The Spurgeon Method®: Empowering Post-Mastectomy Recovery and Beyond
Las Vegas-based Brit and veteran manual therapist, Sally Spurgeon embarked on her own journey with breast cancer, creating a unique approach for recovery she now shares internationally.
Breast cancer is a journey that transforms lives in profound ways, not only physically but also emotionally. The battle against cancer is often fought bravely and successfully with the help of dedicated surgeons and oncologists. However, what comes after the life-saving treatments can be an overlooked struggle. The Spurgeon Method® sheds light on the post-surgical challenges faced by breast cancer survivors and offers a path to recovery and renewed well-being, highlighting the unique role that manual therapists play in this healing journey.
A Road Less Traveled
The Spurgeon Method® was born out of personal experience. As a massage and bodywork therapist who had battled breast cancer herself, I realized that the journey to recovery did not end with the successful elimination of cancer. Surgeries and radiation treatments, while essential for survival, often leave patients with a host of physical challenges. Pain, swelling, limited range of motion, and difficulty breathing are all common after-effects that could persist for months, years, or even a lifetime. Recognizing this gap in care, I developed The Spurgeon Method® to address these challenges and help patients regain their normal lives.
Empowering Recovery
Unlike the primary focus of oncologists and surgeons on eliminating cancer, The Spurgeon Method® is tailored to the unique needs of breast cancer survivors after medical treatments. Drawing on principles from various bodywork therapies including Oncology Massage, Manual Lymphatic Drainage, and Myofascial Release, the method takes a holistic approach to restoring the body’s function. By addressing the integumentary, fascial, lymphatic, circulatory, and muscular systems, the protocol helps to alleviate pain, enhance range of motion, and improve overall well-being.
Massage Therapists: The Healing Touch
Massage therapists occupy a uniquely positioned role in the recovery journey of breast cancer survivors. Their understanding of the body’s intricate systems, combined with their empathy and expertise, makes them vital allies in the battle against the residual effects of cancer treatments. Just as surgeons and oncologists play a pivotal role in eradicating cancer, massage therapists contribute significantly to the quality of life after these treatments.
Restoring Self-Image and Confidence
The journey of breast cancer recovery is not solely about the physical body. Emotions, self-image, and mental health all play a crucial role in this process. Mastectomy surgery, a common procedure for breast cancer treatment, can lead to a loss of positive self-image, creating feelings of isolation, shame, and anxiety. The Spurgeon Method® recognizes the emotional toll and aims to provide not only physical relief but also a pathway to restoring confidence and a sense of normalcy.
A Beacon of Hope
The impact of The Spurgeon Method® cannot be overstated. Its success stories echo the transformative power of personalized care. A poignant example is a patient who had been enduring pain and limited mobility for seven years following surgery. In just 45 minutes of treatment, she regained her range of motion and her zest for life. Such stories underline the potential for renewed hope and joy that this method can bring to countless survivors.
Empirical Validation
The Spurgeon Method® isn’t just anecdotal; it’s backed by research. Cindy Veazey, an Occupational Therapist at A.T. Still University’s Arizona Department of Health Sciences conducted a study on the method, demonstrating statistically significant results in shoulder abduction, flexion, and external rotation. This scientific validation further solidifies the efficacy of the protocol, making it a valuable addition to the array of tools available for breast cancer recovery.
Beyond Recovery: Monitoring and Maintenance
With 1 in 8 women being diagnosed with breast cancer annually, massage therapists are poised to encounter clients who have undergone breast cancer surgery. The Spurgeon Method® not only aids recovery but is also indispensable in monitoring and maintaining healthy breast tissue. By offering a safe and skilled approach, the method contributes to ongoing breast health awareness.
Spreading the Light
Over the past 13 years, The Spurgeon Method® has been making a difference in the lives of breast cancer survivors in the United States. The impact has been so profound that the method’s protocol is now being taught through ThinkTree Hub in the UK. This international expansion is a testament to the universal need for comprehensive post-surgical care and the acknowledgment that healing goes beyond medical procedures.
The Spurgeon Method® bridges the gap between medical treatment and the return to normal life, addressing challenges that can linger long after the battle against cancer has been won. With its holistic approach, scientific validation, and international reach, this manual therapy protocol offers not just relief from pain but the restoration of dignity, self-confidence, and the ability to embrace life anew, with the nurturing touch of skilled manual therapists leading the way.
Sally Spurgeon
Sally Spurgeon found herself in a unique position after being diagnosed with breast cancer. A massage therapist for over 30 years, she was able to draw on her personal experience and create The Spurgeon Method™ to help other women with issues that arise after mastectomy surgeries. In addition to running a busy massage office in Las Vegas, Sally also teaches her Method to massage therapists and other healthcare practitioners. For international classes, please email Sally.
Training available on 19/20 October 2023 in Manchester, please ensure below
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