a community of practitioners

Melanoma Cancer & Massage Therapy

Massage and Bodywork Professionals of the world, need your help. One of my clients was recently diagnosed with stage 3 Melanoma. As a MT, what can I do to help in any way. From massage, to homeopahty, pretty much from an alternative medicine route.

I thank you in advance for your insight and recommendations.

▶ Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Lisa on October 29, 2009 at 12:04pm

Hey George,

I'm sorry to hear of your client's diagnosis. The only real two suggestions i have, as a fairly new MT, are as follows:

Since stage 3 are tumors that have spread to the lymph nodes, i would be asking your client's doctor on what you can do in the way of safety first. You need to be working hand in hand with the doctor.

The other suggestion is that, I'm sure this client is in need of some serious stress relieving touch. if nothing else, i would think you could do some head and face massage that could provide some healing energies.

and i would always suggestion some accupressure/accupuncture.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Jackie McLaughlin, LMT, MTI on October 29, 2009 at 12:14pm

I just sent you a message, George, regarding cancer and therapeutic grade essential oils. I hope you find it helpful. If you have questions, please don't hesitate to contact me.

Jackie McLaughlin

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Katharine Koeppen on October 29, 2009 at 1:34pm

I am so very sorry to hear of your client's diagnosis. As you probably already know, melanoma is a very aggressive form of cancer, and I do not recommend that you try to treat your client in any way (other than energy work or gentle craniosacral) unless you have received specific training in working with cancer patients, since this cancer spreads easily through lymphatic pathways. You may want to check out MD Anderson's massage training program for some tips. I went through their 4-day program several years ago and highly recommend it.

If your client's physician is willing to work with you, work within their guidance. Also, refer them out to Gilda's Club (there is a branch in Dallas), a WONDERFUL support group which provides many free or low cost services to cancer patients.

As a registered aromatherapist, I work with many cancer patients using clinical aromatherapy to help them manage the side effects of treatment, improve blood counts, and on general quality of life issues. Essential oils can go a long way toward making the rigors of conventional treatment more comfortable. I would be happy to consult with your client if they think they would like to pursue this option. You can visit www.aromaceuticals.com/library and download a free article on aromatherapy for cancer support, which may be of help to you and your client.

For many cancer patients, just letting them know that you're there for them and support their treatment decisions can go a long way toward easing their fears.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by G. Anthony Muro on November 2, 2009 at 11:25pm

Thank you Katharine. This is very helpful.

Katharine Koeppen said:

I am so very sorry to hear of your client's diagnosis. As you probably already know, melanoma is a very aggressive form of cancer, and I do not recommend that you try to treat your client in any way (other than energy work or gentle craniosacral) unless you have received specific training in working with cancer patients, since this cancer spreads easily through lymphatic pathways. You may want to check out MD Anderson's massage training program for some tips. I went through their 4-day program several years ago and highly recommend it.

If your client's physician is willing to work with you, work within their guidance. Also, refer them out to Gilda's Club (there is a branch in Dallas), a WONDERFUL support group which provides many free or low cost services to cancer patients.

As a registered aromatherapist, I work with many cancer patients using clinical aromatherapy to help them manage the side effects of treatment, improve blood counts, and on general quality of life issues. Essential oils can go a long way toward making the rigors of conventional treatment more comfortable. I would be happy to consult with your client if they think they would like to pursue this option. You can visit www.aromaceuticals.com/library and download a free article on aromatherapy for cancer support, which may be of help to you and your client.

For many cancer patients, just letting them know that you're there for them and support their treatment decisions can go a long way toward easing their fears.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by G. Anthony Muro on November 2, 2009 at 11:25pm

Thank you Candace...I'll look into it.

Candace Ellis BA, LMT said:

AMTA offers some excellent continuing education online on Cancer Massage Part One and Two which may be very helpful to you as well.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by G. Anthony Muro on November 2, 2009 at 11:26pm

Thanks Lisa...I did inform client to talk to her Dr. about me. Waiting on word...

Lisa said:

Hey George,

I'm sorry to hear of your client's diagnosis. The only real two suggestions i have, as a fairly new MT, are as follows:

Since stage 3 are tumors that have spread to the lymph nodes, i would be asking your client's doctor on what you can do in the way of safety first. You need to be working hand in hand with the doctor.

The other suggestion is that, I'm sure this client is in need of some serious stress relieving touch. if nothing else, i would think you could do some head and face massage that could provide some healing energies.

and i would always suggestion some accupressure/accupuncture.