Oncology Massage Module 1

Module Overview

• Unit 1: Introduction; an overview of cancer; understanding how cancer develops and spreads around the body (science).
• Unit 2: Pressure, site, and position adjustments for clients undergoing chemotherapy. Pressure adjustment practical – changing and adapting the habits of massage therapy.
• Unit 3: Understanding fascia; relaxation reflex; pressure, site, and position for clients undergoing radiation or surgery.
• Unit 4: Bone Marrow Support Sequence practical; pressure, site, position for clients with appliances, scar tissue, and/or bone metastases.
• Units 5 & 6: Practising on each other, a full day of safe massage for clients with lymph nodes removed, theory and practical. Taking oncology massage into your clinic and your community.

There is no formal examination at the end of this course, however, please note that successfully completing OM1 does not automatically mean that you will be able to progress to [OM2]. Each OM1 participant is assessed for their suitability for this kind of work, and OM2 has additional prerequisites, including a recognised touch therapy qualification.

OM1 Refresher

Anyone who has previously attempted OM1 - successfully or unsuccessfully - is welcome to attend any OM1 course as a refresher. It is no different in any material way from OM1, except that it is half-price. If you fall into any of the Categories listed below, we strongly recommend that you take advantage of this generous opportunity:

• OM1 graduates who wish to proceed to OM2 but who have had little or no opportunity to practise their OM1 techniques, and/or completed OM1 more than 3 years ago. 
• OM2 graduates who have had little or no opportunity to practise their OM1 techniques and/or completed OM2 more than 3 years ago. 
• Previously unsuccessful OM1 students who need to successfully complete OM1 and then OM2 so that they can start working in this field. 
• Previously unsuccessful OM2 students who need to refresh their OM1 techniques before they repeat OM2 (also at half-price).
  

Pre-Course Reading

These publications are recommended OM1 Pre-Course Reading:

• Medicine Hands by Gayle MacDonald
• Quest for Life by Petrea King
• The Biology of Belief by Bruce Lipton

These books support your Oncology Massage education and are recommended for OM1. OMT strongly suggests they be completed for OM2, so if you are planning to progress to OM2, it is a good idea to get hold of them as soon as possible. You can find more information, and links to each book on the National Library of Australia’s Trove website, on our FAQ page.

You may also wish to join and browse our public Facebook page.

What to bring to the course

For OM1, we need a massage table for every two students. In the first instance, we assume you are bringing a table - so, if you are not, please notify your Course Facilitator so we know how many tables will be available.

Please bring the following manchester and other required materials:

• 2 x pillows with 2 x pillowcases OR 1 x pillow with pillowcase and 1 x bolster with cover
• Face hole pad and 3 x protectors
• 1 x table cover
• 1 x single sheet
• 2 x large towels or bath sheets
• 2 x hand towels
• 1 x light single blanket
• Melrose Sweet Almond Oil (or another brand of sweet almond oil)
• Pens, notepads
• Masks for pracs
• Cleaning wipes
• The mandatory pre-course paperwork