Do you want to provide safe, effective massage therapy for people with cancer and cancer histories?
How can a course and case scenarios help you offer oncology massage with confidence?
More than 1.5 million new cases of cancer occur in the US alone each year. In increasing numbers, people with cancer and cancer histories seek out massage for support, symptom relief, corrective touch, and healing.
Massage therapists are often caught between the heartbreak of turning away someone who needs help, and the uncertainty of how to work with them safely.
In massage school, you might have learned that massage would spread the disease, or you might have heard later that cancer was a flat-out massage contraindication. Perhaps you were told that massage could be done with permission from the client’s physician. Or maybe you figured it out on your own, but you’ve worked in isolation, without support or reinforcement of your skills.
Introducing “Oncology Massage Therapy: Caring for Clients with Cancer,” 32.0 CE Hours
For dates, locations, and tuition, see our training schedule. For CE course approvals, check here.
A 4-Day Intensive and supervised peer practice clinic (a new format for our clinic in 2016) to help you work safely and effectively with people with cancer and cancer histories.
This course gives you clear step-by-step directions for working with clients with cancer and cancer histories. You receive specific “decision tree” diagrams rather than vague verbal instructions. We show you how to use the client interview, and common cancer resources to design the safest, most effective massage.
Learn what to do for clients during cancer treatment, the years post-treatment, and even some lifelong guidelines. Leave with forms and intake questions, a “side effects table,” and even a sample oncology massage care plan to share with a client’s physician.
Use our principles and tools to work with people with cancer in any setting, from hospital to franchise. Even seasoned oncology massage therapists have used our strategies to practice with greater ease and success.
Our instructors have cleared a path. We know the territory well, and we’ve taught thousands of therapists to navigate it on their own.
“I have fallen in love with my work all over again.” — Hanna Eakin, LMT
Click here for the short course description:
4 Day Intensive Teaching Methods
Teaching Methods
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.
A highlight of the course — our Peer Practice Clinic — offers a chance to practice skills in a supervised clinic setting. The goal is to create hands-on sessions that soothe, heal, and reduce pain and isolation.
This is an intensive course, packed with information. We make it manageable by varying our format, teaching style, classroom setup, and pacing. We are sensitive to students of all backgrounds and levels, and encourage questions and discussion. Massage therapists from varying backgrounds give the course outstanding reviews.
For dates, locations, and tuition, see our training schedule. For CE course approvals, check here.
Before you sign up, we encourage you to read on. Check out the rest of this page and the FAQs below. That way you’ll have a good sense of all that we cover, how we cover it, and how you can be prepared.
4 Day Intensive Topics
Topics
- Benefits of Massage Therapy for People with Cancer
- Cancer, Metastasis, and Massage
- Using a Decision Tree to Describe Massage Contraindications
- The Massage Therapy Pressure Scale
- Massage Adaptations for Active Cancer
- Adapting to Client Presentations: from Frail to Robust
- Positioning and Bolstering for Comfort and Symptom Relief
- Chemotherapy and Massage
- Radiation Therapy and Massage
- Surgery and Massage
- Other Cancer Treatments and Massage Therapy
- Modifying Swedish Massage for Lymphedema and Lymphedema Risk
- A Non-Circulatory Massage Protocol
- A Low-Impact Massage Protocol
- Massage Protocol for Thrombosis Risk
- Interview Questions for Oncology Clients
- Language Scripts to use when Communicating with Oncology Clients
- Peer Practice Clinic Sessions
- Roundtable Discussion of Peer Practice Clinic Cases
For dates, locations, and tuition, see our training schedule. For CE course approvals, check here.
4 Day Intensive Objectives
Learning Objectives
- Recognize the basic steps of cancer metastasis, and ease concerns that massage and increased circulation could spread cancer.
- Communicate clearly about common massage therapy adjustments for cancer, using a Decision Tree and describing massage elements such as pressure, joint movement, site, and position in plain language.
- Modify massage therapy for typical cancer presentations, including accessible primary tumor sites, bone involvement, and vital organ involvement.
- Adapt massage therapy to common side effects and cancer treatments, including chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation therapy.
For dates, locations, and tuition, see our training schedule. For CE course approvals, check here.
4 Day Intensive Course Description
Oncology Massage Therapy: Caring for Clients with Cancer
32.0 CE hours
NCBTMB approved, recognized by the Society for Oncology Massage
COURSE DESCRIPTION
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 practice 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 massage to cancer and cancer treatment.
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 then modify traditional western massage techniques for common client presentations, including surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, bone metastasis, vital organ involvement, and lymphedema risk. Unique positioning and bolstering techniques are introduced for pain relief, sleep support, and overall comfort.
We introduce guidelines for a range of client presentations, from robust to medically frail. These guidelines may be used effectively in a variety of massage settings, including the hospital, private practice, spa or retreat center, franchise, and hospice.
A balanced approach to learning blends lecture, spirited discussion, and hands-on work. In-depth homework is assigned prior to the course (instructional videos, 2-3 hrs. total view time) and during the course (about 1 hr. of evening homework on days 1, 2, and 3).
