**NOT A CANCER PATIENT-FRIENDLY MASSAGE ESTABLISHMENT**
I have battled cancer three times and came to Massage Envy after having an issue getting a massage at a different establishment previously. The other business wanted a note from my oncologist, stating is was okay for me to get a massage. My oncologist was infuriated by this requirement, as massage has ZERO correlation with cancer, or the spread of cancer. You can easily find this information on ANY reputable cancer website, or oncology office. I'll add that almost all of them specifically suggest massage therapy as a stress relief tool while you're undergoing treatment! I relayed my previous experience to Massage Envy receptionist, who was worried that the therapist might not be okay working on a client who recently went through treatment. Pardon me, but I'm not a leper. I'm not contagious. In fact, I don't look any different from any other average person. Unfortunately the questionnaire when I arrived asked several cancer-related questions which made my head hurt. It asked information regarding chemotherapy, which made no sense at all! "What location on your body did you receive chemo?" Obviously, the genius who came up with the question is oblivious to how chemo is administered or works. However, the therapist did tell me that in the future, they may require a note if I have a positive scan.... "because cancer travels through the lymph nodes. That is how metastasis happens and massage increases circulation which can spread the cancer cells." Excuse me, but did she just tell me that she was more educated on the subject of cancer, than my oncologist? Yes. Yes she did. As if her 6-8 months at a trade school somehow trumps 10+ years of medical schooling. After the massage, I redressed and headed up front to check out, where the therapist and receptionist were whispering about me. They reiterated to me that I'd need a note from my doctor next time depending on what the results of my scan were. Sure, like I'm going to share ANY further information about my diagnosis with Massage Envy. And what if I didn't bring the note from my mommy? You'd refuse service because of a medical diagnosis... based off of purely false information? That's called discrimination.
I am in frequent contact with my doctor, whom I called the next business day. Once again, he was outraged by their ignorance. People undergoing treatment are probably more in need of massage than many other people. He'd be happy to write one note, or ten notes, but I shouldn't be asked for one EVER. At Massage Envy, they aren't oncologists and they aren't involved in cancer research or treatment. The ONLY reason they should not massage a tumor area, is if it's painful. My oncologist suggested a few individuals who are educated enough to know the facts and could provide me with the service I was looking for, and they wouldn't hassle me for unnecessary doctor notes. If these chain massage businesses are THAT misinformed, it has to make you wonder what else they might be getting wrong. Individuals who have cancer are immensely stressed, and to discriminate against them is absurd. Cancer patients are just regular people with an unfortunate medical diagnosis. Massage Envy, you're not a medical office and you're not medical professionals. Get your information straight. read more