Many MFR techniques are to treat large areas of the body, such as stetching an entire back in one movement. Alphabet Stroking is a Myofascial Release Technique (MFR) that can be used as an alternative to J-stroking for smaller body treatment areas. In this quick, free, 6 1/2 minute training video, we'll demonstrate how to practice:
To learn more, please register for quality, affordable, professional training at: https://ceinstitute.com/
COVID-19 is AEROSOLIZED. This means the virus can suspend in the air long after your client leaves the treatment room - for several hours! So, practitioners should wear high quality facial masks such as KN95s, and practitioners should not remove their facial masks in between clients when changing over their treatment rooms because the aerosolized virus could infect you! An infected individual does not have to be within 6-feet of you to infect you! You can become infected from their aerosolized virus, especially for massage therapists and spa practitioners who work in small and poorly ventilated massage or spa treatment rooms.
With the increase of plastic surgery, skin cancer and nasopharyngeal cancers, painful post-medical treatment facial swelling is increasing amongst the American population. MLD (manual lymphatic drainage) facial services can relieve painful and sightly swelling and as such, is a service in growing demand.
The lymphatic system is partly responsible for removing excess fluid from human tissue to relieve swelling. It collects the excess fluid that the body’s cardiovascular veins cannot collect and leaves behind. As such, swelling is a normal result when the lymphatic system is damaged or when human tissue is traumatized.
HOW LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE WORKS Lymphatic drainage primarily uses human touch over the epidermis to help relieve swelling. Drainage is achieved through specialized strokes and techniques that are applied in a specific order with professional training. In a lymphatic facial session, the practitioner uses their finger pads to apply these very fine movements around the collarbone, jawbone, through the neck, around the ears, and over the entire face during the service. Most lymphatic facial appointments can be completed within about 30 to 60 minutes.
LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE WITH ONCOLOGY About twenty years ago, lymphatic facials were mostly provided for cancer patient survivors. Oncology treatments often include the surgical removal and/ or radiation of lymph nodes, which could subsequently cause swelling. And because we now have more cancer survivors living longer, we still see plenty of this work.
LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE FOR ESTHETIC AND COSMETIC PURPOSES Today, many lymphatic facials treatments are practiced for cosmetic procedures, with most of those being in conjunction with plastic surgeries. Unfortunately, facelifts, blepharoplasty, nose jobs, and other aggressive esthetic enhancements can result in immediate swelling. While most clients will heal beautifully, it can be a slow and painful process. Lymphatic drainage treatments can help clients recover more quickly with less pain when excessive swelling is reduced.
Lymphatic facials can also be practiced daily after a facial operation when working directly with the surgeon. Surgeons who have recognized that increased circulation aids in the healing process have started prescribing lymphatic facials before a facial procedure so that the client can have a more effective healing process and result.
Brides, grooms, models, and anyone who wishes for a noninvasive improvement of facial features can also benefit from a lymphatic facial. A lymphatic drainage practitioner can temporarily ameliorate facial puffiness and the appearance of fine lines or wrinkles. It is a wonderful option for a client who might have partied a bit too hard the night before a big event and woke up the next day wondering what happened to their face.
There are other cosmetic bonuses to a lymphatic facial. It can temporarily reduce dark under eye circles and relieve sinus pressure. While these are not lymphatic facial goals, given their unreliable and limited results, they are common side effects that many clients will experience with this work.
LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE FOR MEDICAL PURPOSES And although it is less common, other medical procedures such as dental implants, wisdom tooth removal, and jaw correction can all benefit from multiple lymphatic facial appointments. These procedures can cause extreme swelling in some clients who will do almost anything to relieve it.
The best part of a lymphatic facial is that it is a nonpharmacologic option to reduce swelling and pain, which is terrific for clients who are either allergic or unable to take opioids or NSAIDS. There are many medical facial procedures, including facial cancer skin grafting procedures where an adverse opioid client would find little relief – except for perhaps an ice pack or a lymphatic facial.
