Oncology Massage 21 CE Hours Live Instruction 

Course Venue:  Rutherfordton NC
Course Dates:   May 2-4, 2025
Course Cost:      $350

Why take this course?

To ensure you are always working safely and therapeutically it is very important to know how to adapt and change your massage protocols when a client presents for massage who has been, or is being, treated for cancer.  This knowledge will ensure your clients are always well cared for.

What you will learn:

• What is cancer
• Current treatments for cancer and their effects on the body
• Stages of cancer

Massage adaptations

• 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.

Practical sessions

You will learn how to adapt and alter your massage for people who have cancer or have a history of cancer. Many massage techniques will be covered including:

• Holistic massage
• Effleurage massage
• Lymphatic drainage – what you need to do
• Foot-Reflex Massage –  to relax the body

Who can attend this course:

This “massage for cancer care” course is for licensed massage therapists.

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 centered during your work, let go when finished, and how to do productive reflective practice.

This course is approved by the Standards Authority for Touch in Cancer Care (SATCC)

“Over the last 20 years, many wellbeing industry leaders have recognised the need to change the status quo. Where once therapists were taught that they could not touch a cancer patient without causing harm, training providers have stepped in to create adaptable protocols, safe treatments and insurable accreditations that support the client and empower the therapist.

This is underpinned by advances in medical thinking that show the power of touch therapies in positively benefitting people at all stages of their cancer journey.

Following this course therapists can register with the SATCC to appear on their website under the “find a therapist directory” 

          Find out more about the SATCC click here

Class will be held in the Fellowship Hall behind Mountain View Baptist Church, 430 US-221, Rutherfordton, NC 28139 (about 2 miles south of town; 221 is the same as Main Street if you are coming through town. Fully equipped kitchen if you wish to bring your own food; there are numerous restaurants within a couple of miles of the venue. Visit the Lodging page on this website to see nearby places to stay.