Oncology Massage Professional Orgs

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Lisa Mertz on January 12, 2010 at 12:06pm

I applied for membership, and I have a lot of experience but they put me through a long, drawn out mess. I got the feeling they didn't trust their own application process. Then they never cashed my membership check, dated Sept 9th, till now, and meanwhile my bank actually failed! So finally, I withdrew my membership application. They are very disorganized.

I am teaching oncology massage in a community college with a hospital affiliation on Long Island and I would love to be able to support a professional association for oncology massage, bring my students into it and so forth, but that's not happening yet.

Permalink Reply by colleen fennessey on January 12, 2010 at 12:13pm

Thanks for that info-

the S4OM has been the only organization for oncology massage that I have come across. I have only been licensed since May '09- I have been volunteering weekly providing massage to cancer patients and I would like to continue with this area throughout my career. I am looking to be affiliated with or network with those who have the same goal of working with those affected by cancer and I want to find resources that will best aide me in providing the highest quality massage to this group of people.

If you know of any other websites that I should check out it would be greatly appreciated- thanks!

Lisa Mertz said:

I applied for membership, and I have a lot of experience but they put me through a long, drawn out mess. I got the feeling they didn't trust their own application process. Then they never cashed my membership check, dated Sept 9th, till now, and meanwhile my bank actually failed! So finally, I withdrew my membership application. They are very disorganized.

I am teaching oncology massage in a community college with a hospital affiliation on Long Island and I would love to be able to support a professional association for oncology massage, bring my students into it and so forth, but that's not happening yet.

Permalink Reply by Roger D. Werstler on January 12, 2010 at 3:45pm

Good day Colleen. I was requested by the "mesothelioma.com" organization to be listed on their website to give massages to their cancer clients. I am aware of basic indications and contraindications, but I am a solid believer that you never stop learning. Therefore, I welcome this discussion group. Let's pursue it fully.

Permalink Reply by Gary Lloyd on January 18, 2010 at 2:55pm

I am a member of the Society for Oncology Massage. It is a relatively new organization - established in 2007. It is supported by many very experienced massage therapists who have worked with cancer clients for 20 years or more. From Lisa's description, I can understand her frustration, but it is run by volunteers. There is a convention April 30 - May 2, 2010 in Minneapolis.

To become a professional member, you need to have specific oncology massage training (usually a minimum of 24 hours). I found the training with Tracy Walton to be very worthwhile. It presents info not taught in massage school about the limitations that clients with cancer may require - particularly those with lymphedema.