IN SUMMARY I know this technique and information must sound wonderful for those who did not realize that they could achieve any of this by simply learning how to work with the lymphatic system. But I must reemphasize that lymphatic drainage results are only temporary. That is because we are working on living human tissue, which is continually fed by blood supply. So, while the client continues to live and breathe, their tissues will continue to receive blood supply, which can cause more potential swelling. The medical reason why someone would seek this quick result is because any immediate swelling reduction could accelerate the healing process. There are additional reasons why lymphatic drainage is beneficial despite the temporary results, which are thoroughly reviewed in a formal lymphatic drainage training class.
In this brief 8-minute video below, we'll review these details including some of the medical conditions that are seeking lymphatic facial services, aka MLD.
Human trafficking is a serious crime and has become prevalent in the massage and spa industries. Here's a free 13-minute training video to help identify human trafficking and what to do if you find it.
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To report suspected trafficking or learn more, please call the National Human Trafficking Resource Center at 1-888-373-7888, Text HELP to 233733 (BEFREE), or Visit the National Human Trafficking Hotline online at: https://humantraffickinghotline.org
To learn more about how to prevent human trafficking, please register for one of our quality, affordable, professional trafficking courses at: https://ceinstitute.com/
Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) education for post-surgical conditions is a growing interest amongst our students. But, many manual lymphatic drainage techniques were created for oncology treatment and chronic swelling conditions. What's important to note today is that old school MLD techniques used for lymphedema should not be the same treatment for acute post-surgical MLD. Treating a client's post-surgical swelling the same as chronic lymphedema with MLD is ill-advised.
SWELLING IS A GENERAL PHYSICAL BODYWORK CONTRAINDICATION! Almost ALL chronic or acute swollen soft tissue can TEAR with inappropriate pressure and movement. As such, MLD practitioners must be extremely careful when working with swelling. Manual lymphatic drainage techniques are designed to relieve swelling without damaging the underlying tissues when properly applied.
As such, practitioners should be using different MLD techniques and protocols to treat acute swelling versus chronic swelling. If you are new to the MLD industry, be sure to seek education including protocols and techniques that provide both. And if you have previously trained in MLD, think about the strokes and techniques that you are using and adapt accordingly if you are able, or consider training in these new adaptions with an educational provider like us. Anyone who is practicing the same techniques for both acute and chronic swelling may have less effective treatment than a practitioner who has specific strokes, techniques and protocols for chronic versus acute medical conditions.
To learn more, please register for quality, affordable, professional training at: https://ceinstitute.com/
Here's an 11-minute free manual lymphatic drainage training video that explains this concept and more:
Serving the bridal market with special events can boost income, increase business visibility and introduce you to new clients. In this 21-minute video, we'll discuss this and more with a lavender theme. You can create any type of house call party event such as birthdays, holidays and bridal parties with these suggestions. You can also use various essential oils to create your party theme, such as purple for lavender or green for spearmint, etc.
Bridal spa parties can be serviced at home or at your establishment. These parties do not have to be gender-based. Creating your party should be whatever the client wishes for as long as it is within reason to create a success. Adding mobility to your existing spa business is a wonderful way to expand your client base, business visibility and income. It can also bring some fun and versatility to the everyday monotony of your massage practice. Any spa practice can reap heavy rewards once a mobile spa menu is created, marketed and the staff are trained.
Prior to proceeding with a mobile practice, please take the time to check that it is allowed in your state or municipality, and that you are fully insured for it too. Also make sure to stay within your scope of practice.
In this article, we’ll review how to capitalize on weddings and bridal parties with a mobile spa business.
Include the Entire Bridal Party (regardless if they've registered for paid services)
Getting married is a time-consuming business, and it can also be overwhelming. It’s important to let your local brides know that you can relieve some of this stress and make the whole process easier with mobile spa services in their own home.
Also, a fabulous mobile wedding spa party is the type of gift that keeps on giving. It’s like getting paid to advertise the spa and staff, and it’s a wonderful memorable event that the guests will cherish and remember for many years to come.
Encourage Everyone to Relax
For the actual mobile spa business itself, think about adding a "relaxation room" in addition to paid service!
Some guests may want more services than others or have a larger budget. It’s important for everyone in the bridal party to feel like a valued participant, especially when they are not receiving an actual spa service.
To create a Relaxation Room, select an area of the home and transform it into something zen.
There are so many nice touches you can add to the Relaxation Room to make the mobile spa experience come to life.
Consider adding pictures of the happy couple. Remind everyone why you’re there and what is being celebrated.
