Medicine Hands: Massage Therapy for People with Cancer

by Gayle MacDonald

The field of oncology massage is maturing into a discipline with a deeper and deeper body of knowledge. The 3rd edition of Medicine Hands reflects this maturation. Every chapter contains updated information and insights into massaging people affected by cancer. New chapters have been added to cover each stage of the cancer treatment, recovery, survivorship, side effects from the disease, and end of life. These new chapters and organizational structure will make it easier for the reader to find the information needed to plan the massage session for a given client. In addition, a new chapter has been added that focuses on the Pressure/Site/Positioning framework. This is the clinical framework around which the massage session is planned.

Genres: Nonfiction

336 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2007

Reviews

[Candy]

My massage therapist, who had breast cancer, is starting a pilot program with her friend, a yoga instructor, who helped with my therapist's post surgery. They will help people with cancer by combining both massage and yoga.

My therapist is studying with Gayle MacDonald, the author of Medicine Hands.

I read the 3rd edition, which I didn't find listed on good reads.
I started by reading the last chapter that tells about end of life massage, then went back to the beginning. The book has to go back to the library, but I marked my calendar to get it back after Thanksgiving when I will have more time to read.

[Freya · Rating 4 out of 5]

I reported on this for my massage therapy class basic training. Gayle is an expert. This book emphasizes how oncology massage deserves to be its own specialty. There is a lot of information in this and it's never wise to have someone massage an oncology patient without proper training including reading this book.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read for all body workers!

Good information put together in an interesting and thoughtful manner.
This book has the potential to rearrange your thoughts and emotions regarding massage work. It is different than school taught us; this is caring and massage at its best.

[Carly · Rating 5 out of 5]

very good for massage therapists to refer, especially if you have a heart for those living with cancer

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

yeah it had the info i needed and lots more. Not really for the novice like me. But very informative