ONCOLOGY MASSAGE TRAINING
You will learn
- What is cancer.
- Current treatments for cancer and their effects on the body
- Stages of cancer
- Massage adaptations
Correct Positioning – Correct positioning and bolstering is vital to help client release tension from held muscles which brings relaxation into the body. Also medical devices need to be accommodated.
Pressure – Knowing what pressure to use is vital to safe massage.
Duration – All bodywork following treatment needs to be undemanding on the body. Learning how to give an effective massage in shorter times is important. As the clients’ energy returns duration can be lengthened.
Lymphatic drainage massage and lymphedema: A thorough knowledge of how the lymphatic system works and how to adapt massage when working with clients who have lymph nodes removed, examined or radiated. Knowing how chemotherapy affects the lymph vessels is vital to giving a safe and effective massage.
Skin integrity: There can be lifelong changes to the skin following some cancer treatments and the massage therapist needs to know how to adapt.
Types of massage and touch therapy: You will learn how to work with clients in various settings such as hospital, day care, home and in your clinic.
Contraindications: There are some (but few) conditions that contraindicate massage and you learn clear and definite direction regarding when it is contraindicated to massage.
Cautions and adaptations: There are lots of situations where you need to be cautious and this course will give you the knowledge and confidence to know the difference between caution, adaptation and contraindication.
Intake forms: We will discuss what questions you need to ask any client who is currently receiving treatment to ensure the best possible outcome from the massage.
You will also receive suggested questions to ask on your standard intake form for clients who are cancer free for a number of years but may still need some adaptation to ensure you always have as much information as you need to give the best treatment.
Follow-up: Therapists will learn the importance of following up on how the client felt following the massage. This helps you adapt the next massage to increase the benefits and eliminate any side effects.
Emotional aspects of touch: Students often receive new understanding of what family and friends experienced while being treated for cancer. They also realize (or re-remember) just how powerful touch can be and this can have a profound effect on them during the course and afterwards.
Practical sessions
You will learn how to adapt and alter your massage and many massage techniques will be covered including:
Holistic massage
Effleurage massage
Lymphatic drainage – how to adapt your massage for clients who have lymph nodes removed or damaged
Indian Head Massage – stimulate the Vagus nerve
Foot-Reflex Massage – to aid deep relaxation
Acupressure massage arm and hand massage – for comfort and relaxation
Looking after yourself: It is important that the therapist knows how to take care of themselves when working with clients who may have a difficult history of illness. We will focus on methods to help you stay centred during your work, let go when finished and how to do productive reflective practice.
3 hours Ethics training with Laura Allen click here for details