Create a “No Phone Zone.” Encourage the bridal party to treat the relaxation room like a real spa. Print and hang signs that would be appropriate for your spa party and add famous quotes to set the mood, such as: Speech is silver, silence is golden.
Chances are that everyone loves to take pictures. While almost everyone uses their cell phones to take pictures these days, hopefully your guests will avoid these electronic nuisances and spend their time relaxing and enjoying each other’s company and service(s).
Set the Scene
Leave a disposable camera in the relaxation room so that they can have fun taking pictures and sharing the moment without the technological headaches of a cell phone.
Play soft music, anything relaxing, or the bride’s choice. Add soft lighting. Bring a 40-watt lamp, candles or whatever can safely be provided.
Alcohol and spa do not always mix well. Try offering some herbal teas and bottled spring water. A spa tea service is easily portable. Simply provide an assortment of individually wrapped tea bags, individually wrapped sweeteners and some disposable hot cups with lids.
You’ll already have a tea kettle for your mobile spa business, which is often used to create immediate hot water for foot soaks and esthetic services.
Everyone loves snacks. Simply purchase individually wrapped cookies, apple slices or whatever you feel is appropriate for your group. It’s important to provide prepackaged food items so that your business cannot be categorized (or fined) for lack of a restaurant license.
A Slice of Mobile Spa Heaven
Many people see spa pictures in assorted magazines and wish they were part of it! Cut a cucumber into half-inch thick slices and leave them in a small paper or plastic bowl.
Encourage guests to place the cucumber slices over their eyes and relax. They’re great for the perfect spa picture.
Leave some coffee table books or magazines out for your group. Make sure that some of them have “neutral” subjects such as travel. Most of us do not have time for “pleasure” reading. Providing reading materials is an inexpensive and easy way to keep guests occupied in a pampered environment.
Do not forget to advertise for additional service at the party, or for future appointments at the spa! Throw some spa product samples, a candle, anything you wish into a small paper gift bag with marketing materials. Be sure that each guest has your phone number to book their own mobile spa party or to schedule an appointment at the spa.
The relaxation room should be available to everyone in the bridal party, regardless of what they book for service. You can charge a flat fee for the relaxation room or build the costs into the bridal spa party budget and/or individual services.
Please do not provide outcall parties or services that are not within your licensed scope of practice or operations.
Massage therapists and bodyworkers can increase their income with responsible product retailing; but, manufacturers can become a quasi-silent partner in your business when promoting or reselling their products.
Ask yourself, are you retailing some of your favorite products as a customer perk, or do you want to build a true partnership to increase your business?
Here are a dozen different subjects and concepts to think about to get the most out of your product choices, use and sales in a product partnership.
Maximize your partnership and avoid potential problems that can arise from not discussing or addressing such topics upfront.
1. Efficacy. What makes their products special? Why would you want to use or retail their products, and what makes their products something your customers would want to buy? What are the active ingredients that make their products effective, and where do these active ingredients come from? Are there any published research studies that show the effectiveness of their products?
2.Training. Is product training available? Do they have in-person training? Will they come to your business? Do they have a training facility, and if yes, where is the facility? Do they online videos? Do they have written product service manuals? Do not underestimate the value in product training. Most training can provide new additional services or service versatility and help practitioners avoid burnout.
3.Service. Is the product sales rep or customer service easily available? Do they respond, and do they accurately answer questions? Avoid manufacturers or people who will tell you whatever you or your customer wants to hear.
Placating answers may help you in the short term, but these could also open you up to legal or lethal consequences if erroneous information is provided. Many people have all types of products concerns and allergies these days. Some are common and some are not.
You must choose a partner that will recognize these important concerns, and respond in an appropriate, accurate and timely manner – so that you can be responsible in responding to your customers needs.
4.Optics.Be sure to Google a manufacturer prior to investing into their line (and reputation). It’s difficult to find that perfect manufacturer or product that does not have an ingredient that is labelled as a carcinogen or just plain bad.
Consumers are ingredient and reputation savvy these days. Remember that when you retail a brand, you represent them. That means your business will represent what you are known for, and what they are known for too.
