Oncology massage training for therapists

Soon Barbados will have its first cohort of massage therapists internationally trained and qualified to offer touch therapy treatments to cancer patients.

The therapists are currently receiving an internationally certified Oncology Massage Training being presented by SRB International Training Spa and TVET Council Barbados.

Medical Massage for cancer patients’ specialist Christine Clinton came in from the United States to teach the classes, which began last week Thursday at TVET’s Hastings House West, Balmoral Gap, Hastings, Christ Church.

In light of Barbados’ cancer statistics, students are receiving necessary theoretical and practical training in touch therapy which is known for helping cancer patients to relax, particularly through lymphatic drainage to assist patients with pain management and decreasing swelling.

As part of the training, live case studies will be invited to classes to allow students to have practical experiences.

During the six-week course, guest speakers, including a gynecologist and oncologist, will be invited to give students an insight on cancer treatments in Barbados and the overall care of patients. Students will also be treated to presentations in areas such as human resources, the correct way to start a business, how to handle finances, liability insurance and customer service, among other topics.

Organizers of the course have noted that local businesses have pledged a contribution to sponsor or donate funds to students to help them cover their course cost.

Rosita Coble from SRB International Training Spa, stressed that the course is necessary and needed considering that cancer patients cannot tolerate a regular massage, and are in need of specifically targeted touch therapy technique.

“Anyone can have it, but it’s what we do to give back to cancer patients. Actually, the SRB International Spa has a look good, feel good programme, which helps them with makeup, eyebrows, eyelashes when they lose them and they don’t know what to do.

Coble said: “Make-up, because sometimes the chemotherapy darkens you about three or four shades than you were before. You can sometimes get mouth sores and we help with that. In terms of chemo, we give you some stuff before you get constipated.

“Some people get rash and breakouts. Your nails get dark and so we use a nice bright colour to hide it. It is about making that individual, even though they are going through that, but still look great when on the outside”. (AH)