Oncology Massage Therapist - 300Hrs
Cost: $5,128
($4,986 if use prepay option for each class)
Program Overview: Massage can be given to any patient at any stage of the cancer experience. Oncology Massage training provides guidelines to massage therapists for safe application of their personal massage style to those with active cancer, those in remission or those in treatment. Isabel Adkins is the primary teacher and her approach integrates both western and eastern modalities to address symptoms and side effects of both treatment and disease.
The Massage Therapy Institute offers a comprehensive 300 hour Oncology Massage Therapist Certification program. Our program is designed to be taken over a period of ten months in workshop format. Prerequisites to enter this program - Certified or Licensed Massage Therapist (at least 96 hrs of massage training) and Massage Therapy for Clients with Cancer© (28 hrs) OR an equivalent class approved by the Society for Oncology Massage (S4OM), Oncology Massage 1 and Clinic 1 and 20 Supervised/Mentoring sessions with oncology clients. Required classes are Oncology Massage 2 & 3, Cancer Basics, Oncology Massage Clinic 2, Scar Tissue & Lymphedema Risk & 51 hours of elective (listed) technique classes, and Oncology Massage Externship and Community Project.
Prerequisite:
- Certified or Licensed Massage Therapist (minimum training Massage Therapy Fundamentals (96 hrs) or equivalent)
- Massage Therapy for Clients with Cancer© (28 hrs) This class will cover the importance of touch in cancer care; massage as Complementary Medicine. Can massage cause metastasis; basic principles of how cancer arises and spreads. Is cancer really the "enemy?"; watching our projections and language around cancer. Addressing therapist's fear, confusion and resistance; coming closer to those who live with cancer - embracing our clients in ALL they carry. Understanding symptoms caused by chemotherapy, radiation and surgery; safe massage principles for clients during and after treatment. Understanding lymphedema risk; basic lymphatic system physiology and anatomy - safe massage protocols for clients who live with lymphedema risk. Basic Reflexology; addressing chemo neuropathy and supporting the body organs through cancer treatments. Introduction to medical PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). Owning the therapist's role; "assessing" and "addressing" client's needs and conditions through neutral listening, proper intake and development of massage plans. Massage clinic with clients in cancer treatment or post treatment.
Oncology Massage 1 -Blending East with West ™ (22 hrs) Class will allow body therapists to enhance their work with cancer patients by integrating Reflexology and Acupressure skills with the Massage for People Living with Cancer© protocol in regard to pressure adjustments, sites that need to be avoided and client positioning. While looking at the body from an Eastern Medicine point of view, practitioners will learn: how to support the internal organs during disease, treatment and recovery; how to address symptoms more directly by understanding how the organs “network”; how to mitigate the side effects of treatment and symptoms of disease, such as low blood counts, nausea, fatigue, neuropathy, weakness in the limbs, and GI tract disorders; how to strengthen the immune system; the importance of Ayurvedic oils for cancer cure; the psychological aspects of living with a potentially fatal disease and how that may impact the immune system. Materials fee $16 to be paid to instructor. This class also requires focused sitting. We provide floor chairs and if you need something more comfortable, please bring your chair, pillow, etc.Prerequisite: 96 hrs of massage training plus "Massage for People Living with Cancer" or equivalent Society for Oncology Massage approved class. Instructor: Isabel Adkins.
Oncology Massage Clinic 1(8 hrs)This class will review class material and supervised clinic with clients. Prerequisite: Oncology Massage 1.Instructor: Isabel Adkins.
- After you have completed Oncology Massage 1 and Oncology Massage Clinic 1, with instructor permission, you may register for the Oncology Massage Externship and Project and the Oncology Massage Certification Program.