Massage therapists leave with essential oncology massage tools: sample protocols, a client intake form, follow-up intake questions, a visual decision tree, clearly described pressure guidelines, supervised hands-on practice experiences, and an extensive training manual.
For dates, locations, and tuition, see our training schedule. For CE course approvals, check here.
New in 2016: A “Peer Practice Clinic”
In a peer practice clinic (PPC), students pair up and work with each other in two supervised sessions on the final day of the course. Using realistic client case scenarios, each student gives an oncology massage to a fellow student and receives an oncology massage from that student. With teacher support and supervision, students practice interviewing, communicating with a client, and adapting massage therapy to cancer symptoms and side effects of treatment.
In 2016, this simulated clinic format, with students participating in two hands-on sessions, replaced our former “traditional clinic,” which was a single practice session with an actual oncology client volunteer from the community.
Read more about this change in clinic format here https://www.tracywalton.com/4-day-intensive/#new2016
Read more about the course, topics, teachers, and FAQs here: https://www.tracywalton.com/4-day-intensive/.
Or read on, if you like more detail.
How can this benefit you and your practice?
Here is what you’ll be able to do after completing the course:
- Correct old myths about massage and cancer. Earn clients’ trust by explaining how skilled massage therapy will not spread cancer.
- Build your practice and join the expanding specialty of Oncology Massage. Qualify for membership in the Society for Oncology Massage (s4om), and listing in the worldwide therapist locator service. Open your practice to a population that needs your work.
- Work safely and effectively with people during cancer treatment. Modify massage using an innovative massage pressure scale, already in use in hospitals and cancer treatment centers. Use “The Four Medication Questions,” to adapt massage to hundreds of cancer treatments (and without memorizing volumes of information).
- Work confidently with clients post-treatment. Know which side effects of cancer treatment can last a lifetime, and how to modify massage to avoid aggravating them. Use “The Quadrant Principle” to work worry-free with clients who are years out of treatment.
- Build alliances with oncology clients and health care professionals. Leave with time-saving intake and physician communication forms. Learn when and how to communicate with the client’s health care team. Use our plain and simple scripts to teach clients and health care professionals about oncology massage.
- Manage complex health information with ease and confidence. Use a simple “Decision Tree” to work with oncology clients as well as other medical conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. Apply a handful of easy-to-use principles, rather than rote memorization of information, so you can focus on your hands-on connection.
- Work compassionately, with full presence. Through hands-on exercises, experience the soulful impact of skilled touch, and the power of your simple presence in service to your clients.
Erased SO MUCH fear of the unknown. I will be at ease to work with a much wider client base. Thanks!” — Todd Kipfer, Rolfe, IA
This is the only workshop for which I showed up early, stayed engaged and excited throughout, and went home and reviewed my notes. I am so very grateful to you for guiding us and sharing your knowledge. This has been an amazing weekend.” — Julie McCoy Gibson, Edmonds, WA
For dates, locations, and tuition, see our training schedule. For CE course approvals, check here.
What do you receive in this course? We provide:
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For dates, locations, and tuition, see our training schedule. For CE course approvals, check here.
How we teach
For 17 years, we’ve refined our approach. We engage our students in the art and science of oncology massage
Massage therapists use science, art, the heart, and the body. We provide technical information about cancer, cancer spread, blood clots, bone involvement, chemotherapy, and many other topics. We link that information directly to massage practice, with hands-on protocols and interview questions. So yes, it’s technical at times.
Yet throughout, we hold massage therapy close to our hearts. We make it all applicable. We spend time with touch, including the ways our hearts are touched by our work with people. Somehow the combination works.
Lots of info was presented but it never felt rushed or crammed in. Great job of allowing input/diversions while still keeping us on track. Wonderfully understandable and organized written materials…I appreciate the emphasis on teaching us the clinical thinking skills that we can apply to any client with cancer…Heard from multiple people that this was the best continuing education they’ve ever taken.” — Laurie Fronek, Seattle, WA
We teach in a way that is fun, and you don’t have to cram in a lot of memorizing.
While the course earns its name, “4-Day Intensive,” we make it manageable and fun. The manual and handouts save you from rapid note-taking, and we use learning shortcuts where possible. We put the “book learning” directly into practice in case studies and hands-on exercises. We address a variety of learning styles: visual, kinesthetic, and auditory.
Good, good balance of lecture, discussion, hands on, breaks. Wonderful pacing, plenty of time for questions. One of the best classes, maybe the best I have ever taken. Thank you so much!” — Wendy Davis, Port Townsend, WA
We use a principle-based approach instead of piles of information to memorize. You can apply a handful of principles to any cancer scenario in any setting. For example: There are four short questions to ask about any cancer drug, and each question is linked to a logical massage guideline.
Our students find our principles much easier to remember and apply than an overwhelming long list of cancer drugs, their uses and effects, and massage contraindications for each one. And when you learn our tips for looking things up quickly, you’re in good shape whenever “you know what you don’t know.”
