Course Descriptions
Listed in order of appearance.
Keynote Speaker: Hope, a Dynamic Process in Living
Cathy Fanslow-Brunjes, RN, MA, CNS
Cathy will discuss “The Power of Hope” and share her unique method of approaching and interacting with cancer patients and their families/loved ones by tuning into their personal and unique hopes. Utilizing the “Hope System” and “The Four Stages of Hope” you will learn to assist and accompany oncology patients from initial diagnosis to last breath; providing comfort in a more practical, helpful and compassionate way.
Strengthening Immunity with Bodywork: A Blend of East and West
Isabel Adkins, BA, CMT, CMLDT
Learn different ways comfort oriented bodywork naturally enhances immunity. Gain knowledge of basic Chinese medicine theory and principles that relate to immune function along with specific acupressure points and techniques. Start integrating these into your work to address immune deficiency symptoms related to both disease and treatment.
Research and Practice: Touch, Caring and Cancer
Tracy Walton, MS, NCTMB and William Collinge, PhD, MPH
We are often asked to teach basic massage strokes to caregivers of people with cancer, and we are in an ideal position to guide friends and family in the safe touch of their loved ones. These exchanges are rewarding, but can also raise challenges.
How do we translate our work for lay people, and help them address important safety concerns? How can professional massage therapy and caregiver massage be mutually supportive? How does research support touch and massage in cancer care?
With NIH support, we developed “Touch, Caring, and Cancer: Simple Instruction for Family and Friends,” a multicultural instructional video to address these questions. We filmed patient/caregiver dyads learning simple massage techniques, and speaking poignantly of their experiences. We tested the video in a clinical trial of 97 couples, who told us that caregiver massage relieved their symptoms, eased caregivers’ fears of doing harm, and enhanced their relationships. The study supports two emerging trends in cancer care: professional oncology massage therapy, and the teaching of supportive care techniques to family caregivers. In this session we present research data from our study and several others. We will show portions of the video, and discuss the role of professional massage and caregiver empowerment in the circle of cancer care.
The Science Behind Gentle Touch for People with Cancer
Eleanor Oyston, CT (ASC), DipRM, Bowen Therapist, ATMS, BTFA, AAMT, AIMA
Discover how massage therapy can become a conduit for our ailing medical system to witness the benefits of gentle touch, profoundly soothing the wounded soul. In the past 5 years scientific awareness of fascia has blossomed e.g.1990-1991 = 1318 articles, 2004 – 2008 = 14447 articles. We now have a scientific understanding of cell surface markers = epigenetics; how interstitial fluid influences cell function = the molecules of emotion; and through physics and acupuncture we have a medical understanding of energy systems in the body. As massage (tactile) therapists we have a unique experience of this ‘new body’ of scientific knowledge that is ancient, an understanding that is shared by no other health professional. No one gently caresses a human body as we do, in sickness and in health. Learn to understand the science at our fingertips so we can share our ancient wisdom and find common ground.
Massage for Children with Cancer
Tina Allen, LMT, CPMMT, CPMT, CIMT
Understand how a child who has been diagnosed with Cancer, has symptoms that are often accompanied by pain, anxiety, loneliness and fear. Explore why many practitioners, and families, are turning to the nurturing touch of massage therapy to provide much needed care and comfort. Identify the most common types of childhood cancers and methods used to treat them. Research that has proved the benefits of using massage therapy for pediatric clients will be discussed. Learn thru demonstrations, a hands-on protocol you can use with pediatric oncology clients.
Panel of 3: Creating Your Dream
Johnette du Rand, LMT, NCTMB, S4OM Program Director, Greet the Day
Wayne McKinzie, LMT, CMLDT, Executive Director Shine Therapy
Steve Gordon, LMT, NCTMB, Executive Director The Hand to Heart Project
Do you have a passion for a cause that you believe may best serve your community as a non-profit organization (NPO)? Would you like to apply for foundation grants, research underwriting, and/or tax-deductible donations? Meet three massage therapists who have, learn about their programs and the challenges, opportunities, and rewards of working in the NPO arena.
The Most Important Question – What Are You Hoping For?
