Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/1358392
L i s te n to T h e A B M P Po d c a s t a t a b m p.co m /p o d c a s t s o r w h e reve r yo u a cce s s yo u r favo r i te p o d c a s t s 67 treatments. The old myth to "never work on a person with cancer because you will spread it" has been challenged by practitioners and thinkers in cancer care and oncology massage therapy. We now have evolved techniques specifically modified for cancer care that allow us to work with people safely. It's important to be able to differentiate between what is an old myth, belief, and/ or misconception and what is current knowledge. SEEK SPECIALIZED TRAINING If you are interested in oncology massage, or working with pregnant clients, individuals with injuries, postsurgical scars or burns, and so forth, get the training you need to be competent. Be aware that some skills take longer to master than others, and some need follow-up supervision or mentorship. For example, skill in working through all stages of pregnancy takes about 30 hours of training; oncology massage takes a minimum of 24 hours of training; and the assessment and treatment of injuries for the complete body takes approximately 150 hours. There are always opportunities to grow your knowledge and refine your skills. There are a wide range of trainings and courses available for work with oncology massage, pregnancy massage, fascia, surgical scarring, lymph disturbances, and more. Do your research and find a teacher or program that helps you meet your goal. doctor, such as back pain due to a kidney stone or infection; bursitis in the shoulder or hip that would worsen with massage; or any unresolving pain that might be indicative of a more serious condition. BE AWARE OF PRESSURE As a general guideline, always work gently at first, increasing your pressure gradually to match the needs of each client. As you approach a new part of the body, begin again gently. It is often true that one part or one side of the body is more relaxed and can take more pressure while another part or the opposite side may handle far less. If the type of bodywork you do uses a great deal of pressure and force (like Rolfing, Hellerwork, Anatomy Trains, etc.), be especially diligent in your intake to be aware of any pain a client has in their body. DON'T MAKE ASSUMPTIONS Check in frequently with your client to make sure the pressure you are using is not too much or too little. Each time you have a client change positions, make sure they are comfortable. Don't assume all clients will speak up. Make it clear to them from your first meeting that you welcome their feedback at any time to make sure they are getting what they want and need from each of their sessions. KEEP LEARNING Is your knowledge current? Can you differentiate unscientific, misleading material from researched information supported by data? New knowledge about working with cancer, pregnancy, tendon injuries, burns, physical and sexual abuse survivors, and more has emerged over the past 20 years and continues to grow. In particular, over the past 10 years, research regarding massage and cancer has suggested that certain massage therapies can benefit people affected by cancer by easing common symptoms and side effects of their medical BE HUMBLE AND REFER WHEN NECESSARY When you encounter a client with a problem you are not familiar with, do you research the issue? Do you request supervision from a teacher or mentor? Do you refer the client to a therapist or practitioner who is trained and experienced in that issue? Or do you assume you can work with just about any problem? There is a saying: A little knowledge can be a dangerous thing. I have been involved in court cases where therapists have taken a four-hour class and think of themselves as experts. Becoming an expert takes a long time, often years of hands-on work alongside continuing education. Maintaining humility about what we know and what we don't know is an important and respected quality in a responsible therapist. One useful way to check your knowledge and level of skill is to solicit regular, honest feedback from your peers, a more experienced therapist, or a teacher you respect. PEXELS.COM¬YAN®KRUKOV