Instructor: for this program is Isabel Adkins
This certification program consists of these classes. For specific dates and times for these classes, see list below or workshop schedule:
Oncology Massage 2 - Integrating Complementary Therapies ™ (40 hrs) In this class, we will enhance our protocol for cancer patients, integrating the reflexology and back shu bladder points learned in Oncology 1 with acupressure points along seven of the major meridians: spleen, liver, stomach, kidney, lung, conception vessel, large intestine and pericardium. Students will explore the psychological aspects of the organs: their personalities in terms of likes, dislikes and emotions. Students will establish a direct relationship between what each organ influences physically to the human behavior it also regulates. Students will develop an enhancement of massage protocol: specific acupressure points to address different signs & symptoms of disease and treatments. Finally, students will practice with volunteer clients living with cancer.Prerequisite: Oncology Massage 1, Oncology Massage Clinic 1, 20 supervised practice sessions plus some swedish massage training. Instructor: Isabel Adkins.
Scar Tissue And Lymphadema Risk - Oncology Massage for Cording, Adhesion & Range of Motion (24 hrs). In this class, the student will learn gentle and effective techniques to address scar tissue, axillary cording and range of motion restrictions in the client with a compromised lymphatic system. We will explore ways to move lymph fluid, when typical pathways are blocked by adhesions, radiated tissue and fibrotic tissue. Acupressure to assist with fluid movement, tension release and stress reduction will be discussed. Since a large part of recovery includes client participation with exercise, self MLD and compression, client education methods are includedin this course. At the conclusion of the class, the student will be able to confidently create a treatment plan designed for a client's unique needs. The treatment plan will include soft tissue mobilization, adhesion reduction and lymphatic drainage techniques, acupressure and client education. The class will include a brief overview of the lymphatic system. However, the student should review the basic lymphatic system anatomy and physiology from Oncology Massage 1 prior to this course. This allows more time for hands-on-focus. Materials fee $15. This class is not approved for CAMTC hours. Prerequisite: Oncology Massage 1 and 50 hours of Swedish Massage training. Guest Instructor: Janeen Stewart Cost: $432 = 3-wk prepay $420.
Oncology Massage 3 - Working with Cancer, Understanding Trauma ™ (40 hrs) In this class we will be exploring how the cancer experience may lead to trauma for the central nervous system. We will look at: the physiology biochemistry and symptoms of trauma; situations in which having cancer and treatments may be perceived as “danger” for the body; useful forms of bodywork, including acupressure, to approach symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder; and appropriate communication to use when interacting with a client in a state of trauma. Prerequisite: Enrollment in the certification program or significant experience in Oncology massage with consent of instructor. Must have taken Oncology Massage I and 2, Oncology Massage Clinic, and 30-40 supervised internship massage sessions (number to be determined between student and instructor) Instructor: Isabel Adkins.
Oncology Massage Clinic 2(8 hrs)Fine tuning of Acupressure skills and integration of reflexology acupressure and massage. Prerequisite: Clinic 1, Oncology Massage 2 and 30/40 supervised practice sessions. Instructor: Isabel Adkins.
Oncology Massage Clinic 3 (16 hrs) Clinic prerequisites and descriptions to be announced. Instructor: Isabel Adkins.
Cancer Basics - East and West Meeting ™ (24 hrs) This class is designed to give the oncology massage therapist an in depth understanding of the cancer process, from the malignant cell and how it becomes so, to the effect of the disease process on each individual organ and the body as a whole. Students will learn to: Identify the body systems affected by cancer in each organ discussed, Define the most likely sites of metastasis from the original tumor site, Identify side effects of standard chemotherapy agents, and Identify oncologic emergencies and know the action to be taken. Prerequisite: Oncology Massage I (Oncology Massage 2 Recommended). We provide floor chairs. Please bring your own comfortable sitting stuff. Please also bring a set of sheets and pillowcase. Instructor: Connie Kishbaugh.
Community Project / Mentoring and Evaluation (97 hrs) This is an individual module with a combination of: around 70 practice sessions with cancer patients done with one-on-one consultation time as needed with Isabel. A relevant oncology massage community project approved and supervised by Isabel.
