Recent research supports the benefits of massage and manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) for individuals undergoing active cancer treatment as well as those in remission. This challenges outdated beliefs that manual therapies might contribute to the spread of cancer.

Cancer treatments, including aggressive medications, radiation, and surgery, can be taxing on the body and may impair or overload the lymphatic system. Individuals who have undergone lymph node removal or experienced lymphatic trauma are at lifelong risk for developing lymphedema, and special considerations are required during treatment. Early and ongoing lymphedema management is essential, and treatment should be performed or guided by a professional trained in Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) and/or Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT).

Valerie completed a specialized Manual Lymphatic Drainage for Oncology course in July 2025 through the Academy of Lymphatic Studies. She is also trained in CranioSacral techniques as well as slow and gentle effleurage massage, which may be incorporated into Oncology Care sessions when appropriate.

Clinical Judgment & Safety

Equally important as knowing how to work with active cancer is understanding when not to provide manual therapy. In some cases, sessions may be postponed until written clearance is received from your oncology team. This may include cases of malignant cancer not currently under treatment or during certain types of radiation therapy.

Considerations During an Oncology Care Session

  • Pain
  • Fatigue
  • Headaches
  • Incision or surgical site healing
  • Presence of medical devices
  • Reconstructive surgeries
  • Peripheral neuropathy
  • Risk or history of lymphedema

Benefits of Manual Lymphatic Drainage

  • Stimulates lymphatic vessel activity
  • Enhances lymph fluid movement
  • Aids reabsorption and drainage of accumulated fluids
  • Helps remove cellular metabolic waste
  • Reduces risk of fibrosis by reabsorbing proteins in tissue spaces
  • Promotes localized sympathetic response and overall parasympathetic (relaxation) effect
  • Increases lymph production and venous return
  • Provides analgesic (pain-relieving) effects
  • Redirects lymph flow around blocked areas to healthy pathways (essential in lymphedema management)

Resources

  • Godette K, Mondry TE, Johnstone PA. Can manual treatment of lymphedema promote metastasis? J Soc Integr Oncol. 2006 Winter;4(1):8-12. PMID: 16737666.
  • Preisler VK, Hagen R, Hoppe F. Nutzen und Risiken der manuellen Lymphdrainage bei Kopf-Hals-Tumoren [Indications and risks of manual lymph drainage in head-neck tumors]. Laryngorhinootologie. 1998 Apr;77(4):207-12. German. doi: 10.1055/s-2007-996962. PMID: 9592754.
  • Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Can massage spread lymphoma? 2018 Feb 02. https://blog.dana-farber.org/insight/2018/02/can-massages-spread-lymphoma/