Thank you for making the Oncology massage course available, it has provided my clients great comfort and allowed me to serve them with greater confidence and a measure of grace.” — Michele de Jong, Colleyville, TX
New since 2016: Our clinic is being held in a new format – the peer practice clinic (PPC)
In a peer practice clinic (PPC) on the final day, you and a classmate have the opportunity to apply and strengthen your skills in interviewing, client communication, and hands-on work with oncology clients. You put all of the work and concepts of the previous three days into practice. In the peer practice clinic, you and a partner work through two realistic client case scenarios. In one, you work as the MT, and in the other, you take on the role of the client. Each case requires depth, the need for follow-up interview questions, and massage modifications. In both cases you receive instructor verbal feedback and written support.
The peer practice clinic is a carefully planned event, scheduled for the final day of the course. We prepare behind the scenes so that you can have an optimal learning experience and sail into it with confidence.
Prior to 2016, students practiced on actual client volunteers with cancer histories in a single session. Left to chance, we found large variability in student learning experiences, with some students working with medically complex situations and others encountering much simpler scenarios. We adopted this new format in 2016 in order to standardize our students’ learning experiences. By taking on the client role as well as the MT role, students experience both sides of oncology massage. As well, each student has the opportunity to learn from two clinic sessions, rather than just one.
Here are some features of our peer practice clinic:
- The peer practice clinic is not a test. It is a chance to practice and get your questions answered in a supportive environment.
- Our realistic client case scenarios have been well developed in advance of the course. They are given to you in advance of the clinic.
- This means you have a chance to meet your simulated “client” on paper before your peer practice clinic.
- It also means you can prepare for your peer client ahead of time, developing a preliminary massage care plan. You can identify massage precautions, write down interview questions, and rehearse some new skills before the clinic.
- We provide a customized care plan for your peer clinic client case scenario, to check against your own notes. This cuts pre-clinic jitters by about half. We find when students are less nervous, they learn better. Simple as that, but honestly, we know of no other CE course that provides this level of support. (If you do know CE instructors who do this, tell us — we want to know them, too!)
- During the peer practice clinic, your supervisor is available for reinforcement and support.
- You also have the opportunity to be the peer client in a second realistic client case scenario.
- Post-clinic, we have a roundtable discussion where you can learn from your classmates’ clinic experiences, as well.
What our students say about the clinic:
“Best clinic experience I’ve had — ever. Very relevant.” — Lou Benson, Cambridge, MA
“It was great to have the time to review the paperwork and talk it over with the instructor and come up with a plan.” — Kim M., Vernon, CT
“The clinic allowed us to use what we learned. I learned that I made the right choice to specialize in oncology massage. So rewarding!” — Sharon Bertrand, Wadsworth, IL
“I had a great clinic experience, even though I was anxious and very nervous. The best thing was that when I got in control, everything came out the way it was expected to be. It was a wonderful and an unforgettable experience.” — Carmen Rios, Morovis, Puerto Rico
“The clinic complemented the week of study and put things into practice.” — Colin Sasser, Ruther Glen, VA
“From the clinic, I learned that even though I feel ‘green,’ I can do it.” — Sophie Hanson, Cambridge, MA
“Clinic materials were perfect for an anxious person.” — Jen Radasci, Otis, MA
About our Teachers
Our instructors have hundreds of hours of oncology massage behind them, and each one is full of client cases to share. They’ve been through rigorous training as well as many hours of classroom experience. Our instructors have strong classroom management skills, keeping our groups focused on task.
They are friendly, approachable, and humble. Each instructor has a unique brand of humor and wisdom. They share a deep joy and satisfaction in their work, and they love teaching about it. Read about each instructor and background on the Meet our Teachers page.
I just loved learning from Julie, Cindy and Nanci in Miami. They are all incredible, I could feel their passion and dedication and learned so much from them and from the other students. At first I was hesitant to take this course because I thought I might be more ‘inspired’ by taking one of the classes with Tracy, but I am so glad that I went to Miami.” — Laurel Mellon, Scottsboro, AL
All were very approachable, knowledgeable, warm, and HELPFUL! Perfect.” — Judith Michaels, Wethersfield, CT
For dates, locations, and tuition, see our training schedule. For CE course approvals, check here.
What about the emotions that come — will I be able to handle working with people with cancer? Will I be overwhelmed in this course?
If you share this concern, you are in good company. It is a common question.
It might even bring up a swirl of additional questions: “Will I cry? Can I hold it together? Will I be sad or depressed all the time if I work with people with cancer? How will I manage? Am I ready?”
In our experience, answering these questions is a sacred and individual process. We each answer them for ourselves, and the answers come from inside. In this course, we offer you thoughtful support for your experience, but we stop short of telling you what’s true for you. These are some of the most important questions we face in this kind of work. In fact, they are way too important to answer in a sound bite, a lecture on boundaries, or a short list of self-care tips.
