Oncology Safe Spa Services
We Do Not Treat Cancer
Everyone Can Receive Touch
Complementary Not Alternative
At Elysian Studio Spa in Waukesha, we take an informed approach to our Oncology Safe Spa Services in order to provide ample relaxation with safe & appropriate accommodations for each guest, each visit.
We designed this page to demystify Oncology Safe Spa Services so you can have peace of mind when booking your appointment, not to offer medical advice in any capacity as it is outside our scope of practice as Estheticians & Massage Therapists. We are here to provide you with time to relax, decompress, & help calm your mind while working to minimize any negative side effects you may be experiencing.
Oncology Facial
Our Oncology Facial aims to help balance & nurture skin that has been compromised by cancer & the treatments associated with it. Oncology Facials are performed by a Licensed Esthetician additionally trained in oncology skin care
60 minutes $100
90 minutes $125
Oncology Massage
Experience our nurturing focused massage that aims to stimulate your immune system, help reduce physical pain, & promote deep relaxation. Our Oncology Massage is provided by a Licensed Massage Therapist additionally trained in oncology safe massage
60 minutes $100
90 minutes $140
Benefits of Oncology Facials
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Improve quality of life
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Reduce anxiety
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Reduce fatigue
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Re-establish a sense of normalcy
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Relieve cancer related skin conditions
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Improve skin health
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Provide emotional support
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Customize skin care
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Reduce pain & stress
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Facilitate scar tissue healing
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Support a healthy lymphatic system
Benefits of Oncology Massage
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Improve quality of life
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Reduce anxiety
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Reduce fatigue
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Help with the management of pain
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Improve quality of sleep
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Reduce unpleasant sensation from chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN)
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Increase function in areas affected by scar tissue resulting from surgery and radiation
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Reduce post-surgical swelling and support rehabilitation and recovery
What is an Oncology Safe Spa Service?
An Oncology Safe Service is a Massage or Facial performed by a state licensed professional with additional training in Oncology Massage and Oncology Skin Care
Can a Massage or Facial spread cancer?
No, neither a massage nor a facial will spread cancer. Cancer metastasis is very complex, can be somewhat random, & takes a variety of biological factors for the cancer cells to spread, "latch on" to a new area and grow. Massage does not create a conducive environment any more than regular everyday activities. Even when we are stimulating the circulatory system, we are not increasing blood flow so greatly that it creates a cancer cell highway through the body. As Licensed Massage Therapists & Estheticians, we know it is contraindicated to work on the tumor, so there does not need to be concern of the tumor moving through the body.
Who can receive an Oncology Safe Spa Service?
Whether you’re going through chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, or living with cancer, everyone can receive touch. We can make accommodations for any medical device, internal & external, exercise caution when working near the devices, & ensure you are as comfortable as can be while being mindful of our limitations.
When is it safe for me to receive a service?
If you are not receiving treatment or your incisions have healed from surgery, you can receive a service whenever you are ready. If you are receiving treatment, for our safety & yours, we offer the recommendations below. If you have any concerns, it is always best to speak with your doctor prior to receiving a spa service.
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Chemotherapy
We recommend waiting at least 72 hours from your last chemotherapy infusion before coming in for a service. This allows your body to process the chemo & recover from the immediate side effects of the treatment. We will not work over medical devices & will maintain a clean perimeter around the device site.
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Radiotherapy
We recommend waiting at least 72 hours after your final radiation treatment before coming in for a service, though this will vary for each individual case, depending on your doctor’s recommendation. Your doctor knows best & we will always recommend following their directions. We will not work directly over the radiation site until the tissue is fully healed from the treatments. Even after the tissues have healed, we approach the area with caution & care in case the tissues are still sensitive.
What kind of accommodations do you make for these services?
Our 3 primary accommodations are site awareness, positioning, & pressure.