5.Return Policy.Sometimes product manufacturers ship a product that’s nearing (or past) its expiration date. Do they pay for return shipping in addition to providing product credit or refunds? Do they charge a restocking or return fee? What is the average remaining shelf life of the products that they sell or ship? What are their product return policies from you as a retailer (when a dissatisfied customer returns a product to you)?
6.Pureness. Offering organic products and services is one of the strongest ways to grow an alternative or complementary health practice today. However, organic products (thus services) can be extremely expensive. So, are their products natural or organic? From where do they harvest their product ingredients? What is their corporate message about the healthfulness or their products? And more importantly, what is yours?
7.Eco Friendly.What is their product packaging like? Do they use eco-friendly and recyclable packing materials? Do they have refillable containers? What is their corporate message for the care of our environment?
A small but growing number of consumers will be turned off by irresponsible environment practices. Watch your business’s eco practices, especially when adding retail factors that will further impact your environment footprint (shipping boxes, product containers and so forth).
8.Shipping.Does the company offer free shipping with a minimum order? How much does shipping cost? Are you adding the shipping costs into your sales price? How much are shipping costs cutting into your retail profitability? How long will it take for your product order to arrive?
If your products endure a long shipping period in an extreme climate, what responsibility is taken to ensure the products retain their efficacy during shipping? Try to find a vendor that can ship locally to you to keep shipping costs low, or a vendor that will pay your shipping costs with a reasonable minimum order.
9.Samples, Testers & Back Bar. Some companies will offer a discounted or free tester program, product samples and/or back bar. What do you have to do to become eligible to receive free samples, testers and back bar (if this is achievable with this manufacturer)? Business expenses such as paying for samples, testers or back bar can cut into your profitability, so consider any value that a manufacturer can provide with samples, testers and back bar.
10.Availability. Who will you compete with for product sales? How many like-businesses in the area carry their products, and can you get a product exclusivity agreement within a certain mile radius? Are their products offered via Amazon or are they at beauty stores? If their products are saturated in the marketplace, what extras can a manufacturer provide in exchange for you to carry their products (such as a free back bar)? Can you get your business listed on their digital media as a retail location? Will you be included in their advertising and marketing campaigns?
11.Marketing. Can they provide high-resolution pictures of their products and product services for use on your digital platforms? Do they provide retail point-of-sale (POS) marketing opportunities such as a gift-with-purchase program? What are the costs of these marketing programs to you, if any? Do they offer free product with purchase wholesale program, such as buy 12 pieces, receive 1 free or get a percentage off? Can you negotiate a better wholesale price with larger wholesale ordering?
12.Profitability.Most spa-type product manufacturers will provide the opportunity to double your wholesale price as the final retail price. But some product manufacturers, especially equipment manufacturers, will provide a smaller (for example 30 percent) markup for their regular retail price; however, these equipment sales are usually more expensive items which make that 30 percent profit a generous amount of income.
You need to decide how much business space you want to (or can) dedicate to retail. Is there space readily available in your business to retail? Or, are you paying extra rent for extra space to provide/sell retail? How much shelf space is required for an item and how much of that item can be sold in one year’s time?
What are the expected sale rates of these products and what are their profitability? Does that product sale income cover your rent for the space you are providing to retail those products? What type of markup is available to sell at the average retail price of their products?
Choose Wisely
As you can see, there are many concepts to consider when choosing, using or retailing products beyond the numbers and salability. It is 100 percent your responsibility to become knowledge about what different product lines can offer your business to support you and help you grow.
Some sales reps and product manufacturers will become a great supporting partner—and some will not.
Do not be afraid or feel guilty about asking these important questions to gain the information you need to choose the right products and partnership. Remember, this is about building your income, reputation, services and your entire business.
Choosing the right product manufacturers is a really important decision that can make or break your business–so make the best choice you possibly can to support your own business.
50 Questions to Help Find the Right Products Manufacturer
• What makes your products special?
• Why would I want to use or retail your products?
• What makes your products something my customers would want to buy?
• What are the active ingredients that make your products effective?
• Where do these active ingredients come from?
• Is there any published research studies that show the effectiveness or your products?
• Is product training available?
• Do you have in-person training?
• Will you come to my business for product or service training?
• Do you have a training facility and where is it?
• Are there online videos? What training is provided in the online training videos?