Instead, we encourage patience with these questions, as they unfold. We support each student wherever she or he is. We welcome the full range of experiences that come up around cancer, cancer treatment, and touch. We find that everything on the spectrum — from laughter through tears — can pop up in 4 days.
Over the years, we’ve observed that a room full of MTs learning oncology massage tends to be a most excellently supportive group, and you are likely to find good, solid company in whatever arises for you during the course.
In our experience, doing oncology massage therapy requires good support. That support may start in a classroom, but for many therapists, supervision of some sort is vital to their work, and to managing what comes up for them. You may leave this course with a resolve to meet regularly with some classmates, in an ongoing peer support.
It has been a heartwarming and soul-filling experience.” — Karen Venable, LMT, Raleigh, NC
Oncology massage can be used anywhere.
People ask us where they can apply the skills they learn in this course. Participants have put the work to use in hospital settings, home care, spa or retreat settings, outpatient clinics, private practice, franchise and hospice facilities.
In on-site massage and other high-volume settings, skilled oncology massage therapists can work without worry or concern.
Repeatedly we are told how well-prepared they feel.
This class provided me with essential information that is making a powerful difference in the way I work with clients with cancer, as well as all other clients. Cancer and other serious illnesses affect all of us — as spouses, survivors, friends, family members, and as massage therapists. I now understand so much more about cancer and some of the ways I can safely work on people who are dealing with it.”
— Rebecca Auclair, Moretown, VT.
A story from the founder
In massage school, back in the late 80’s, I learned cancer contraindicated massage because massage might spread it. It never quite made sense to me, but I was brand new to the field then, and it seemed premature to question it. I learned it for the test. After graduation, I went to work in a busy spa and built my private practice.
I found out quickly that people with cancer gravitate toward massage therapy, even when we’re ill-prepared to serve them. In my case, people in cancer treatment arrived almost immediately in my practice, specifically searching for healing touch for the journey. In my other life, teaching physiology and pathology in a massage school, I was facing down students who had the same questions I had about massage and cancer.
The need was clear, and I felt foolish and a bit lost. But I also felt a deep calling to make massage work for this population.
So I rolled up my sleeves and taught myself how to work safely with them. I dug out my cell biology textbooks from grad school. I read everything I could find on the subject. I asked advice. I met up with Gayle MacDonald, first, then other leaders in the field: Cheryl Chapman, Debra Curties, the MTs at Memorial Sloan-Kettering, MD Anderson. I took courses with Irene Smith and Dawn Nelson. I read and took part in research on people with metastatic cancer.
I learned and learned. And my clients taught me the most. They taught me about cancer, treatment, pain, healing, and triumph. On every imaginable level. They taught me that touch is a birthright, not an indulgence. They taught me that the relief and comfort that came from skilled touch were worth working hard for.
My clients taught me that touch could reach across isolation, stigma, and pain, and join people together. My heart filled to overflowing.
Eventually the body of work grew, and it became a system that I could share with a wider audience. This course started as a small study group in 1998, and it grew quickly to a 3-day course in 2000. People demanded more, we listened, and in 2011 it became a 4-day course. (That year, I also authored a general pathology textbook.
Today we have an outstanding teaching staff with decades of teaching experience and oncology massage practice. We’ve worked in hospitals, community centers, research settings, fundraising events, and private client sessions. We’ve taught thousands of massage therapists. We’ve taught in massage schools, spas, community colleges, conferences, and over the web.
The landscape is very different than it was when I started. A sea change has occurred. It continues.
We are joined in our efforts by the Society for Oncology Massage. As vast as its reach is, oncology massage remains a compassionate, unassuming field, driven by the hearts and soul of hundreds of caring massage therapists, and mindful of its humble roots. It is a wonderful community of practitioners, and I’m proud to be a part of it.
Prerequisites
Graduation from 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 may register, but check with us first to make sure it is a good fit.
Timeline to Register
Most of our sponsors offer early registration at a substantial discount, and earlier registration is recommended. Our courses fill quickly, often weeks or months in advance. Register soon if you want to ensure a spot.
For dates, locations, and tuition, see our training schedule. For CE course approvals, check here.
How we handle cancellations and refund requests
We are hosted by various sponsors, with varying published withdrawal and refund policies, so check with the sponsor or look at the event details on our training schedule for the withdrawal policy at each site.
As far as refunds go, we want MTs to receive what they need, and meet the written objectives of the course at each site.
If for some reason you are not satisfied with our 4-Day Intensive Oncology Massage Therapy course, please let us know. We want you to learn what you need to learn. If you attend the entire session, participate fully in the exercises, and apply yourself at the peer practice clinic and you are still unhappy with the course, then talk with your sponsor about it. Or, if we self-sponsored the course, talk with us.
I had been told by another massage therapist that this was the best continuing education training she had done in her 10 years of taking classes. Even so, this training far exceeded my expectations.”
