Description
A fantastic opportunity this spring, to connect and learn with two industry experts, in the field of oncology massage and an introduction to remedial techniques for clients recovering from cancer related surgery.
This course will be presented jointly by the School of Natural Therapies Principal Marc Innes, and Director of Sport, Remedial and Soft Tissue Therapies, Joseph O’Dwyer.
Together, they will be offering a 3-day accredited programme for massage, beauty, and spa therapists, to enable them to feel confident in offering a variety of services to clients on a cancer treatment pathway, or living with and beyond cancer.
For beauty and spa therapists attending this programme, we will cover topics such as skincare and hand & foot rituals specifically adapted for clients with compromised health.
Entry requirement – U.K. recognised and regulated Diploma at Level 3 or above, which must include a form of massage, alongside Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology (A, P & P). Examples would include ITEC/VTCT, CIBTAC, CIDESCO.
Please check with us if you are unsure as to whether your qualification meets our requirements.
Why work with clients who have or are recovering from cancer?
Sobering statistics from world health experts predict that one in two people will experience some form of cancer in their lifetime. For this reason, it is more important than ever to support clients who are living with cancer or have a history of cancer.
We know very well that cancer treatments such as surgery, radiation, chemotherapy and immunotherapy cause side effects. Some side effects are short term and unfortunately some are long term. We often hear that after care is an afterthought!!
To that end, we have developed evidence- based techniques to reduce pain, increase range of motion and improve overall quality of life, during and post treatment recovery.
There are numerous global studies to support the use of light touch, gentle massage to ease the burden of cancer related side effects. Massage has been shown to be safe, effective and is the most sought-after complimentary therapy in cancer care.
We will have an opportunity to utilise adapted massage techniques for our client models, who attend certain practical aspects of the course.
In addition, massage can provide some effective remedial help for pain, dysfunction and loss of range of motion and mobility – this course will introduce learners to some effective techniques, to begin to alleviate troublesome and in some cases, long standing issues.
We often term the cancer surgery as ‘orchestrated trauma’ as surgery will undoubtedly cause a structural alteration to the fascial network, which can lead to musco-skeletal pain and dysfunction.
For this reason, any engagement with the body wouldn’t be complete without some discussion and understanding of this fascial network and its importance in function – and therefore – dysfunction, for clients in recovery from cancer surgery.
Alongside this, we will discover:
- The biology of cancer and how it develops in the body.
- Oncology terminology
- How cancer is treated in the medical arena.
- Adapted massage techniques and client positioning on the massage table.
- Cancer related surgery and how we can help restore mobility and reduce pain & dysfunction
- Lymphoedema awareness and our 6-step lymphatic protocol, which can be utilised prior to and post-massage
- The importance of appropriate skin care products and massage mediums.
- Prevention of cancer and wellness education
The Foundation Level in Cancer Care Massage recognises the vital role that massage, and other holistic treatments play in recovery from cancer treatments, but strongly recognises and respects any associated medical and clinical treatment.
We look forward to welcoming you to this foundational 3-day programme where you will work directly with clients who will share their personal stories and explain their cancer journey. Our understanding will contribute to our treatment protocols, which we will have an opportunity to explore during the course, on live models.
Together, we will create bespoke touch therapy treatments to address their specific needs and practice the art of therapeutic touch and massage. You will gain confidence in conducting a thorough intake and completing all necessary documents to support this certification including information on insurance and record keeping.
Opportunities for further development
Students who wish to work with clients in post-surgery, reconstructive surgery and recovery, may enrol on our forthcoming diploma course, which advances their knowledge and skills, in order to assess, treat and provide homecare and rehabilitation service and advice.
Marc Innes is a founder members of SATCC, a board of leading spa and wellness professionals, who have three aims: –
- A direct means for consumers to find SATCC accredited safe and welcoming salons, spas and therapists, who offer treatments for those touched by cancer.
- A register of SATCC approved training providers for salons, spas and therapists to further their cancer education.
- A source of inspiration, research and guidance for those scouring the internet for authenticity.
Naturally, The School of Natural Therapies are SATCC approved course providers.
Please see link below for further information on SATCC: – https://satcc.co.uk/#about-satcc
Contact
E: sntmassage@gmail.com
T: 0203 544 6544