Cathy Fanslow-Brunjes, RN, MA, CNS
Explore how to unearth and understand the impact of your own systems of hope and how they affect how you care for your oncology clients. Learn methods and techniques to assist your cancer patients and families to clarify their hope systems. Armed with this profoundly simple and simply profound knowledge, discover how you are able to intervene in a more competent, sensitive and compassionate manner.
Healthy Steps, Moving You to Better Health with the Lebed Method
Antoinette Muirhead, LMT, Lebed Method Instructor
Learn about “The Lebed Method” -- a fun, easy, therapeutic movement and dance program for both women and men who have had any kind of breast surgery, node dissection, radiation treatment, chemotherapy, or suffer from chronic fatigue. The Lebed Method’s goal is to elevate the quality of life through therapeutic dance and movement, healing body, mind and spirit and is committed to improving the physical and emotional well-being of breast cancer survivors, those with Lymphedema, as well as all cancers and chronic illness. You will see a demonstration of movement for healing and prevention of complications from breast cancer surgery and other related treatments. Learn how all stages of recovery can benefit from the healing power of music and dance.
Yikes, A Reporter Is On The Phone, What Do I Do Now?
Jean VanEtten, LMT
Learn the nuts and bolts of getting a member of the media to call you and how to give a great interview when given the opportunity. Review the current news landscape, including the emergence of social media. Explore techniques to interest the media in your event or story. Become skilled at preparing, without fear (or at least not too much anxiety) for an interview. Discover the nuances of working with print, radio, television and online media. Case histories and interactive opportunities are offered for those brave enough to participate.
Communicating with Medical Staff
Curtiss Beinhorn, LMT, NCTMB, MTI and Sat-Siri Sumler, LMT, NCTMB, RYT
Explore how effective communication with health care providers is an important step in insuring a safe and effective massage treatment for your clients with cancer. For Oncology Massage to be fully integrated into the Oncology Medical Model we must find ways to discuss with medical staff how massage treatment would benefit your client with specific medical conditions. Explore options to help you communicate the indications for massage, including the use of research articles and brochures as supportive tools, which promote massage as a treatment alternative. Learn how to use a medical release form so you can base your treatment plan on your client’s medical history. Use Progress/Session Notes to facilitate communication between therapist and physician by providing information on your client's progress, use of treatment services, and compliance with treatments.
Ingredients in Skin Care and Techniques Used in Esthetics for Patients Living with Cancer
Morag Currin, LA, CMLT
Understand how Estheticians, in their role at a spa, have numerous things to take into consideration when working on a client living with cancer. Learn about the ingredients in skin care, skin pH, cancerous skin lesions and safe techniques used during treatments.
A Less Demanding Approach to Post Mastectomy/Radiotherapy Scar and Adhesion Release -
Jamie Elswick, LMT, BS, NCBTMB Provider
You will learn the philosophy about gentle approach and discuss the treatment interventions that create conditions of scarring and adhesion. Develop less demanding techniques for treating people with mastectomy or radiotherapy scarring and adhesions.
Healthy Digestion, the Elixer for Life
Sandy Cazone, DOM
Learn how important healthy digestion is for the oncology patient. Remember, you have the ability to tap into the proper pathways of your patients river of life…to help assist the patient towards their own healthy digestion. This will in turn wake up the patients Divine Nature in Action (DNA). The Elixir of Life which is their immunity.
Jonna’s Body – please hold
Sponsored by Abbott Northwestern Hospital’s Penny George Institute of Health and Healing
Jonna Tamases is a 3-time cancer survivor (Hodgkin's Disease, Large-Cell Lymphoma, Breast Cancer). She has turned her experience into a strikingly original, funny, incredibly uplifting performance. Journey to the hilarious inner world of Jonna’s body, where a sassy receptionist fields calls from a parade of quirky body parts: Baby Toe trapped in a tight pump! Uta & Ula, begging to be released from their brassiere imprisonment! When two killers attempt to take over, the characters’ fight for Jonna’s life will leave you cheering and inspired.