— Nan Colton, Shoreline, WA
At-a-glance summary of what is included in the 4-Day Intensive, “Oncology Massage Therapy: Caring for Clients with Cancer:”
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Friendly, thoughtful tableside instruction |
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A mix of teaching methods for all kinds of learners |
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Cases and examples to work through in class |
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Written massage protocols |
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Hands-on practice of key massage protocols |
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Primer and practice, ‘Radical Bolstering Techniques’ for pain relief and comfort |
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Massage guidelines for surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and other common cancer treatments |
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Sample intake form and follow-up interview questions to use with your oncology clients |
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Principles instead of facts to memorize |
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A massage pressure scale to use with clients, in charting, and in communicating with health care providers |
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Exercises in quiet reflection and full presence |
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Sample scripts for talking with clients about oncology massage. |
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A fast, easy way to identify massage precautions for medications. |
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Tips and sample forms for communicating with physicians |
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Supervised peer practice clinic on the last day — you can use what you’ve learned before you go home |
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Your peer client’s health form provided the day before clinic, so you can get a head start on the massage plan |
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Customized care plan for each peer practice client case scenario, a way to check your work before the peer practice clinic starts |
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Instructor verbal feedback and written support before the peer practice clinic. |
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190-page manual so you can spend class time learning, instead of taking notes |
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32.0 CE hours, NCBTMB-approved, click here to see the full list of course approvals. |
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Eligibility for membership in the Society for Oncology Massage and listing in the therapist locator service |
I loved how you offered case studies to learn from. The flexible approach in how you presented them and got the students engaged made me feel like my answers were just as important as yours. It offered me a chance to obtain new knowledge while trusting my own judgement at the same time.” — Jennifer Bloch, RMT, Toronto, Ontario
For dates, locations, and tuition, see our training schedule. For CE course approvals, check here.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Oncology Massage Therapy 4-Day Intensive Course
What is your withdrawal and refund policy?
For our withdrawal and refund policy for the 4-Day Intensive, look on our training schedule page for the course you are interested in.
Then click on “Event Details.” You’ll find the withdrawal and refund policy there. This is the policy in force if you register through us, using a red REGISTER button on the training schedule.
Different policies may be in force when you register through a massage school CE program that is hosting/sponsoring us. In that case, click on the link to their CE website for their withdrawal and refund policy.
Will you take a deposit, and can I pay in full at a later date?
Some of our sponsors (the massage schools who host us) may be set up to do this. If you register for a course sponsored by a massage school or other facility, ask the sponsor what the terms are and if they can accept a payment plan.
If you are asking about a course that we hold, one where you register with us directly using one of the red “Register” buttons on our training schedule, then please email us directly with your question.
Do you offer scholarships? Discounted tuition?
We do not offer scholarships or discounts through our office.
May I miss the first few hours? Or the last day, the last few hours?
In a word, no.
Attendance Policy: Registrants are required to attend 100% of the course to receive a Certificate of Completion. Registrants are expected to schedule travel and commuting plans in order to attend 100% of the course.
What is the daily schedule? I am concerned about …(fill in the blank — child care, pet care, elder care, airline schedules, my body holding up for 4 days).
The usual day is 9-6, but this varies by location depending on classroom space. To find the daily schedule of the course you are interested in, go to the Training Schedule page. Times are listed in each training’s event details. Attendance policy is below.
We have had students with physical concerns such as a back problem, injury, or chronic illness. In general, they tell us they tire after long days, but some feel energized, as well.
The hands-on techniques tend to be gentler and easier than the usual heavier pressures. That said, it’s an intensive course, with long days, and a peer practice clinic at the end. In particular, Day 2 tips the balance toward desk-learning more than table-side learning.
Note our Attendance Policy: Registrants are required to attend 100% of the course to receive a Certificate of Completion. Registrants are expected to schedule travel and commuting plans in order to attend 100% of the course.
You will need to be present and engaged, all 4 days, participating in all hands-on lessons. Because it’s a long course and a serious commitment — you know when you should or shouldn’t push yourself.
It was a great class, actually the best continuing education class I have attended bar none.” — Mitchell Loss, Albany, NY
May I record the course?
You are welcome to make an audio recording of the course for your own personal use.
Video recording is not allowed.
And please do not post/publish recordings online or use them for any other purpose, without written permission from us first.
English is my second language. Will I be able to get what I need from this course?
The best way to answer this question is to look back at your learning experience in massage school. If your language skills were strong enough to succeed then, you are likely to succeed in this course. We teach using visual aids, extensive handouts, and hands-on practice. You will have to take a few notes, but most are written down for you.
I have a hearing (or vision) impairment. What steps do you take to make sure I can learn?
Please let us know well in advance, so we can assist you. For some situations, we need weeks or months lead time. Registrants with visual or hearing impairments, or special learning needs are asked to contact Tracy Walton & Associates in advance of the workshop and identify themselves so that the environment serves your learning needs.
Prerequisites?
Graduation from 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 may register, but check with us first to make sure it is a good fit.
Approvals? Are you approved by NCTBMB? In my state?
Please click here for 4-day Intensive course approvals.
We are not currently approved for nursing CEUs in any state.
What are the next steps, after completing the course? Do you have more courses to take?
