Integrative Therapeutic Massage at the Maryland Proton Treatment Center

By Rebekah Frizzelle-Owens, LMT, BCTMB, CIMI, CPMT

Touch is an important part of life – it is part of what makes us human and makes us whole. Studies have shown that when someone doesn’t get enough caring touch in their lives, they can begin to psychologically wither and grow “touch starved.” Cancer treatments are life-saving, but can also leave patients feeling isolated, anxious, stressed, and more. Massage can help!

Video courtesy Maryland Proton Treatment Center.

Studies have shown that massage is beneficial to patients receiving cancer treatments by:

• reducing short-term pain
• reducing anxiety
• reducing fatigue
• reducing feelings of isolation
• reducing nausea
• enhancing mood
• enhancing body image
• aiding in stress reduction
• contributing to better rest
• restoring a sense of wholeness to the body
• improving the perception of cancer treatments
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When done properly by a trained massage therapist, regular massage generally has very few risks or side effects, which may include temporary soreness or light bruising after the massage. This generally only occurs when very heavy or deep pressure is used or if the patient is on certain medications, like blood thinners. 

However, for patients with cancer or who have had cancer, the body needs a different kind of touch.  An oncology massage uses "just enough" pressure to not tax the body further and takes into account each patient's unique circumstances, making accommodations for a safe and effective massage.  So, typically there are no negative side effects.

Oncology Massage

The type of therapeutic massage provided to patients at the Maryland Proton Treatment Center is called oncology massage, which is slightly different than a regular massage. The therapist uses a firmness that is adjusted to the patient’s preference in order to achieve maximum benefit while remaining safe, but in general tends to be lighter than a typical massage. Generally, the goals include the benefits listed above, but others may be discussed before the session starts. Deep tissue work is not recommended for cancer patients.

Based on location of ports, ostomy bags, tubes, or other devices, as well as the location of the radiation site, the therapist will modify positioning on the table with pillows and other props. This may include side-lying, on the back (prone), and/or face down (supine). The patient will work with the therapist to create a safe and comfortable position for the massage.

For patients receiving proton therapy, no lotion will be used to the radiation site less than 4 hours prior to treatment, but most likely that area will be avoided other than a gentle touch over a sheet, if appropriate.

Massage at the Maryland Proton Treatment Center

The massage therapist is part of a team of experts in integrative therapies and works closely with MPTC doctors, radiation therapists, and staff to ensure our patients receive the best care possible. Before a patient may receive a massage, they must first have their Integrative Wellness Consultation, which is part of their overall care plan at MPTC, and get approval for therapeutic massage. The massage therapist will use her expertise, the recommendations of the physicians and other team members, and most importantly the preferences of the patient to create a massage treatment plan that will be both safe and beneficial.

Important Notes

Please notify our staff and the massage therapist PRIOR to the massage if you have any of the following conditions:

• Bleeding disorders/low platelet count/anticoagulant use
• Diabetes or pre-diabetes
• Bone fractures or breaks
• Inflammatory conditions
• Open or healing wounds
• Osteoporosis/Osteopenia
• Pregnancy
• Recent Surgery
• Skin Infections
• Varicose veins​

You can still receive a massage if you have any of these conditions, but adjustments will need to be made for your safety and comfort.

CONTRAINDICATED – sorry, no massages:

• Blood clots
• Untreated cardiac conditions
• Local or systemic infections
• Infectious skin diseases, including chicken pox, poison ivy/oak/sumac, warts, athletes foot, yeast infections, etc
• Contagious diseases/illnesses, including flu, cold, strep throat, etc

However, Reiki or energy work (no contact) can be done on all but the last.

Seated Massages

Seated massages are shorter in length – about 10-15 minutes. The patient, who sits on a special chair, stays fully clothed. It is recommended that bulky layers be removed because they make it hard to feel the massage. Tight skirts are not recommended because of positioning. A seated massage includes back, shoulders, sometimes neck and arms/hands, and occasionally the head, if requested.

Benefits are very similar to a table massage, but the shorter duration tends to refresh and rejuvenate rather than cause deep relaxation.

Massage for Pediatric Patients

Pediatric patients can especially benefit from massage, but it isn’t a 60-minute lying-flat-on-a-table massage. Pediatric patients most often benefit from being touched by their parents in short sessions wherever they are most comfortable. Our massage therapist is certified in pediatric massage and infant massage instruction. She is happy to teach parents some simple and safe techniques they can use to comfort their child – and this empowers the parent by giving them tools to help their child feel better.

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Integrative Wellness at
Maryland Proton Treatment Center

The Center for Integrative Medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine is collaborating with the Maryland Proton Treatment Center to provide Integrative Wellness services to patients receiving proton therapy. The program focuses on treating the whole person – taking into account physical, psycho-social, and environmental influencers that affect health. During their wellness consultation, a personalized wellness plan is created with patient input. Some of the services offered are yoga therapy, expressive arts, relaxation therapy, wellness lecture series, acupuncture, integrative nutrition, therapeutic massage, and more.

For more information

For more information about the Integrative Wellness Program or becoming a patient at the Maryland Proton Treatment Center, please visit their website at www.mdproton.org.

For questions about therapeutic massage, you can email Rebekah at rowens@som.umaryland.edu.

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Therapist Bio - Rebekah Frizzelle-Owens, LMT, BCTMB, CPMT, CIMI:

Rebekah Frizzelle-Owens, LMT, BCTMB, CPMT, CIMI is Board Certified in Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork and a Maryland State Licensed Massage Therapist who has been practicing massage for over 15 years. In addition to being trained in prenatal and therapeutic massage for adults, she is a certified pediatric massage therapist (CPMT), a certified infant massage instructor (CIMI), an advanced Reiki practitioner, and has studied numerous massage modalities, including oncology massage (massage for cancer), hot stone massage, Lomi Lomi, Isometric Muscle Balancing, postnatal massage, acupressure, reflexology and many others. She works full-time as the PR Specialist at the Center for Integrative Medicine, part of the University of Maryland School of Medicine, where she also lectures about massage to medical students, at conferences and in the community. She sees massage clients in her private practice and at the Maryland Proton Treatment Center.

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