Oncology Massage Training
Oncology massage is an approach to massage therapy rooted in both compassion and specialized massage treatments to help people manage their experience with cancer—physically, emotionally and spiritually, cultivating an overall sense of well-being.
According to scientific literature, oncology massage helps improve quality of life. Benefits include improved relaxation, sleep, and immune function as well as relieving anxiety, pain, fatigue and nausea. However, a doctor’s note is required if the person with cancer is diagnosed with and/or currently receiving, or have received in the last 6 months, chemo/radiation therapy or if lymph nodes have been removed in the past 12 months.
In this training, students will learn:
-
the basics of how cancer works, along with the roll of the lymphatic system
-
common cancer treatments and potential side effects, including, but not limited to, the physical, psycho-social and emotional consequences of cancer
-
how to meet clients and loved ones where they are in their experience with cancer
-
how to modify touch to create highly individualized massage treatments that comfort, nurture and support them in their process.
Personal goals for receiving oncology massage can include the desire for a respite—a relaxing pleasurable experience in the midst of everything that is going on, relieving nausea or other symptoms such as pain or peripheral neuropathy and helping them get though the remainder of their cancer treatments.
INSTRUCTOR
Erin is a full-time oncology massage therapist at Norton Cancer Institute's Children's Hospital, where she has been helping patients with an oncology diagnosis, and their families since 2017. She began her career in massage therapy 2005 after graduating from the Healing Arts Center in St. Louis, Missouri. A native of Louisville, she returned home to start a private practice. Erin also practices medical massage, pediatric massage, Jin Shin Jyustu, and energy work.
As an instructor in HighVibe Mettaverse's School of Integrative Massage and Bodywork, Erin is passionate about ensuring that students have all the skills to become successful LMTs while learning in a welcoming and diverse environment. Erin enjoys time with her family, hiking, yoga, pilates, and reading. She believes when we start to see people as more than just bodies, the healing can begin.