• Are there written product service manuals? What training is provided in the written product service manuals?
• How do I contact the product sales rep or customer services?
• What is the average response time to questions?
• Are any of your products being reformulated or product packaging changes being made within the next year?
• What type of support do you provide (if any) if there is a bad customer product experience?
• Do you pay for return shipping in addition to providing product credit or refunds when a customer returns a product?
• Do you charge a product restocking or return fee? Do you still charge this fee if you shipped me an expired or damaged product?
• What is the average remaining shelf life of your products once they arrive on my doorstep?
• What is the open product return policy if a dissatisfied customer returns a product?
• Are your products organic?
• From where do you harvest your product ingredients?
• What is your corporate message about the healthfulness or your products?
• What is your product packaging like? Do you use eco-friendly and recyclable packing materials?
• Do any of your products have refillable containers?
• What is your corporate message for the care of our environment?
• Do you offer free shipping with a minimum order?
• How much does shipping cost (i.e. is there “flat-rate” shipping)?
• How long will it take for your product order to arrive?
• If the products endure a long shipping period in an extreme climate, what responsibility is taken with shipping to ensure the products retain their efficacy?
• What do I have to do to become eligible to receive free samples, testers and back bar (if this is achievable with this manufacturer)?
• Who will I compete with for product sales?
• How many like-businesses in the area carry your products, and can I get a product exclusivity agreement within a certain mile radius?
• Are your products offered via Amazon or are they at beauty stores?
• If your products are saturated in the marketplace, what extras can you provide me to carry your products (i.e. can you offer me a free back bar)?
• Will you list my business on your digital media as a retail location?
• Will you include my business in your advertising and marketing campaigns?
• Can you provide high resolution pictures of your products and product services that I can use on my digital platforms?
• Do you provide retail point-of-sale (POS) marketing opportunities such as a gift-with-purchase (GWP) program?
• What are the costs of these marketing programs to me, if any?
• Do you offer a free product with purchase wholesale program, such as buy 12 pieces, receive 1 free or get a percentage off?
• Can I negotiate a better wholesale price with larger wholesale ordering?
• What type of markup is available (thus profitability) to sell at the average retail price of your products?
Be sure to interview the manufacturer prior to investing into their business. Below is a 45-minute video, where we will provide these 50 questions to ask in detail prior to investing in a company's product or inventory.
Retailing products can help increase your income while gaining new clients and offering new and exciting experiences in your bodywork practice or massage establishment. In this 16-minute video, we'll review 7 ways in how you can start a retail practice, boost income and retain clients with retail sales. This review includes:
1. Choosing a Product Manufacturer
Find/select a company that offers benefits to massage therapists. Many product manufacturers have solid point-of-sale and gift-with-purchase programs, or free classes and education, but many massage therapists do not take advantage of these valuable marketing tools. Ask manufacturers what they offer to support their product sales. Most should provide:
• High-resolution product pictures.
• Discounted or free product testers and samples.
• Product education via books, online videos or live classes.
• A solid product return or exchange program for any returned products.
• Posters or signs that can be displayed on or around the products, cash register, doors or walls.
• Gift with purchase opportunities, such as a trial size product for free with the purchase of a full retail-size product or with a certain purchase amount.
2. Choosing the Right Products
Determine which manufacturers offer products that have a good reputation for therapeutic benefits without unpopular packaging or chemicals. Choose products that complement your massage. While it is perfectly acceptable to retail jewelry or homemade items from your BFF, you should also sell items that are used in your massage service.
3. Talk About the Product Benefits
Some clients will purchase a product to remind them of their fabulous experience. For these clients, reliving their service through product use is an enjoyment, and it could even provide prolonged therapeutic benefit with the product’s active ingredients.
Products with active ingredients that could provide therapeutic benefit include: menthol; products that promote circulation; cinnamon to reduce inflammation; or arnica, which could promote pain relief among other benefits.
4. Put Your Sales Opportunities into Electronic Action
Once you have chosen your manufacturer and products, it’s time to activate sales. Include your new product promotions in customer emails, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to create a sense of excitement. Do not forget to use your manufacturer’s high-resolution pictures and any available promotions or gift with purchase.