Plus any 51 hours from the technique class listed below
- Touch, Presence and Healing (16 hrs) Nov 17 & 18, 2016
- Foot Reflexology (15 hrs) Dec 3 & 4, 2016
- Cranial Sacral Balancing (30 hrs) Jan 30, 31 and Feb 6 & 7, 2017
- CSB - Unwinding (24 hrs) March 1, 2 & 3, 2017 (CSB 1 is prerequisite)
- Touch, Presence & Healing (16 hrs) April 29 & 30, 2017
- Reflexology (Feet, hands and ears) (30 hrs) June 15, 16, 17 & 18, 2017
Required before Graduation:
You may pay class by class, at prices listed (cost for these classes are as follows: Oncology Massage 2 - Integrating Complementary Therapies ™ ($720), Oncology Massage 3 - Working with Cancer, Understanding Trauma ™ ($720), Oncology Massage Clinic - 2 & 3, Cancer Basics - East and West Meeting ™ ($490), Community Project / Evaluation ($1110).
Classes may be taken in any order as long as you are in compliance with any prerequisite requirement. Please note that to use the term 'Certified in California', you must be certified by the California Massage Therapy Council (camtc.org)
It is recommended that students take two consecutive classes only, unless the third class is the Oncology Massage Clinic class.
UPCOMING CLASSES
2017
CANCER BASICS - East and West Meeting (24 hrs) Tues, Wed & Thurs, Jan 10, 11 & 12 (9 am - 6 pm). This class is designed to give the oncology massage therapist an in depth understanding of the cancer process, from the malignant cell and how it becomes so, to the effect of the disease process on each individual organ and the body as a whole. Students will learn to: identify the body systems affected by cancer in each organ discussed, define the most likely sites of metastasis from the original tumor site, identify side effects of standard chemotherapy agents, and Identify oncologic emergencies and know the action to be taken. Prerequisite: Oncology Massage I (Oncology Massage 2 Recommended). This class requires focused sitting. We provide floor chairs and if you need something more comfortable, please bring your own chair, pillow, etc. Guest Instructor: Connie Kishbaugh. Cost: $490, 3-Wk Prepay $470.
ONCOLOGY MASSAGE 2 "Integrating Complimentary Therapies"TM (40 hrs) Sat, Sun, Mon, Tues & Wed, Jan 14, 15, 16, 17 & 18 (9 am - 6 pm). Prerequisite: Oncology Massage I and 50 hours Swedish style massage training and 20 mentoring/supervised sessions. Instructor: Isabel Adkins Cost: $720 Prepay: 3-Wk: $699 (Materials fee $25 to be paid to instructor)
SCAR TISSUE AND LYMPHEDEMA RISK - Oncology Massage for Cording, Adhesion & Range of Motion (24 hrs) Tues, Wed & Thurs, June 27, 28 & 29 (9 am - 6 pm). In this class, the student will learn gentle and effective techniques to address scar tissue, axillary cording and range of motion restrictions in the client with a compromised lymphatic system. We will explore ways to move lymph fluid, when typical pathways are blocked by adhesions, radiated tissue and fibrotic tissue. Acupressure to assist with fluid movement, tension release and stress reduction will be discussed. Since a large part of recovery includes client participation with exercise, self MLD and compression, client education methods are included in this course. At the conclusion of the class, the student will be able to confidently create a treatment plan designed for a client's unique needs. The treatment plan will include soft tissue mobilization, adhesion reduction and lymphatic drainage techniques, acupressure and client education. The class will include a brief overview of the lymphatic system. However, the student should review the basic lymphatic system anatomy and physiology from Oncology Massage 1 prior to this course. This allows more time for hands-on-focus. Materials fee $15. This class is not approved for CAMTC hours. Prerequisite: Oncology Massage 1 and 50 hours of Swedish Massage training. Guest Instructor: Janeen Stewart Cost: $432 Prepay: 3-Wk $420
ONCOLOGY MASSAGE CLINIC I (8 hrs) - Tues July 18 (9 am - 6 pm). This class will review class material and supervised clinic with clients. Prerequisite: MTFCWC and Oncology Massage 1. Instructor: Isabel Adkins Cost: $170 3-Wk Prepay: $165.
