Oncology Massage

[Spidey]

Hey all,

I've come across several threads that touch upon the subject of oncology massage, but none too comprehensive. I am interested in discussing oncology massage with anyone here who currently practices it or is pursuing it as a specialty.

I have been interested in it for some time, and am looking into training programs. Being such a new field, I am wondering just how much training is necessary to start working with this population, and which programs provide the most comprehensive and useful training.

Has anyone taken the oncology certification courses at the Scherer Institute in Santa Fe, or have any input regarding the school? Aspects of this training program that appeal to me are the use of acupressure and reflexology, MLD certification, and learning research methods.

Also, has anyone approached a hospital or cancer treatment center with a proposal to provide oncology massage? If so, how did it go? Any suggestions regarding the best method of approach?

 

[Pompal 09.]

I'm not familiar with the Scherer program. I trained under Tracy Walton and highly recommend her. I'm also familiar with Gayle MacDonald's work, check out her book Medicine Hands. Tracy's structure is a little more clinical/technical by nature, which suits me and fits in the program I'm developing. Don't get me wrong, intution and sensitivity are major parts of the instruction.
I currently work at a hospital in the cancer rehabilitation department. They've had a program going for a couple of years. I'm trying to broaden it's reach, depth and streamline it's process. You know, "touch" more people. Sorry, couldn't help it.
Tracy and Gayle's programs deal a bit more with the contra-indications and how to deal with them than specific techniques. Kind of opening the doors for whatever techniques you want to apply.

 

[yellowradar]

Tracy Walton recently had articles in MTJ (massage therapy journal) and as a matter of fact they are part of the AMTA's online learning (CEUs).

You will find Tracy Walton's courses here:
http://www.amtaonlinetraining.org/home/

"Part I: Cancer and Massage Therapy: Essential Contraindications"
and Part II: Cancer and Massage Therapy: Contraindications and Cancer Treatment."

Part II is, I believe, based on an article in the current issue of MTJ.

Just in case you want to do a little bit of research on it cy... and it might be helpful if you're in need of hours for National Recertification.

(Not that I'm suggesting that'd be enough, but it's a place to start learning more about it, to see if you are interested in pursuing education in oncology massage more agressively. A place to "test the waters" perhaps?)

 

[hex]

CY,

I too would love to specialize in that area. I live in Michigan, and there is a very reputable hospital here that does that kind of training. Here's the link:

http://www.beaumonthospitals.com/pls/portal30/site.web_pkg.page?xpageid=allied_home_

Good luck, I hope this helps!

Jen

 

[dfroggyman]

While living in Colorado I attended several CE classes at Scherer Insititute and have found the staff and instructors to be excellent. I wish there was a similar-caliber school in my area (Vermont)! I have not taken any oncology classwork so I cannot speak to that.

 

[Driver]

I haven't taken Tracy's online classes yet. I'm talking to my manager tomorrow about taking them for evaluation purposes. I want to see if they will fit in the training program I'm putting together for volunteers.
I'll be throwing away the CEU's because I'm full up this year, so it would be nice if they paid for them.
I'll post my comparison to the regular class after I take the onlines. Although, I know right now, there are certain aspects of the work that can only be conveyed with face time and hands on. Tracy's regular class includes a clinic with real patients.

 

[Yasmine =P]

I did just take the AMTA Online Learning CE courses, I found them interesting. Did it make me feel like I was qualified to run right out and start advertising that I do oncology massage? Absolutely Not.
Did it change my perspective on providing massage to clients with cancer? Yes, it did.
When I went to MT school 9 years ago, if you had a diagnosis of cancer, that was pretty much the end of the discussion regarding your getting a massage.
It doesn't appear to be so cut and dried any more.
Still not sure I have the temperment to do that kind of work, but it was interesting learning more about it.

georgel, not sure I understand what you mean about already having your CEUs full this year. If you have more than the 48-50 hours required by the NCBTMB for this 4 year period... you CAN fill out a form to carry over extra hours into your next 4 year recertification period. I would never view them as wasted!

 

[HisBabyGirl<3]

Interesting comments about the online course(s). When I had my class with Tracy, she was fairly open with her information as long as credit was given to her. However, she did have the caveat that the information, if taken straight out of the manual, might miss certain details and nuances that can only be conveyed face to face and hands on. I'm hoping that the combination of online courses and the opportunities in the hospital will make a good program.
No, it's not for everyone. Intention will be a major factor. I lost my first wife to breast cancer some years ago and I was primary caregiver. So, I've been down that road and know the twist and turns up close and personal. In a way, this is the giving back for me. But, even with that aside, these are some of the most needing clients (heh, heh, I get to call them patients) you will ever find. Cancer is very isolating and touch is a very powerful tool in this environment.
BTW, Hospice is also part of my beat. Talk about going in were angels fear to thread, try working on a HIV patient with MRSA. But, if not me, then who?
On CEU's, my state requires 25 every two years with 3 of those in ethics. My renewal is in Dec. (Actually, it has to be postmarked by Nov. 1) I currently have 24+3 ethics CEUs and extra can't be carried over reporting periods. So, I'm already losing 2 CEU's as it is. However, I can start counting CEU's after Nov. 1 toward the next accounting period. My schedule for setting up volunteer training can't wait until Nov. 1. But, that could change tomorrow after my meeting.

 

[Blair]

Great feedback everyone, thank you. Can anyone draw a comparison between the online courses and reading "Medicine Hands" on your own?
The online course may be something I could do while waiting to take my class.
runzwithsizzorz: I have decided to attend the training at Beaumont Hospital - thank you for bringing my attention to that program! I spoke with the director and it is exactly what I've been looking for. Very comprehensive. I will be attending the May intensive, and staying on for the next week to complete my externship. I'm really excited to get started, but am not looking forward to having to wait 7 months!
For anyone else interested, there are a few articles on oncology massage and the Beaumont program in the October issue of Massage magazine.

 

[xmanconti]

Can't say cy, I haven't read "Medicine Hands" yet.

 

[Benjamin]

Cy...Question -I wonder if succesful completion of the training at Beaumont will give you a certificate of some kind in Oncology Massage? At a total cost of a little over $1,000 for tuition, this could be very cost effective. Right now I need to travel back and forth to several trainings to complete the Scherer Institute Oncology Certification.

Thanks!