Today is World Cancer day and as an oncology massage specialist, I have seen many changes, the biggest one is the role we can have in our client’s cancer journey. With proper training oncology massage is no longer contraindicated, with its’ many benefits we can help support our clients health and have a positive impact. .
The most frequent question I get asked is ‘what makes oncology massage different from any other form of soft tissue therapy?’ The best way I can answer this is:
Oncology Massage is neither light, fluffy, nor insubstantial, it addresses the needs of the client and delivers a bespoke massage. The method of application is what I refer to as ‘melting’ into the tissue, it’s this ability to feel what is happening underneath the hands which directs the touch or movement. This approach is not a routine, it is not heavy-handed, the intention is to support a clients well-being, rather than them ending up having to recover from the massage.
I invite you to watch a FREE 40 minute webinar wherein I introduce ‘what oncology massage is (and what it isn’t!)’ https://www.susanfindlay.co.uk/video-library/what-oncology-massage-is-and-what-it-isnt/
Remember, cancer massage is not all doom and gloom. As an oncology massage therapist we can be a part of a team that offers an integrative approach. Like most skills you need to seek further tuition that enables you to work safely and effectively, if you’re Interested in further training you can find details on https://www.susanfindlay.co.uk/oncology/
My name is Susan Findlay and like most of the people I teach, I came to sports massage & remedial soft tissue therapy by way of a journey.
My journey began with classical dance and gymnastics back in my home country, Canada. When your body is the tool that you work with, you learn to take notice of it and it was this interest in the human body that led me to retrain as a nurse.
After working for the NHS, I made the choice to be my own boss. Still in the health and fitness field, I worked with GPs and health centres, setting up different schemes for a range of clientele. Holding 20+ classes a week and running multiple health programmes, I discovered a love of teaching and enjoyed the rewards of helping clients reach their goals.
I retrained in 1996 and gained a Sport Massage and a Remedial Soft Tissue Therapy qualification that helped me to bring all my skills together. This eventually lead me into teaching and writing a book. As life would have it my focus evolved into becoming a specialist in oncology massage, long before it was trendy and not considered a contraindication. I now teach a program nationally that offers certification for therapists to offer a much needed and appreciated therapy.
Although I am the director (and senior lecturer) of NLSSM, I have never given up the practical side of the profession and I still run my own clinic in both North London & Wales.
Keeping up with the real world helps to keep me inspired and that helps to make me a better teacher.
My name is Susan Findlay and like most of the people I teach, I came to sports massage & remedial soft tissue therapy by way of a journey.
My journey began with classical dance and gymnastics back in my home country, Canada. When your body is the tool that you work with, you learn to take notice of it and it was this interest in the human body that led me to retrain as a nurse.
After working for the NHS, I made the choice to be my own boss. Still in the health and fitness field, I worked with GPs and health centres, setting up different schemes for a range of clientele. Holding 20+ classes a week and running multiple health programmes, I discovered a love of teaching and enjoyed the rewards of helping clients reach their goals.
I retrained in 1996 and gained a Sport Massage and a Remedial Soft Tissue Therapy qualification that helped me to bring all my skills together. This eventually lead me into teaching and writing a book. As life would have it my focus evolved into becoming a specialist in oncology massage, long before it was trendy and not considered a contraindication. I now teach a program nationally that offers certification for therapists to offer a much needed and appreciated therapy.
Although I am the director (and senior lecturer) of NLSSM, I have never given up the practical side of the profession and I still run my own clinic in both North London & Wales.
Keeping up with the real world helps to keep me inspired and that helps to make me a better teacher.
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