Oncology Massage Course

Lesson 1 • Common Cancer Types and Sites

Examines the most prevalent cancers encountered in clinical massage settings. Connects anatomical site knowledge to region-specific massage considerations.

Lesson 2 • Cancer Biology Fundamentals

Covers cell cycle dysregulation, tumor formation, and metastatic pathways. Establishes the biological framework needed to understand contraindications and tissue changes.

Lesson 3 • Oncology Treatment Modalities

Surveys surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, and hormone therapy. Prepares students to anticipate treatment-related tissue and systemic effects.

Lesson 1 • Integumentary Changes from Treatment

Examines skin and fascial changes caused by radiation, chemotherapy, and surgery. Prepares students to adapt touch to compromised integumentary integrity.

Lesson 2 • Lymphatic System and Cancer

Details lymph node anatomy, lymphatic drainage pathways, and disruption from surgery or radiation. Directly informs lymphedema prevention and manual lymphatic drainage decisions.

Lesson 3 • Nervous System and Pain Pathways

Reviews peripheral and central sensitization, neuropathy, and cancer pain mechanisms. Connects neurological understanding to appropriate sensory input during massage.

Lesson 1 • Lymphatic and Skin Integrity Precautions

Examines lymphedema risk, radiation fibrosis, and compromised skin from treatment. Connects tissue vulnerability to specific technique and pressure modifications.

Lesson 2 • Clinical Risk Assessment Process

Teaches a structured intake and assessment workflow for oncology clients. Integrates all precaution categories into a unified pre-session decision framework.

Lesson 3 • Principles of Oncology Massage Safety

Establishes the core safety philosophy distinguishing oncology massage from general massage. Frames all subsequent contraindication and modification decisions.

Lesson 4 • Hematologic and Cardiovascular Precautions

Addresses risks related to low blood counts, clotting disorders, and compromised circulation. Guides pressure and technique adjustments based on lab value thresholds.

Lesson 1 • Effleurage and Petrissage Adaptations

Modifies classical strokes for fragile, edematous, or post-surgical tissue. Demonstrates how foundational techniques remain effective with reduced pressure and altered rhythm.

Lesson 2 • Principles of Pressure Modification

Establishes a pressure continuum from feather-light to moderate and defines thresholds for oncology populations. Builds the foundational skill for all subsequent technique adaptation.

Lesson 3 • Myofascial and Scar Tissue Techniques

Introduces gentle myofascial release and scar mobilization appropriate for post-surgical oncology clients. Connects fascial work to improved range of motion and comfort.

Lesson 4 • Positioning and Bolstering for Comfort

Covers adaptive positioning for clients with ports, drains, lymphedema, and pain. Ensures physical safety and therapeutic comfort throughout the session.

Lesson 1 • MLD Sequence for Lower Extremity Lymphedema

Covers MLD protocols for leg and genital lymphedema following pelvic cancer treatment. Addresses anatomical complexity and drainage rerouting strategies.

Lesson 2 • Integrating MLD into Complete Decongestive Therapy

Positions MLD within the broader complete decongestive therapy (CDT) framework including compression and exercise. Prepares students for interdisciplinary lymphedema management.

Lesson 3 • Foundations of Manual Lymphatic Drainage

Introduces MLD principles, lymphangion stimulation, and the Vodder and Foldi technique frameworks. Establishes the theoretical basis for all clinical MLD application.

Lesson 4 • MLD Contraindications and Modifications

Identifies absolute and relative contraindications specific to MLD in oncology. Ensures students modify or defer MLD based on clinical status changes.

Lesson 1 • Survivorship Massage and Long-Term Effects

Addresses persistent treatment effects including neuropathy, fatigue, and lymphedema in survivors. Guides long-term wellness planning and ongoing session modification.

Lesson 2 • Massage During Active Cancer Treatment

Addresses massage delivery during chemotherapy, radiation, and surgical recovery phases. Teaches real-time adaptation to fluctuating side effects and energy levels.

Lesson 3 • Pediatric Oncology Massage Considerations

Introduces developmental and psychosocial adaptations for children with cancer. Addresses consent, play-based approaches, and family-centered care.

Lesson 4 • Massage in Inpatient and Hospital Settings

Prepares students for bedside massage in oncology wards and infusion centers. Covers equipment, hygiene, and communication protocols unique to medical environments.

Lesson 1 • Therapeutic Communication Skills

Builds active listening, reflective responding, and boundary-setting communication skills. Enables students to hold space without overstepping into counseling roles.

Lesson 2 • Trauma-Informed Care in Oncology Massage

Applies trauma-informed principles to clients whose bodies have been medically invaded. Teaches safety, choice, collaboration, and empowerment in every session.

Lesson 3 • Body Image and Touch Sensitivity

Addresses altered body image from mastectomy, hair loss, weight changes, and scarring. Guides sensitive, affirming touch that honors changed bodies.

Lesson 4 • Supporting Families and Caregivers

Extends therapeutic awareness to the family system surrounding the oncology client. Teaches caregiver massage instruction and boundary management with family members.

Lesson 1 • Oncology Massage Documentation Standards

Teaches SOAP note writing, intake documentation, and session records specific to oncology. Ensures legal, ethical, and clinical accuracy in all written records.

Lesson 2 • Interdisciplinary Collaboration in Cancer Care

Prepares students to communicate effectively with oncologists, nurses, and allied health professionals. Positions massage therapy as a valued member of the integrative care team.

Lesson 3 • Continuing Education and Professional Development

Maps pathways for advanced certification, specialty training, and ongoing competency maintenance. Motivates lifelong learning within the evolving oncology massage field.

Lesson 4 • Scope of Practice and Ethical Standards

Defines the boundaries of oncology massage practice and ethical obligations to vulnerable clients. Addresses dual relationships, informed consent, and professional accountability.