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Site Awareness
We maintain an awareness of surgical sites, medical device sites, radiation sites, sites where lymph nodes were removed, & other compromised sites around the body. This will include avoiding touching specific areas, offering cushions for sensitive areas, & maintaining a clean perimeter around areas of caution.​
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Positioning
We will help position you in a way that is most comfortable for you to receive touch. This can include laying face up, side lying, cushioning any area with pillows & bolsters, upper body elevation, lower body elevation, & more depending on your needs at each appointment.
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Pressure
​Generally, oncology massage & facials utilize a lighter touch than regular services. We listen intently during your consultation at each appointment and will work with you to decide what kind of touch is appropriate for how you’re feeling at that time. As with any service, we will always make adjustments in the moment if the touch is uncomfortable in any way. This can include pressure, speed of movement, & direction of the movement.
Can I still receive a Deep Tissue or Firm Pressure massage?
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Remission & Survivorship
If you are in remission, potentially, & this depends on a variety of factors & is best to discuss with your doctor beforehand. We will always err on the side of caution during your first service to ensure we do not contribute to negative long-term side effects of treatments or surgeries.​
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Actively Receiving Treatment
If you are in active treatment, we will not be able to provide deep tissue work as this can increase the negative side effects of your treatments.
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Living With Cancer
If you are living with cancer & not going through treatment, we still recommend a lighter touch as your body is still immunocompromised & deeper work can cause negative side effects.
What are the qualifications to provide Oncology Safe Spa Services?
Every practitioner at Elysian Studio Spa is licensed with the State of Wisconsin through the Department of Safety & Professional Services. Post-licensure, each practitioner takes Continuing Education in oncology focused services. The hours for the continuing education will vary per class, & we have the continuing education hours accrued for each team member in their bio.
Are there any diagnoses you cannot work with?
Everyone can receive touch. From recently diagnosed, to actively in treatment, in remission, in survivorship, & end of life, everyone can receive touch with the proper accommodations.
What should I expect at my appointment?
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Cleanliness
Although we are not a clinical spa, we maintain cleanliness utilizing hospital grade disinfectants between every guest on all touch surfaces. Clean, unscented linens for each service. Disinfected restrooms. Option for your service provider to wear a KN95 mask during your service. ​
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Consultation
A thorough consultation at each appointment to gather the most up to date information on your journey so we can make the appropriate accommodations for that day.
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Comfort
We will spend time making sure you are as comfortable as possible to help you get the most relaxation out of your service.
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Additional Accommodations
Our room sizes allow us the space to accommodate various medical devices such as walkers, wheelchairs, oxygen tanks & more. Our electric massage tables are ADA compliant & able to be lowered to 18” above the ground. Additionally, if you have a caretaker, they have the option to relax in our waiting area or sit with you in the spa room.
What products do you use for these services?
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Massage Products
All our massage products are nut-free & fragrance-free. Although not all of these products are used in every service, if you have any allergy concerns, please reach out to the spa prior to your appointment so accommodations can be made. Click on the links below for full ingredient lists.
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Massage Lotion: Soothing Touch Jojoba Unscented Massage Lotion
Massage Oil: Soothing Touch Nut Free Lite Massage Oil
Massage Cream: Sacred Earth Botanicals Massage Cream
CBD Massage Lotion: Cause Medic CBD Massage Lotion
CBD Massage Oil: Cause Medic CBD Massage Oil ​
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Facial Products
We use Circadia Professional skincare line for our facials. Though these are the primary products we will use for our Oncology Safe Facial, adjustments can be made if you have specific allergies. Click on the links below for full ingredient lists.
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Pre-Cleanse: Micro-Exfoliating Honey Cleanser
Cleanse: Lipid Replacing Cleansing Gel
Exfoliation: Cocoa Enzyme
Facial Massage: Pure Jojoba Oil
Mask: Marshmallow Whip Hydrating Mask
Facial Mist: Aloe & Calendula Calming Mist
Serum: Chrono-Calm Calming Serum
Moisturizer: Post Treatment Balm