For those wanting additional support in building an oncology massage practice, we have a small-group Advanced Mentorship Course.
It was a privilege and an honor to take this class. I already had been blown away by the 4-Day Intensive last summer, but the mentorship was absolutely extraordinary.” — Marie-Christine Lochot,
Montclair, NJ
Do you teach lymphatic drainage? I want to learn how to treat clients with lymphedema. Which training should I take? Which ones will certify me?
We do not teach MTs how to treat lymphedema. Lymphedema care requires many of hours of training in manual lymph drainage (MLD) and theory. MLD is a highly specialized modality that involves bandaging as well as manual techniques. You’ll need to get that training elsewhere. We have a few thoughts to guide you in that search here.
In our 4-Day Intensive, we teach how to adapt conventional relaxation massage techniques in order to work safely with people who have lymphedema, or are at risk of it. We cover this thoroughly because, done incorrectly, Swedish massage techniques can aggravate or trigger lymphedema. So we show how to avoid injury.
Do you cover the research on massage and cancer in this course?
While it is not explicitly covered in the 4-Day Intensive, we cover research elsewhere in our webinar series, “Cancer Care and Massage Therapy.” We feel strongly that if oncology massage therapists offer massage research to promote the work, that we are better off with the strongest studies out there. In this webinar, we review several key studies in oncology massage, look at their strengths and weaknesses, and discuss how to use them in our promotional materials.
I want to work with children with cancer. Do you cover pediatric oncology massage?
Again, yes and no. You’ll take away principles from our course that you can use with many populations, including children with cancer. However, if you have a special interest in pediatrics, we recommend you take one of the fine courses available in pediatric massage, especially for children with special health needs.
Can you help me start a program in a hospital?
Yes and no. We can help you with some of the skills, but not the program development part.
Because hospitals often look for oncology massage therapy skills when they hire, it’s important to have those skills, and this course is one foundation.
If you want specific information about starting or building a MT program in a hospital, or how to work within hospital culture, you will want to take a hospital-based massage training where you can practice hands-on work within a medical center. There are several listed at the s4om website. You will not find these topics in our 4-day course.
If you’d like a lot of hospital-based massage therapy wisdom in one place, we have a popular webinar series in which Tracy Walton interviews 5 hospital-based massage experts, with about 75 years of experience between them. They share survival tips, business models, and plenty of wisdom about the work.
I want to work in hospital. Are there hospital jobs out there, and will this course prepare me for them?
To our knowledge, no one is tracking employment in oncology massage or hospital settings, so we do not have any data to provide you on this front. The closest we’ve seen to meaningful data is an AMTA white paper, “Working in a Health Care Environment.”
Many MTs take courses in oncology massage or hospital-based massage hoping to gain employment. Some arrive at the course with the support of a hospital wanting them to launch a program upon their return. Others have great luck reaching out to hospitals after taking the course, and are launching programs, volunteering, or even working in hospital settings soon after they take the course. Still others try for years to get employment or develop an MT program at a local hospital, with no success.
Experts in hospital-based massage tell us it’s often really difficult to get things started. In our webinar series on hospital-based massage, they shared valuable insights and information, but also told us about challenges and obstacles along the way.
If you want to work in a hospital, you will need to be persistent, patient, and prepared.
There is no telling what awaits you after taking this course, or any other. However, if you have hospital massage aspirations, oncology massage training is an important part of your preparation. Why?
- If you take a foundational course, you are ready to get hands-on practice at home, and in whatever setting you work.
- If you have hands-on experience behind you, you are more likely to be ready when a hospital-based massage opportunity arises.
Most of our curriculum can be applied to the hospital setting, including hands-on massage adaptations, clinical reasoning skills, bolstering techniques, and tools for communicating with medical staff. Some of our students come from hospital settings already, and some start with us, then go on directly to work in hospital settings.
That said, there are many fine hospital-based massage programs, some of them listed at the Society for Oncology Massage. Requirements vary, but you’re more likely to succeed in a hospital-based massage therapy course, after a good foundational oncology massage course.
Are there jobs available in oncology massage?
Great question! We wrote a blog post to answer it.
Will this course really prepare me to work with people with cancer?
Our students tell us overwhelmingly that it does, and they turn around and use their training the next day in their private practice, hospital, clinic, franchise, or spa. They tell us they can not only manage the cases we covered in class, but also apply the principles and skills they learned to unfamiliar client cases. We love hearing this, again and again. The information and skills are immediately usable.
This student wrote us 3 days after she completed the course:
I had my first oncology client yesterday and I needed to tell you that it was amazing. And THIS is what I want you to know: I felt absolutely confident that I knew what I was I doing. I KNEW what I was doing!!!! I was thorough in my list of questions and new my adjustments and had my pillows and towels and was ready. The session went beautifully and my client went to sleep which was his goal. I really just want to say thank you :)” — Virginia Vickers, Scituate, MA
I have a client who’s been out of cancer treatment for a year. Will we learn about massage adaptations for cancer survivors, not just people with active cancer?