5. Keep the Excitement Going at the Office
Display any available product promotion posters in the service or waiting areas, restrooms, hallways or any other appropriate place. Small picture frames are regularly available at dollar stores, so manufacturer print items can easily be made into something elegant or professional with a little effort.
6. Product Display and Merchandising
Create a designated area for product testing, merchandising and sales. Be sure that the product sales prices are readily available so that clients do not have to guess or ask what a product costs.
Your designated product area should include a “tester bar” where clients can see, smell, touch and feel the actual products. Mark the product testers with stickers to ensure the testers are not sold instead of new products.
Display any promotional marketing materials provided by the manufacturer at the tester bar, including customer testimonials, signage, discounts, sales promotions, gift-with-purchase info and so forth.
7. The Educational Check-Out
Take advantage of your manufacturer’s educational information so that you can select the right products for clients and promote their therapeutic benefits. Then, make sure to inform clients that your product is available for sale and take-home use. You can even write customized product instructions that include how much product to apply to which areas and how often so that their new product(s) are used effectively between professional services.
If you have not already informed the client of your product’s benefits before their service or during treatment, do not miss this last opportunity at check-out. Educating your client about your product’s benefits shows them that you are invested in their personal care and therapeutic outcome.
Most clients are not aware that additional therapeutic benefits such as pain relief or increased circulation can be continued at home with product use. Be honest with your client. Explain that these products will probably not achieve the same benefits as receiving an actual massage service. However, any prolonged or added benefits are always a plus.
To view the Massage Magazine article that was written by Selena Belisle at CE Institute LLC that covers what is reviewed in this video in greater detail, please visit: https://www.massagemag.com/retail-selling-118449/
Hot stone massage has been normally contraindicated for past oncology clients; however, as oncology treatments have improved, our hot stone massage treatment options have as well.
According to the National Cancer Institute, it is estimated that there are more than 16.9 million cancer survivors alive in the U.S. today and that number will grow tomore than 22.1 millionby 2030. Additional statistics show that almost half of men and one-third of women in the US will receive a cancer diagnosis in their lifetime. Because our oncology population continues to grow, most massage therapists will find themselves working with both cancer patients and survivors at some point in their careers.
This increasing oncology populace is due, in part, to the advances in oncology treatments that are used to prolong life and fight cancer. And while cancer is not a general bodywork contraindication, some oncology treatments are, especially with the application of hot stone massage.
Luckily, today we have better academic recognition of how hot stone massage can and cannot be applied with several oncology treatments. After all, fighting cancer should not end all possibilities of enjoying a hot stone massage for those who love it or just want to try it. Instead, oncology practitioners should review how a hot stone massage service can be provided or modified with various oncology treatments for this vulnerable and rising population.
And with full disclaimer, this article specifically speaks to the application of hot stone massage with three popular forms of oncology treatments. This article does not speak to working with oncology or massage as a whole.
Primary Oncology Treatments
The three primary forms of oncology treatments used to fight cancer today are surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Most will receive at least one or a combination of the three to combat their cancer diagnosis. Let’s look at how these three oncology treatments affect hot stone massage practice.
Oncology Surgery
Surgery creates an acute medical situation. In simplified terms, tissues are cut, inflamed, and then heal, in most circumstances. After healing, the surgical site scar may be sensitive and is prone to further damage. Placement and working stones should never be applied directly over a dermal scar.
Nervous system innervation can be cut or pierced during oncology surgery. And in some surgeries, major nerves can be briefly retracted from a surgical site, which could cause a temporary, delayed or permanent dysfunction of sensory abilities.
Aside from the immediate surgical site, most cancer survivors should be able to receive hot stone massage after oncology surgery without adverse effect, minus a few exceptions, such as nervous system damage or additional oncology treatments.
Oncology Radiation
Healthy tissues, including nervous system innervation, are often destroyed alongside cancer cells in radiation treatments. Survivors who received external radiation decades ago have likely lost some or all sensation in the treated area. Areas that have had been treated with internal or external radiation can be severely damaged and are a permanent local contraindication for hot stone massage. Do not ever place or move hot stones over radiated tissues.
Modern day oncology radiation recipients may have less damage due to incredible technological advances; however, all radiated tissue is susceptible to a lifetime potential of greater injury, regardless of when the radiation was administered.
