Oncology/cancer-sensitive massage therapy
I've been in private practice now for over 17 years and during that time, have had the opportunity to work with those who are living with cancer. As with many other things, prevailing wisdom has changed and there is no longer fear of "spreading cancer" by receiving regular massage! That's wonderful news because massage therapists who have received advanced training can confidently treat their clients with protocols that are relaxing for your body and mind.
Cancer is cellular, not mechanical. What does that mean for you or a loved one? Cancer is not spread by the mechanical movement of your tissues such as massage or other touch therapies as long as you're working with an advanced practitioner who knows your particular restrictions and limitations.
I have received advanced practitioner training through Healwell, an organization devoted to teaching massage therapists how to work safely with Cancer patients. This 6-day Oncology massage intensive training covers most facets of cancer-sensitive massage that can feasibly be taught in a classroom. Additional training is available in order to work with scar tissue and I will be taking that training next year. For now, I will doing self-study and advance my knowledge in this specialized field.
There are over 235 types of cancer and yet massage can be effective, with modifications, for any type or stage of Cancer.
Our local hospitals also provide massage for in-patients! If you or a loved one would like to receive massage, please reach out to your doctor or nurse and find out if it would be possible at MJH or UVA hospital during your stay. This has become popular because hospital stays are fraught with anxiety and lack of sleep and touch that is not relaxing. (think blood draws, X rays, being woken for vitals, etc.)
If you'd simply like to chat with me about a visit to my office, please feel free to email me or call me and I will be happy to answer any questions you may have. If I don't know something, I will research it and then work with you to come up with a plan that is safe for you.
Cancer is cellular, not mechanical. What does that mean for you or a loved one? Cancer is not spread by the mechanical movement of your tissues such as massage or other touch therapies as long as you're working with an advanced practitioner who knows your particular restrictions and limitations.
I have received advanced practitioner training through Healwell, an organization devoted to teaching massage therapists how to work safely with Cancer patients. This 6-day Oncology massage intensive training covers most facets of cancer-sensitive massage that can feasibly be taught in a classroom. Additional training is available in order to work with scar tissue and I will be taking that training next year. For now, I will doing self-study and advance my knowledge in this specialized field.
There are over 235 types of cancer and yet massage can be effective, with modifications, for any type or stage of Cancer.
Our local hospitals also provide massage for in-patients! If you or a loved one would like to receive massage, please reach out to your doctor or nurse and find out if it would be possible at MJH or UVA hospital during your stay. This has become popular because hospital stays are fraught with anxiety and lack of sleep and touch that is not relaxing. (think blood draws, X rays, being woken for vitals, etc.)
If you'd simply like to chat with me about a visit to my office, please feel free to email me or call me and I will be happy to answer any questions you may have. If I don't know something, I will research it and then work with you to come up with a plan that is safe for you.