Massage

Massage Therapy uses touch to help relax muscles. For centuries, it has been a healing therapy in many cultures around the world. Massage can lower stress and help you feel calmer. It affects the body as a whole, especially the muscles, bones, and circulation, as well as the lymphatic and nervous systems.

Massage is available to Huntsman Cancer Institute (HCI) patients and caregivers. To schedule a massage appointment at HCI, call 801-587-4585. Appointments are available for HCI faculty and staff, space permitting.

How can massage therapy help cancer patients?

Some health care professionals recommend massage as part of their treatment plan. Massage can help reduce stress, anxiety, and pain in people with cancer. For many people, massage brings a temporary feeling of well-being. Massage helps to relax muscles. It can also relieve pain and stiffness, increase mobility, help injured muscles, and reduce the pain of headaches and backaches.

Types of massage therapy provided at HCI:

• Oncology massage: individual massage plans for people with cancer
• Lymphatic massage: very light, brushing touches on the skin to help drain lymphedema
• Swedish massage: kneading and rubbing touch for relaxation, easier movement, and better circulation
• Reflexology: pressure on specific areas of feet, hands, or ears to ease many kinds of symptoms
• Craniosacral therapy: light touch to skull, spine, and pelvis, to release tension and improve movement
• Guided visualization and meditation massage: massage in which the therapist gives cues to create a mental state that can help reduce pain, stress, and anxiety
• Energy-based therapies: fully-clothed light-touch hand movements to promote healing

All HCI massage therapists are licensed by the state of Utah.