CUSTOMIZED TRAININGS

Tracy has taught at numerous facilities and conferences, including the Society for Integrative Oncology, the International Symposium for the Science of Touch, the Massage Therapy Foundation CAM Research Conference, and AMTA conferences at the National and Regional levels.

She offers sessions of varying lengths on topics in cancer and massage therapy. These can be given individually or can be combined for an in-service at your facility, a symposium, or a conference.

Since 2001, her most enduring offering, "Cancer and Massage: Safe Practice Steps for Massage Therapists," has been held at numerous AMTA National and Regional conferences, in medical settings and in spas. Hundreds of therapists have attended this introductory, "safety essentials" course.

Sampler of Courses and Sessions

Cancer and Massage: Safe Practice Steps for Massage Therapists
8.0 to 10.0 CE hours

Massage therapy is a growing part of cancer care, practiced at hospitals, retreat centers and in treatment settings around the world. People with cancer and cancer histories seek massage therapy from spas, hospitals, resorts, clinics-anywhere massage is offered.

In this training, we outline the steps for working safely and skillfully with people in cancer treatment, at end of life, in survivorship, and during diagnosis.

Along the way, we note the questions to use in a brief verbal client intake, and we address how to use basic health information to design a safe, effective session.

Easy-to-use tools are presented for navigating complex medical information, and we simplify the massage therapy issues presented by common cancer treatments, diagnostics, and bone involvement. A training and resource manual is provided along with an extensive bibliography.

Massage therapists leave with an understanding of the steps needed to work safely with this population, and how to apply those steps in any setting.

Cancer and Massage Therapy: What Does the Research Say?
3.0 CE hours

Research and interest in massage therapy is growing, and there is special attention to the role of massage in cancer care.

To promote the benefits of massage, it is helpful to be up-to-date on the work in the field. In this lively course, we'll take a look at the best evidence supporting massage therapy for people with cancer.

In a clear, easy-to-understand format we will review and evaluate current research. Healing stories of individual clients strengthen our case for massaging this special population.

A handout includes published research and a complete list of references.

Massage and Cancer: Recognizing the Real Issues
3.0 CE hours

For years the fear that massage could spread cancer prevented therapists from working with clients with cancer and cancer histories. Using sound medical logic and current literature we'll dispel the myth of massage and metastasis, and turn our attention to the real issues: cautions and clinical thinking for bodyworkers to use with their clients.

We will introduce a few massage contraindications for common side effects of cancer treatment, and list references and resources for therapists looking for further information.

Massage during Chemotherapy
3.0 to 4.0 CE hours

Chemotherapy, one of the strongest agents used in medicine, has profound effects on the human body. Some of these require adjustments in massage pressure, joint movement, positions, intent, scheduling, and other massage elements.

In this session we will describe a typical chemotherapy cycle, common effects of chemotherapy on a range of systems, and specific indications and contraindications for massage therapists.

Massage Elements for Medically Complex Clients
2.0 to 4.0 CE hours

In this seminar we look at the ways we describe massage therapy contraindications and indications for various medical conditions.
Moving beyond simple phrases such as "massage is contraindicated" or "massage is indicated," we put a finer point on bodywork contraindications.

Using precise vocabulary, we examine the different elements of massage, such as hand contact, joint movement, pressure, speed, rhythm, and lubricant that may require adjustment in medically complex cases. In particular, we explore elements of pressure and hand contact and their importance in our work.

A useful "pressure index" is introduced for use in charting, consulting with other health providers, refining contraindications and providing continuity of care for clients seeing multiple therapy providers.

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 # 50-3354.