Although I have been a massage therapist for 28 years, I have recently qualified as an Oncology Massage Practitioner. When I trained all that time ago, working with people with cancer was contraindicated and I wanted to be able to help those that I felt would benefit most from massage. I have been working with clients with cancer in France, but have just returned to the UK to set up a clinic in East Devon, specialising in massage for people who have had cancer or are undergoing treatment for cancer, as well as their carers. Ideally I would like to be associated with a doctors surgery or health centre and my question is, would GP's refer patients to a complimentary therapist, such as myself? Are there other avenues that I should investigate that would be more successful? Many thanks.
Are you a CNHC member? I'm not, but it may help to give you street cred as a complementary therapist. You are unlikely to get direct referrals from GP's. Try contacting local hospices and Marie Curie/Macmillan nurses in your area.
Who did you train with? Did the course admin have any suggestions? I have been working with palliative clients for many years, and love what I do and the privilege of working with the clients and their families humbles me on a daily basis.
I've worked with cancer patients for quite a few years teaching tai chi and meditation. One major issue you will have is that many hospitals have Macmillan support centres or independent charities that offer therapy services free of charge.
There is potential opportunity if you volunteer there - clients will get maybe 5 free sessions and if they like you, they could use you for more sessions in a paying format. The issue is that you can't really "sell" to them as it's unethical as they're considered vulnerable people.
I have never heard about oncology massage. What is that? How can people with cancer benefit from it? My wife has breast cancer.
Hi Patypat - contact your wife's treatment centre - they may have links/contacts with oncology massage therapists who could give you more information. The technique itself is used as a way of inducing relaxation - it's very gentle and totally non-invasive. I love doing it (and loved receiving it, when I had cancer treatment during 2001)
I have never heard about oncology massage. What is that? How can people with cancer benefit from it? My wife has breast cancer.
Hello Patypat, firstly I'm sorry to hear that your wife has breast cancer. I am an Oncology massage practitioner and have chosen to specialise in this method of massage as I feel it is very important for therapists to have an understanding of the pathology of the disease, the side effects of the treatments used as well as being able to provide a safe and therapeutic massage. In my experience the reported benefits are enormous. It's not just about the physical massage treatment, it's more of a holistic approach to the condition, reducing anxiety, helping with the side effects of the treatments eg. nausea, problems with sleep, pain and providing support. I am not sure if I can post my web site on this message, as it has lots more information about what I do, but if you message me privately I can let you know more. Best wishes to you both.
Hello Patypat, firstly I'm sorry to hear that your wife has breast cancer. I am an Oncology massage practitioner and have chosen to specialise in this method of massage as I feel it is very important for therapists to have an understanding of the pathology of the disease, the side effects of the treatments used as well as being able to provide a safe and therapeutic massage. In my experience the reported benefits are enormous. It's not just about the physical massage treatment, it's more of a holistic approach to the condition, reducing anxiety, helping with the side effects of the treatments eg. nausea, problems with sleep, pain and providing support. I am not sure if I can post my web site on this message, as it has lots more information about what I do, but if you message me privately I can let you know more. Best wishes to you both.
Thank you! That sounds great! I'm the wife btw. Can you just message me your link and i will contact you for more info after i read it? Thanks!!
Thank you! That sounds great! I'm the wife btw. Can you just message me your link and i will contact you for more info after i read it? Thanks!!
Hi, hope you can open this - www.oncologymassageclinic.co.uk Look forward to hearing from you.