Massage Therapy & Cancer Care

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OTC_diagnosticRegistered Massage Therapy and Cancer Care

Massage Therapy is provided as part of The Orthopaedic Therapy Clinic program to reduce pain, restore mobility, reduce swelling, and manage the symptoms related to cancer and cancer treatments. Our therapists are trained in therapeutic massage, cranial-sacral therapy, manual lymph drainage and myofascial release techniques. Our Registered Massage Therapists provide the following services to help you in your recovery:

Manual lymph drainage

Our Registered Massage Therapists are trained in the application of gentle manual lymph drainage massage techniques which can help reduce swelling after surgery. These techniques can also assist in the long-term management of lymphedema. Our therapists have completed post-graduate training in compression bandaging which can be a powerful adjunct in the management of the initial stages of lymphedema.

Myofascial release

Myofascial Release therapy is a gentle form of massage therapy that can reduce adhesions and improve mobility. It is often used following surgery to stretch scar tissue. It can also help to manage the tissue tightness that results from radiation treatment or in host vs. graft disease.

Cranial-Sacral Therapy

Cranial-Sacral Therapy is a gentle form of therapy which can relieve restrictions and enhance your sense of well-being during your recovery. Our therapists have advanced training in the application of these techniques to relieve chronic and acute conditions. These techniques can reduce stress and tension to assist in your overall recovery.

Axillary web syndrome/cording treatments

Axillary web syndrome or cording is a condition that can occur following the surgical removal of lymph nodes. It presents as a cord-like thickening in the limb that had the surgery. Manual lymph drainage and fascial release therapy can help to relieve the restriction and sensation of burning associated with this condition.

Stretching and scar release

Surgery and radiation can result in movement restrictions and scar adhesions. Once your condition is stable it is important to address these restrictions at an early stage when the tissues are more susceptible to change. Massage therapy is an integral part of restoring movement post-operatively and helping to relieve scar adhesion.

Release of Frozen shoulder adhesions

Frozen shoulder is a painful and restricted condition that can affect your arm following breast cancer treatments. It can occur after radiation or surgical treatments. Once your condition is stable a combined program of exercise and massage can assist you in reducing your pain and recovering your movement.

Pain relief & relaxation

Massage is a time-tested method for pain relief and restoration of relaxation. Pain relief is targeted through improvement in circulation, reduction in tissue tightness and restoration of muscle balance. Our therapists bring an extensive array of techniques to help maximize your recovery and minimize your pain i.e. deep tissue massage, lymphatic drainage, myofascial release, etc.

Education on prevention & self-management strategies

All therapists at The Orthopaedic Therapy Clinic are committed to helping you achieve independence. We incorporate education assist you in understanding the key factors which will help you to prevent future recurrences. We will help you to take charge of your recovery through self-management strategies that are effective and easy to implement.