Kathleen has completed over 300 additional hours of post-graduate massage therapy training in Oncology Massage and over 2,500 hours of additional hands-on hospital-based oncology massage service.
This specialization allows her to work safely with clients who are living with cancer during and after cancer treatments.
Living with cancer or living with a cancer history is different than living without it. Massage therapy in this setting accounts for these differences and adjusts to support the individual on the day in question. Each session may require different adjustments, and a skilled massage therapist will know what questions to ask to create an effective and appropriate experience.
Massage Therapists with additional Oncology Massage training will adapt for:
- Fatigue - offering a session that does not demand as much of a client's energy resources
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Low blood cell counts
- Blood clots/risk of clotting
- Bone metastases
- Radiation or surgery
- Removal of lymph nodes
- Medications
- Medical Devices
Clients and Patients who experience informed oncology massage therapy have reported:
- Reduced pain and fatigue
- Decreased anxiety and nausea
- Improved sleep
- Ease sense of isolation
- Enhanced body image
- Nurtured well-being
The Society for Oncology Massage is a national organization that advances the knowledge and understanding of oncology massage. Kathleen Has been a Professional Member of this organization since 2012 and a Regional Champion for the state of Maine since 2016. For more information, Frequently Asked Questions about Massage and Cancer and a national therapist locator, please visit S4OM.org.
Kathleen has also provided massage therapy services in Maine to participants of Lucy's Love Bus, a New England-based non-profit. She continues to refer youth living with cancer to participating practitioners of this program. Through the generosity of this amazing organization, skilled LMTs offer safe, caring massage therapy to pediatric oncology patients and the foundation covers the costs of the session. Please pass this information to any family you feel might benefit from this great mission.
If you have any questions about how your cancer history may impact your massage therapy treatment, contact Kathleen. She is happy to answer questions, take the time to address your concerns, and thoroughly explain all treatment options.