Some radiation clients will have tiny dot tattoos that show where their external radiation was focused. Practitioners can work around a radiated tissue if they are 100% certain they are able to avoid all of it. Consider using a cooler stone bath for these clients.
Oncology Chemotherapy
An oncology client who has received a recent dose of chemotherapy is not a good candidate for hot stone massage. Practitioners should not promote thermal therapy manual circulation during the tissue metabolism of chemotherapy without specific approval from the prescribing oncologist.
An active chemotherapy cancer patient may also have a port or another external device affixed to their body. All externally affixed body devices are a local contraindication for both placement and working stones.
A cancer survivor who has completed their chemotherapy treatments may be a great fit for hot stone massage. However, there are a few caveats. For example, those who have lost nervous sensation. Chemotherapy can damage nerve cells throughout the body, which can result in neuropathies and more.
Hot Stone Massage and the Nervous System
All hot stone massage recipients must be able to feel the heat of a stone to help avoid the potential of being burned by it. Hence, their nervous system’s sensory capabilities must be intact and fully functioning. Practitioners should avoid areas that have lost sensation as a local contraindication and not administer any hot stone massage at all if the entire body’s nervous sensation is impaired.
Chilling with Oncology Treatments
Many oncology treatments can leave a client feeling cold. The thermal therapy effects of hot stone massage can be remedial for a chilled client, once all other bodywork considerations have been addressed.
Other hot stone massage considerations for oncology surgery, radiation and chemotherapy treatments include:
•Lymph Nodes and Swelling
Oncology treatments often focus on lymph nodes because they are a common area for metastatic cancer. Lymph node cancer treatments can create swelling in the localized treatment area. Do not apply hot stones or massage therapy to any areas of swelling.
•Fatigue and Frailty
Oncology treatments can cause extreme fatigue. These treatments can also cause a deterioration of skin, muscle, bone or any combination of the three.
If an oncology client seems excessively frail or in need of a colossal doze, consider switching the hot stone service to a bodywork that does not require frequent verbal communication and solely uses the hands instead of the harder surface of a stone. Frail and fatigued oncology clients will normally benefit from some adequate rest and doubly so with the correct massage.
• Additional Side Effects
Almost all cancer survivors will have a lifelong impact from their oncology treatment(s). However, survivors are usually better candidates for hot stone massage than those who are actively fighting cancer.
Active oncology treatment recipients have an extensive list of possible side effects, such as mouth sores, lowered immunity or hand-foot syndrome, which all create additional oncology bodywork considerations. Sometimes, these side effects can last longer than the oncology treatment that caused them, but the severity does lessen for most survivors over time.
Modifying Hot Stone Massage for Oncology Treatments
In review, we have shown that these three primary oncology treatments chiefly create local contraindication sites more than full-body or total service contraindications for hot stone massage. As such, think about how hot stone massage can be adapted for local contraindications. For example, the arms and legs make up over half of the human body’s surface area.
Applying hot stone massage to an oncology client’s extremities is a great modification to work the majority of the body when the head, chest or organ areas have local contraindication(s). Even with a modified application, the thermal therapy effects of hot stone massage may be a wonderful relief for oncology clients who have pain, feel cold, or just want a special volcanic retreat from their everyday life.
Still, because there are so many medical considerations with oncology treatments, partial or full body hot stone massage should only be provided on a case-by-case basis for multiple reasons beyond any single list that can be conceived here or anywhere. Keep in mind that all general hot stone and oncology bodywork contraindications, such as fever, active vomiting, infection and more, are still applicable.
Consultation and Training in Oncology and Hot Stone Massage
Unfortunately, like many bodywork subspecialties, we have very little research with oncology hot stone massage. Until we do, it is safest and best practice to consult with the client’s oncologist prior to administering hot stone massage for individual concerns and needs.
While we have addressed hot stone application with three different oncology treatments here, general oncology bodywork and hot stone massage education is another matter. Specific oncology and hot stone massage CE classes should be sought prior to practicing either. Training in both should help provide knowledge of the adaptations, precautions and contraindications necessary to practice hot stone massage with cancer patients and survivors.
CE Institute LLC Oncology & Hot Stone Massage Instructor Selena Belisle will share some ideas of how hot stone massage could be applied for cancer patients and survivors in this brief 18-minute video.