Yes. There are several critical adaptations to massage that are necessary for years, even decades after cancer treatment. Some are lifelong contraindications. We introduce these in the course, and even practice some of the hands-on modifications.
Will I be able to work in any cancer setting after this course?
Course participants have gone on to work in hospital settings, home care, spa or retreat settings, outpatient clinics, and hospice facilities. They tell us repeatedly how well this course prepared them for those settings.
Is any advance preparation required for this course?
There are a few videos for you to view ahead of time. In advance of your course, we’ll send you links to download them for free. These videos are required, and they introduce you to the knowledge base and systems we use in oncology massage. There is an article, as well, to uplift and inspire. We also suggest two textbooks, one by Tracy Walton and one by Gayle MacDonald. The textbook purchases are optional, but we send you information about discounts where applicable.
Will this or another course “certify” me in oncology massage?
This is a great question! Please click here for the answer.
Are there any shorter, less expensive alternatives to the 4-Day Intensive?
We offer two webinar series on massage and cancer, and individual webinars on demand. These are great ways to try out our work. But nothing replaces a face to face course, with multiple hands-on practice sessions and a supervised practice clinic. Using this formula, our teaching team and sponsors provide a wonderful learning experience that is hugely popular after more than 15 years of fine-tuning. Our students tell us they learned and grew on all levels.
I’ve been implementing some of the bolstering techniques with my patients with success. I’ve also implemented your pressure level scale in my SBAR notes. (Similar to SOAP notes) Your training was wonderful, I only wish I had had it sooner!” — Deb Farmer, Eau Claire, WI
This course seems expensive to me. Why does it cost what it costs?
Although the price per CE hour is pretty standard, it can add up when you multiply by 32.0 hours!
There is plenty of individual attention, from highly skilled faculty. We have a high faculty to student ratio, and superbly trained faculty. Learn about the instructors here.
You leave with high-quality training materials — over 200 pages of usable, re-usable, in-depth information and resources. We consistently hear from students that our training manual is the best they’ve seen.
In a word, the peer practice clinic, and the preparation behind it. The best learning comes from a supervised practice clinic, with case scenarios for clients with cancer histories. A practice clinic is uncommon in CE courses, and some clinics are thrown together in haste. But we put a lot of thought and preparation into ours.
The rewards are great: Our students consistently tell us these things sealed their learning experience. They have the confidence and skills to apply what they’ve learned.
What I learned compared to the price I paid, I got the better end of that deal.” — Tom Broderick, Palatine, IL
The 4-day oncology massage workshop was one of the finest programs I’ve ever attended! While the initial cost was a bit daunting, it was worth every penny (and then some!)” — Laura L. Anderson, East Hampton, CT
Is individual help available during the course?
We plan for you to receive individual help throughout, as needed. We are accessible and open. You can catch us on a break or after class for questions.
To Nanci and Cindy: I couldn’t have asked for better, kinder, more helpful, funnier teachers. It was such a pleasure to learn from you and to be in the class. Thank you for everything!” — Elana Behar, Jackson Heights, NY
I’ve already taken __‘s class in oncology massage. Will this be redundant?
Many MTs train with more than one oncology massage instructor, to deepen their experience in this specialty and to hear additional perspectives on the work. We all have slightly different teaching styles, and different approaches to common concepts. For depth and the variety, we recommend attending more than one oncology massage training.
Yes, expect some overlap if you’ve made the rounds of courses. Yet those who have taken multiple oncology massage courses tell us ours was a joyful review rather than tedious repetition. We welcome you in our class.
Felt I learned a lot not only about working with cancer patients, but info that can be used for other populations.” — Suzzanne Madden, Waterbury, CT
There are several oncology massage courses to choose from. How is yours unique, and how do I decide which to take?
Oncology massage is a rapidly growing field in massage therapy and new courses are being added all the time. Your best resource is the Society for Oncology Massage, which sets clear standards of practice and recognizes instructors that meet them.
Go to the S4OM website for the full list. Investigate available courses, look at different websites, look at each syllabus, and read the FAQs. Look at reviews and testimonials. Ask to speak to previous participants. Question the instructors.
No single course — not ours, not anyone’s — is right for everyone. You’ll figure out which one is a good fit.
Several things make our course unique:
- It is one day longer than the minimum 3 days required by the Society for Oncology Massage. Even so, it’s packed. After 15 years of teaching this to thousands of people, we see what’s essential to doing this work well, and we need 4 days to get it all in.
- We are told that we “teach people to fish,” rather than giving them fish. We teach principles and thinking processes, not just information. We do this for two reasons:
(1) It cuts down on the information you have to memorize (big hooray there).
(2) Instead of memorizing a huge range of cancer presentations and massage precautions, you leave our course with the tools you need to manage that range of presentations. This saves you and your clients time and grief, there is less fumbling for information. - The system we offer works with other common conditions, too. You’ll have a framework for conditions such as diabetes, stroke, cardiovascular disease, liver and lung disease, and even osteoporosis. You are likely to come away with new material, a fresh perspective, and some useful tools for your general practice.
