderson and Mayo Clinic support massage as beneficial complementary care. The key is proper adaptation. We avoid deep pressure, work around ports and surgical sites, don’t massage over tumor locations or radiation areas, and adjust techniques based on blood counts and other treatment side effects. We recommend discussing massage with your oncologist, and we’re happy to coordinate with your medical team. Many clients receive massage throughout their entire treatment journey and find it helps them cope better with the physical and emotional challenges.
All appointments at Mindful Motion Massage are scheduled by phone at (904) 357-0177. When calling, mention you’re a cancer patient or survivor so we can allow extra time for your initial consultation. New clients have a phone consultation before their first visit to discuss your medical history. If you’re currently in treatment, we recommend coordinating with your oncologist and can provide information for your medical team if helpful. Sessions are available in 60, 90, or 120 minute options. We’re located at 830 3rd St. S., Suite 102 in Jacksonville Beach with easy parking and wheelchair accessibility.
Oncology massage uses gentler techniques specifically adapted to cancer and cancer treatment effects. While regular massage might use firm pressure and vigorous techniques, oncology massage focuses on light to moderate touch that provides comfort without stressing your body. We consider factors regular massage doesn’t address, like chemotherapy side effects, radiation skin sensitivity, surgical healing, lymphedema risk, low blood counts, bone metastases, and immune suppression. We also adjust positioning, pressure, duration, and techniques based on your current symptoms and energy level. The goal shifts from deep muscle work to providing safe, nurturing touch that reduces stress and helps your body cope with treatment demands.
Share your complete cancer story, including diagnosis and cancer type, all treatments received, including surgery, chemo, radiation, immunotherapy, current treatment status and schedule, any medical devices like ports or feeding tubes, medications and supplements, side effects you’re experiencing, areas of pain, numbness, or sensitivity, and any lymph nodes that were removed or treated. This information helps us provide the safest, most effective massage. If anything changes between sessions, like new treatments or side effects, let us know. We keep detailed notes and adjust your treatment plan as your situation evolves.
No, this is an outdated myth that has been thoroughly debunked by medical research. The concern was that massage might cause cancer cells to spread through the bloodstream or lymphatic system, but studies show this doesn’t happen. The gentle pressure used in oncology massage is similar to water pressure from a shower and doesn’t cause cell dispersal. Additionally, normal daily activities like walking and exercise increase circulation far more than massage, and physical activity is encouraged for cancer patients. A properly trained oncology massage therapist avoids massaging directly over tumor sites and uses appropriate pressure for your situation. Massage therapy is now widely recommended by cancer treatment centers as safe, beneficial supportive care.
Our Reviews
Real Results, Genuine Healing
Treatment sessions are by appointment only and we only schedule appointments by phone. New clients, we require a phone consultation prior to scheduling your first visit.
Opening Hours:
Monday- Friday: 9am – 7pm
Saturday – Sunday 9am: – 6pm
Phone: (904) 357-0177
Email: admin@mindfulmotionjax.com
830 3rd Street South
Suite 101
Jacksonville Beach, Florida 32250
