MNZ Conference

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A6 - Michelle Stewart & Tess O'Toole

Michelle Stewart is from Tauranga and is a practicing certified massage therapist with her speciality being in Oncology massage. Prior to restudying massage therapy, she was a practicing Physiotherapist for about 10 years working mainly within the DHB. Twice a year Michelle works for the Aratika Cancer Trust at their retreats they run. She is a Sweet Louise provider and has just recently been taken on as a provider for the Canopy Cancer Care centre in Tauranga.

Tess O'Toole is from Christchurch and is a practicing Oncology massage therapist who has been pioneering Oncology massage in Christchurch. Tess has managed to get a pilot study up and running at the haematology unit at Christchurch hospital. She has completed her OM 3 and 4 in Australia. Tess also runs a busy clinic Body Central in Christchurch.

Oncology Massage - 1hr

Why Oncology massage?

The importance of having the medical knowledge and background of cancer including treatment, surgery, radiation and chemotherapy.

What would you do if a client with a diagnosis of cancer or history of cancer walked through your clinic doors? (Ethics)

Short case study presentation with example of note taking from both Tess and Michelle.

Pilot study involving Oncology massage based at the Christchurch haematology unit.

Reflective practice and self-care. Followed by time for questions and answers.