“The MOST helpful portion of this course is the HANDBOOK!” — Ellen Bass, Verona, WI - Our hands-on instruction includes practical tools, and we focus on the heart and soul of massage therapy. We teach bolstering and positioning techniques that we have found, in practice, to be essential for client comfort and pain relief. Our peer practice clinic is carefully structured and prepared, down to the last detail.
My experience with the Oncology Training program was truly extraordinary. I’ve hit the ground running and started working on Oncology clients as soon as I returned to NJ. I currently see several Oncology clients per week and my book is building :-). It’s fantastic!” — Heather Disbrow, Browns Mills, NJ
How is the 4-Day Intensive different from your webinars or other online courses? Can I get this material in less time, or online?
This is a face-to-face course with a peer practice clinic, offered in real time, with hands-on instruction, exercises, and Q&A in an interactive environment.
In contrast, our pre-recorded webinars are self-paced, there is no interaction with the instructor, and obviously no hands-on instruction or clinic. In our short online courses, we are able to share some important information and concepts about massage and cancer, but we are limited to that. There is no chance to build skills and confidence, and no chance to check hands-on work.
In our experience, most MTs need good face-to-face instruction to work safely and well with people with cancer. We know this because MTs tell us this, and because the many questions that come through our office are requests from MTs to drill the information down to a short list of guidelines.
The principles and practices of oncology massage cannot be summarized in a sound bite, or two or three.
Some MTs are able to teach themselves about this work, using webinars, books, and articles. These successful self-taught MTs start with strong hands-on skills, good body mechanics, and an ongoing time commitment to a depth of education. They tend to have a strong grasp of the sciences, and some experience with medically complex populations. If you go this route, be sure you are teaching yourself with everything you can find on massage and cancer. This includes whole books and chapters of textbooks, researching a growing body of articles on the topic, and good online instruction.
If you want to specialize in oncology massage or make this population a focus in your practice, we strongly recommend face-to-face instruction with us, or with another provider who is recognized by the Society for Oncology Massage.
This is bound to change the direction I go in years ahead.” — Tom Van Horn, Hamden, CT
I feel prepared to approach any situation using your decision tree concept, whether for cancer/history or other medical situations which might require a different approach. Not having to turn someone away from receiving massage, especially someone for whom massage would be a benefit on so many levels, is the most valuable gift you have given us through this course.” — Carol Mathewson, Morristown, NJ
I already see clients with cancer (Or, I’ve been in practice a long time.) Will this course be too basic for me?
It probably depends on your experience and how much oncology massage literature you have read, but many seasoned MTs have taken this course and benefited from it. They receive reinforcement for the work they are already doing in the world, or go home with a stronger framework for their clinical decision-making with their clients. And almost everyone takes home new information and things to try with their clients.
This will be most helpful in the work I am currently doing at the hospital. The skills I have learned will help me to further understand the patient’s diagnosis and to be able to communicate more effective with my superiors as well as the families of the patients.” — Joan McNeil, St. Johns, FL
This is the BEST cont. ed. course I have ever taken. EVER. I have thought many times to write and let you know how much my training with you has impacted not only my practice, but me as a practitioner. I use the bolstering techniques with everyone now and many have noticed and commented on the difference. I have realized how much I love offering therapeutic, compassionate touch for people who are in a very difficult place and just need some time and attention on their healing process.” — Brandi Miss, Kitty Hawk, NC
If you are unsure about whether the course is the right level for you, send us an email and let’s talk by phone about your background before you sign up.
Is 4 days long enough? Can I learn all I need to learn?
We cover a lot of ground in 4 days. You will leave with a great foundation for your work. From here, you may go on to take related courses in hospital-based massage, lymphedema care, or even advanced treatment of scar tissue. But the 4-Day Intensive provides plenty for you to take, turn around, and get right to work.
I can’t tell you what it has done for my confidence as a new therapist! So, from the bottom of my heart, thank you.” — Jessica Johnson, Austin, TX
Will I be able to use the course information right away, or will I need more training first?
The content and delivery are designed to be usable right away with clients. Our students report putting the work into practice the next week, with great success.
Clean, clear, specific and immediately applicable.” — Stephanie Manion, Seattle, WA
More Questions?
Frequently Asked Questions about Oncology Massage in general can be found on our FAQ page.
Questions about training dates, locations, tuition, and registration can be found on our Training Schedule page. For CE course approvals, check here.
You may have questions about this course. If our Training Schedule page or the FAQ’s above haven’t answered them, then please send your questions to us in the form below, and we’ll answer them shortly.
QUESTION FORM — fill in the blanks
Oncology Massage Therapy 4-Day Intensive – Priority Contact
If your question is about dates, locations, or tuition, please look on our Training Schedule page first.
If your question is about CE course approvals, please look on our Course Approvals page first.
Course Approvals
Tracy Walton & Associates, LLC is approved by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) as an approved provider, #283404-00.
For other course approvals, click here.