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If a man empties his purse into his head, no one can take it away from him. An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest.--Benjamin Franklin |
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New for 2011! A 4-Day Intensive Course Oncology Massage Therapy: Caring for Clients with Cancer > > Training Schedule and Registration Info > > COURSE DESCRIPTION In response to popular demand, we have expanded our course for 2011. Students in our 3-day Intensive courses consistently ask for more time. The 4-day course offers additional hands-on practice, more time for case discussions, new bolstering and positioning for symptom relief, and more information on lymphedema, thrombosis, hormone therapy, and targeted therapies.As the role of massage therapy in cancer care expands, it is an exciting time to provide oncology massage. In this intensive course, we combine the art and science of touch to create safe, effective massage sessions for clients with cancer and cancer histories. In a lively, supportive learning environment, participants learn simple, concrete ways to adapt traditional massage to cancer and cancer treatment. We practice interviewing, follow-up questions, massage planning, and adapting traditional western massage techniques to surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, bone metastasis, vital organ involvement, and lymphedema risk. A balanced approach to learning blends lecture, spirited discussion, and hands-on work with client volunteers. Music, art, and literature help to deepen our understanding of the journey. Massage therapists leave with essential oncology massage tools: sample protocols, a client intake form, follow-up questions, visual decision tree, massage contraindications, a physician communication form, interviewing experience, supervised hands-on practice, and an extensive training manual. Because we are recognized by the Society for Oncology Massage, participants who complete the training are eligible to apply for membership. Learning Objectives
Topics Teaching Methods A balanced approach to learning includes lecture, hands-on sessions, lively discussion, use of research literature and a straightforward format that doesn't require constant note-taking. It includes a comprehensive course manual with many resources for continued learning. A highlight of the course—hands-on work with volunteer clients on the last day—offers a chance to practice skills in a supervised clinic setting. The goal is to fashion hands-on sessions that soothe, heal, and reduce pain and isolation. Hands-on practice is artfully mixed with discussion and lecture. Varying approaches to the work--meditative, cognitive, kinesthetic, visual, emotional, auditory, intuitive--are honored throughout the course. A safe learning setting allows therapists to build lasting knowledge and skills. The 75-page course manual, client intake forms and materials for the physician assist massage therapists in their practice, long after the course is over. This is an intensive course, packed with information. Tracy makes it manageable by varying her format, teaching style, classroom setup, and pacing. Tracy is sensitive to students of all backgrounds and levels, and encourages questions and discussion. Massage therapists from varying backgrounds give the course outstanding reviews. What's the difference between the 3-day and the 4-day course? Prerequisites Graduates of at least a 500-hour professional massage therapy program or equivalent. Advanced students who have completed pathology coursework and some clinical experience, by approval of the instructor. Other health professionals with instructor approval. Preparation/Required Reading Participants will be sent a required reading list of articles to be accessed online and read before the course. The following text is strongly recommended but not required: Walton, Tracy. Medical Conditions and Massage Therapy: A Decision Tree Approach. Philadelphia, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2011. Course Approvals Tracy Walton is approved by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) as an approved provider, #283404-00. Tracy Walton is approved by the Florida Board of Massage
Therapy, provider # 50-13512. Selected training is recognized by the Society for Oncology Massage. Upcoming Scheduled Conference Presentations
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We look closely at the dynamics of cancer spread, shining new light on the old myth that
massage was contraindicated, and we introduce several approaches for educating the public about this
common concern. We summarize the best research in oncology massage, and identify responsible claims
about massage and symptom relief. Unique positioning and bolstering techniques are introduced for pain
relief, sleep support, and overall comfort. We use guiding principles and practices that can be
implemented across a broad spectrum of client presentations (from robust to medically frail), in a
variety of massage settings (hospital, private practice, spa or retreat center, franchise or group
practice, hospice). 
