Oak Haven Massage adds certified oncology massage in South Austin

Oak Haven Massage is highlighting oncology massage at its South First Street location in Austin, where a certified therapist tailors care for people in cancer treatment and survivorship. The move underscores growing demand for massage approaches designed around cancer-related pain, recovery and treatment side effects.

Why it matters: - Oncology massage is designed for people whose bodies and treatment plans require modified pressure, positioning and session planning. - The service can be relevant for pain, fatigue, nausea, anxiety, sleep issues and recovery after cancer treatment. - Oak Haven Massage is positioning the South Austin location as a local access point for clients who want specialty care close to home.

What happened: - Oak Haven Massage is highlighting oncology massage at its S. 1st Street location in South Austin. - The South First team includes Jessie C., a licensed massage therapist with a dedicated certification in oncology massage. - Jessie C. has practiced since 2007 and graduated from Austin School of Massage. - The South First location is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. - The location also offers infrared sauna sessions and access to multiple licensed therapists with different specialties.

The details: - Oncology massage requires training beyond standard massage certification. - Practitioners need to understand how surgery, chemotherapy and radiation affect the body. - Sessions must account for changing contraindications as treatment progresses. - The American Society of Clinical Oncology and the Society for Integrative Oncology issued joint guidelines in 2023 recommending massage therapy for chronic pain after breast cancer treatment and for pain management during palliative and hospice care. - A 2025 systematic review and meta-analysis in the Journal of Clinical Nursing examined 36 randomized controlled trials with 3,671 participants and found significant improvements in cancer pain, quality of life and anxiety. - Research from MD Anderson Cancer Center says oncology massage can improve relaxation, sleep quality and immune function while reducing fatigue, nausea and pain linked to treatment. - A 2024 analysis focused on breast cancer patients found regular massage therapy reduced post-surgery pain, anxiety and cortisol levels tied to chronic stress. - Oak Haven Massage says Jessie C. holds certifications in Oncology Massage, Prenatal massage, Deep Tissue, Cupping Therapy, Hot Stone, Headache Management and Aromatherapy. - Jessie C. also brings a background in competitive gymnastics, including national-level competition, which the company says informs body awareness and recovery work. - Sessions are adapted to each client’s treatment phase, comfort level and areas of concern. - Standard pay-per-session and monthly membership options are available, and membership credits can be shared among family members.

Between the lines: - The South First location is leaning into a niche service that pairs wellness care with cancer-support needs, not general relaxation alone. - The emphasis on a specially certified therapist signals that Oak Haven Massage is treating oncology massage as a distinct clinical-adjacent offering rather than a standard add-on. - The timing aligns with broader medical recognition that massage can play a role in symptom management for some cancer patients and survivors.

What's next: - South Austin clients managing cancer diagnosis, active treatment or survivorship now have a local option for specialty massage care. - Oak Haven Massage is likely to continue using the South First location to connect clients with therapists trained for specific needs and treatment stages. - More information is available at the company's announcement.