Oncology Massage: Fact vs. Myth

Materials

• Text - 225 pages
• Multiple-choice test
• Certificate upon completion

Description

This practical continuing education course deconstructs common myths about the use of massage in cancer treatment. Focusing on the use of touch techniques to provide comfort and ameliorate the side effects of conventional cancer treatment, the course text also provides the most recent research, the use of bodywork techniques to strengthen the body during and after treatment and the importance of gathering detailed information about a client's medical history. Charts for the adjustment of massage techniques according to the treatment a patient is undergoing and appendices summarizing research on oncology patients and massage are also included.

In this course, you will learn about:

• the current paradigm shift in massaging clients who have cancer
• key factors regarding massage and metastasis
• specific variables in research related to massage for people who have cancer
• potential benefits of bodywork for cancer patients
• common short-term and long-term side effects of conventional cancer treatments
• essential elements involved in gloving
• massage for children living with cancer
• adjustments necessary to make a bodywork session less demanding for the client
• how bodywork can strengthen the vital organs, immune function and psychological response for clients who have cancer
• how massage can give comfort in the final stages of life
• recommendations for giving bodywork to caregivers in the home

Touch is vital to cancer patients' health and well-being and massage is a proven way to receive the benefits of touch. This CE program clearly informs therapists how to adjust their massage techniques in order to give massage sessions in a safe, effective manner for those with cancer as they receive treatment and during their recovery process.

Course Objectives

1. Identify the current paradigm shift in massaging persons who have cancer.
2. Recognize at least four key factors regarding massage and metastasis.
3. List the four specific variables in research related to massage for people who have cancer.
4. Identify at least three potential benefits of bodywork for cancer patients.
5. Recognize the common short-term and long-term side effects of conventional cancer treatments.
6. List the essential elements involved in gloving.
7. Describe the adjustments necessary to make a bodywork session less demanding for the client.
8. Identify how bodywork can strengthen the vital organs, immune function and psychological response for clients who have cancer.
9. Describe how massage can give comfort in the final stages of life.
10. List at least three of the recommendations for giving bodywork to caregivers in the home.

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Instructors

Sharon Burch, MSN, RN, NCTMB

Sharon Burch holds a Masters Degree in Nursing and has been practicing as a nurse since 1974. She is currently a Registered Nurse in the state of Arkansas. Additionally, Ms. Burch studied under many of today's leaders in massage therapy and bodywork during the 1980s, became Nationally Certified through the NCBTMB in 1993 and holds a professional membership with the AMTA.

As founder of Health Positive!, Ms. Burch has created over 60 home study nursing and massage continuing education programs, performed over 65 public, live educational presentations, has written two published books, served as a member on the NCBTMB Continuing Education committee and was a founding member of the National Association of Nurse Massage Therapists.

Sharon is an instructor on many of the Institute's programs and has authored and co-authored various ethics courses and additional titles such as Touch for the Seriously Ill, Stress Reduction Through Bodywork, Staying Well – Naturally, Cardiopulmonary Health and Illness, Chronic Pain Management, Marketing Massage in Four Easy Steps, Preventing Medical Errors, HIV Update for Massage Therapists and Bodyworkers, Understanding HIV, Massage for Edema and more.