Prerequisites: None
Class Open To: Licensed massage therapists only.
This ten class program (held over 5 Sundays) will provide the LMT with a new arsenal of techniques to work with the cancer patient during any phase of their process.
We will discuss cancer, surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and the recovery and hospice phases of treatment. As well, we will explore bodywork approaches for the cancer client from a variety of modalities.
This is a powerful course taught by top instructors in their respective fields. Our goal is to provide the massage therapist with the skills to feel competent and confident to work with the cancer patient with skill and compassion, using a variety of modalities, so that they will be able to work with someone during any phase of their cancer process.
Class 1: Pathology; Ethics and Boundaries, Professional Interactions
Class 2: Pathology
Class 3: Medical Massage: Thoracic Cancers (Breast and Lung) post surgery issues, radiation scarring, loss of mobility
Class 4: Medical Massage: Pelvic Cancers (Colon and Uterine) post surgery issues, radiation scarring, loss of mobility
Class 5: Reflexology: Stress reduction protocol
Class 6: Reflexology: Post surgical protocol
Class 7: Shiatsu: Five Element analysis and Shiatsu treatment approaches
Class 8: Energy Work; Treatment Protocol Concepts
Class 9: Hand and Foot Reflexology: chemotherapy and radiation protocol
Class 10: Lymphedema Cautions and Concerns
5 Sundays: June, 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 (2024)
Schedule by date and instructor:
Sunday June 2
- Pathology (taught by Betsy Eaton)
- Ethics and Boundaries, Professional Interactions (taught by Betsy Eaton)
Sunday June 9
- Reflexology: Stress reduction protocol (taught by Craig Kienzle)
- Reflexology: Post surgical protocol (taught by Craig Kienzle)
Sunday June 16
- Medical Massage: Thoracic Cancers (Breast and Lung): post surgery issues, radiation scarring, loss of mobility (taught by Janine Strenta)
- Medical Massage: Pelvic Cancers (Colon and Uterine): post surgery issues, radiation scarring, loss of mobility (taught by Janine Strenta)
Sunday June 23
- Shiatsu: Five Element analysis and Shiatsu treatment approaches (taught by Janine Strenta);
- Energy Work; Treatment Protocol Concepts (taught by Janine Strenta)
Sunday June 30
- Hand and Foot Reflexology: chemotherapy and radiation protocol (taught by Craig Kienzle)
- Lymphedema Cautions and Concerns (taught by Betsy Eaton)
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Module Descriptions
PATHOLOGY:
During these two modules we will look at the pathology of Cancer. As well we will discuss standard medical treatment approaches such as surgery, chemotherapy and radiation, their uses, applications and side affects. How to professionally interface with the medical team will also be presented.
MEDICAL MASSAGE: Post surgery issues, radiation scarring, loss of mobility
- Thoracic Cancers: Breast and Lung Cancer
- Pelvic Cancers: Colon and Uterine Cancer
During these two modules there will be a discussion of the commonly occurring issues post surgery (without lymphedema concerns) followed by a demonstration and practice of advanced soft tissue treatment protocols addressing all of the muscles and fascia of the area in a dynamic way. Using myofascial work along with muscle-specific techniques we will comprehensively address the area of pathology so that it can be reconnected back to the surrounding terrain, and its function reintegrated back into three-dimensional holographic movement. The goal of these two modules is to learn result-oriented treatment protocols designed to help clients restructure their holding patterns and to generate pain relief, fluidity and ease of movement.
SHIATSU: 5 Element Analysis and Treatment Approach
In this module we will dialogue, discuss, and together unpack what Cancer is from a Shiatsu / 5 Element perspective as well as look at the nature of both cancer and chemotherapy as pathogenic factors. We will discuss what organ dysfunctions occur creating the state of cancer, and then how that itself disrupts the proper function of other organs leading to secondary issues. This will be followed by dialogue and discussion of treatment goals, effective points to incorporate, and treatment approaches. This class also culminates in Shiatsu hands-on practice making the material tangible and more readily able to incorporate into your practice. A knowledge of Shiatsu Five Element Theory is required
FOOT REFLEXOLOGY : Stress reduction
In this module we will review the anatomical structure of the feet and learn the zones and guidelines that delineate divisions which represent the entire body in a three-dimensional way on the feet. We will also discuss the different types of stressors affecting cancer patients, what effect those stressors have on the body and why reflexology’s biggest benefit is stress reduction.
FOOT REFLEXOLOGY : Post Surgical Pain
In this module you will learn a hands-on protocol that can be used pre and post surgery for cancer patients that is designed to effectively reduce stress and to specifically target the area of cancer as well as addressing symptoms such as muscle tension and pain that often result following surgery. The goal is to assist the body with its own natural healing process and help patients better cope with all the demands that are being placed on their body, mind and spirit.
HAND AND FOOT REFLEXOLOGY: Chemotherapy and Radiation Protocol
Cancer surgery aims to remove diseased tissues. However the immediate as well as the long term side effects and complications from surgery/chemotherapy/radiation are diverse. In this module we will discuss the benefits of reflexology on these side effects and complications. You will then learn a protocol for working on the hands and feet to specifically address side effects such as constipation, headaches, nausea, and vomiting. Also included will be techniques to bolster the immune system.
ENERGY WORK:
In this module we will learn Energy Work. Though often thought of as nebulous, energy work is a profound hands-on approach that can be tangible and easily felt by both the practitioner and the client. We will explore this modality for use during all phases of Cancer treatment as well as during the recovery or hospice phase.
LYMPHEDEMA CAUTIONS AND CONCERNS
To better equip the massage therapist to safely work with cancer patients an understanding of lymphedema cautions, concerns and contraindications is vital. During this lecture class, we will discuss the basic structure & function of the lymphatic system as well as how lymphedema occurs and how it is distinguished from others edemas. There will be discussion of the information you need to gather from the client to assess their risk for lymphedema, along with understanding the signs and symptoms, contraindications, and when to refer the client for other intervention. Included in the lecture will be client prevention measures and self-care.|
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