ONCOLOGY MASSAGE CLINIC 2 (8 hrs) Wed, July 19 (9 am - 6 pm). Fine tuning of Acupressure skills and integration of reflexology acupressure and massage. Prereq: Clinic 1, Oncology Massage 2 and 30/40 supervised practice sessions. Instructor: Isabel Adkins Cost: $170 3-Wk Prepay: $165.
ONCOLOGY MASSAGE CLINIC 3 (16 hrs) Thurs & Fri, July 20 & 21 (9 am - 6 pm). Description coming soon. Instructor: Isabel Adkins Cost: $340 3-Wk Prepay: $330.
ONCOLOGY MASSAGE 3 - Understanding Trauma (40 hrs). Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs & Fri, July 24, 25, 26, 27 & 28 (9 am - 6 pm). In this class we will be exploring how the cancer experience may lead to trauma for the central nervous system. We will look at: the physiology biochemistry and symptoms of trauma; situations in which having cancer and treatments may be perceived as "danger" for the body; useful forms of bodywork, including acupressure, to approach symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder; and appropriate communication to use when interacting with a client in a state of trauma. $25 Materials fee to be paid to Instructor. Prerequisite: Enrollment in the certification program or significant experience in Oncology massage with consent of instructor. Must have taken Oncology Massage I and 2, Oncology Massage Clinic, and 30-40 supervised internship massage sessions (number to be determined between student and instructor). Instructor: Isabel Adkins Cost: $720 Prepay: 3-Wk $699 (plus materials fee: $25 to be paid to instructor).
October 2017
MASSAGE THERAPY FOR CLIENTS WITH CANCER (24 hrs) Mon, Tues & Wed Oct 16, 17 & 18 (9 am - 6 pm). Comfort-oriented massage or touch can be administered to people with cancer regardless of the severity of their condition, and at any stage in the cancer experience. Topics covered include: understanding metastasis - why is massage not contraindicated; adaptations that must be made for clients who have undergone or are undergoing chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery; massage protocol for patients at risk for lymphedema; exploration and processing of participants' personal experience and relationship to cancer; intake procedures; and most importantly, opening the heart to those with serious illness. This is a critical thinking class and requires focused, comfortable sitting. We provide floor chairs and if you need something more comfortable, please bring your own chair, pillow, etc. Prerequisite: 50 hrs of massage training. Instructor: Isabel Adkins Cost: $432, 3-Wk Pre-pay: $412 (Materials fee $20 to be paid to instructor)
ONCOLOGY MASSAGE 1 "BLENDING EAST with WEST" (22 hrs) Thurs Oct 19 (11 am - 6 pm) & Fri & Sat Oct 20 & 21 (9am - 6 pm). Class will allow body therapists to enhance their work with cancer patients by integrating Reflexology and Acupressure skills with the Massage for People Living with Cancer protocol in regard to pressure adjustments, sites that need to be avoided and client positioning. While looking at the body from an Eastern Medicine point of view, practitioners will learn: how to support the internal organs during disease, treatment and recovery; how to address symptoms more directly by understanding how the organs "network"; how to mitigate the side effects of treatment and symptoms of disease, such as low blood counts, nausea, fatigue, neuropathy, weakness in the limbs, and GI tract disorders; how to strengthen the immune system; the importance of Ayurvedic oils for cancer cure; the psychological aspects of living with a potentially fatal disease and how that may impact the immune system. This class also requires focused sitting. We provide floor chairs and if you need something more comfortable, please bring your own chair, pillow, etc. Prerequisite: Massage Therapy for Clients with Cancer or equivalent Society for Oncology Massage approved class. Instructor: Isabel Adkins Cost $396 3-Wk Prepay $376 (Materials fee $16 to be paid to instructor)
ONCOLOGY MASSAGE CLINIC 1 (8 hrs) Sun Oct 22 (9 am - 6 pm). This class will review class material and supervised clinic with clients. Prerequisite: MTFCWC and Oncology Massage 1. Instructor: Isabel Adkins Cost: $170 3-Wk Prepay: $165.