Massage Therapy’s Role in Today’s Oncology Management
Curtiss Beinhorn, Bambi, Denise and Nicki
This session is designed for patients, loved ones, or other health care practitioners who have attended Jonna's Body and have questions about Oncology Massage. This interactive panel will teach you what massage therapy's role is in today's oncology management.
Creating Community Based Oncology Massage Clinics: Developing Successful Models and Meeting the Challenges
Martha Menard, PhD, CMT and Vicki Lynn Ferguson, MAA, LMT
Join us for a case study describing an out-patient, community-based oncology massage clinic in a major urban area, including the project’s development, current status, and documentation of results. A breif panel discussion featuring clinic practitioners will follow, focusing on experiences and lessons learned from the project. Participants will be invited to ask questions, share their experiences, and discuss with us how to create success models for other clinics, and identify potential challenges to their implementation. The results of our discussion will be described and written for publication in a peer-reviewed academic journal.
Safely Massaging the Client at Risk for Lymphedema
René Janiece, LMT, NCTMB, CLT, Reiki Master
Gain a basic understanding of the lymphatic system and how it can be compromised by cancer and/or cancer treatment. Learn to manage the special considerations of these clients. Acquire simple, practical guidelines that will allow you to adapt your existing massage techniques and safely integrate an area affected by or at risk for lymphedema into your treatment sessions.
Yoga for People with Cancer (40 people max)
Sat Siri Sumler, LMT, NCTMB, RYT
Research suggests a yoga program can help people cope with their cancer; the treatment related side effects and improves their quality of life. ExploreKundalini Yoga, an ancient, potent and effective system of self-transformation and personal development which includes a wide range of yoga therapy techniques specifically for treating the psychological responses of people to cancer at all stages of the disease. Learn yoga basics including how yoga works from an Eastern perspective and practice techniques for addressing the emotional milieu which can complicate a cancer diagnosis.
Writing Successful Grant Proposals
Martha Menard, PhD, CMT
Learn tips from a successful grant writer for identifying potential funding sources and responding to requests for proposals. You need to complete the following assignment prior to arriving at the course: using the search engine of your choice, type in the term “[your state] foundations grants health care”. Save the list you generate, and bring it, along with the application guidelines from one foundation. Also bring anything you have written down about your ideas for projects you would like to have funded. Spend time working in small groups to develop these into workable proposal outlines that you can take home.
The Psychological, Emotional and Physical Aspects of a Mastectomy
Cheryl Chapman, RN, HN-BC, NCTMB, NJSC
Learn the psychological, emotional and physical issues of a mastectomy and how it differs from people who experience other cancers. Stimulate your thinking and enhance your ability to care for patients recovering from mastectomy in a more sensitive way.
Gentle Techniques for Working with Post – Mastectomy Scars and Adhesions
Jamie Elswick, LMT, BS, NCBTMB Provider
One of my favorite sayings about working with scars is that the visible scar is just the tip of the iceberg. Nowhere is that more true than with clients that have been treated for cancer. Scar work includes the physical scarring from surgery or radiotherapy as well as possible other tissues such as muscle and fascia that have become adhered due directly to treatment or post treatment compensation. Scars and adhesion can also impede lymphatic flow. Understand how this work moves beyond the physical form into the emotional realm. Cancer is a trauma to the entire person so we are never just working on a scar as an individual component but as part of a holistic healing process for the client. We will focus on clients that have been treated for breast cancer although the principles can be applied to other areas as well. Topics for this course include:
- Choosing the right time for your client physically and emotionally
- Discussion of lymphatic physiology and how to appropriately apply scar mobilization for those with lymphedema and those at risk
- Basic lymphatic drainage for the torso
- Discussion of short and long-term effects of radiotherapy
- Discussion of common surgery types associated with breast cancer
- Scar mobilization techniques
- Corrective Massage techniques to restore shoulder function
Mastectomy Massage
Cheryl Chapman, RN, HN-BC, NCTMB, NJSC
Learn the pathology, causes, theories and treatments for breast cancer. Identify the side effects of surgery, radiation and chemotherapy relating to breast cancer treatment and how you should manage them in your clinic. Through hands-on practice, learn the precautions and evaluations for lymphedema, directives for various surgeries, drains and scar tissue; and positioning and draping.
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