Oncology Massage Training
You can make a difference.
Train as a certified oncology massage therapist and learn how to adapt your work safely and thoughtfully for people affected by cancer.
What is Oncology Massage?
Oncology massage is a specialised approach to massage therapy that is adapted to meet the needs of people affected by cancer.
It is not a separate set of techniques, but a way of thinking, assessing, and responding to the individual — taking into account their diagnosis, treatment, side effects, and overall health.
Rather than applying routine treatments, oncology massage focuses on providing safe, appropriate, and responsive care based on what is needed at that time.
It is not about following protocols — it is about learning how to think, adapt, and respond to each person.
Who is Oncology Massage For?
Oncology massage may be suitable for people at different stages of their cancer experience.
This includes those:
- Undergoing treatment such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy
- Recovering after treatment
- Living with or beyond cancer
- Receiving palliative or hospice care
Each person is assessed individually to determine what is safe, appropriate, and beneficial.
A Different Approach to Oncology Massage Training
Cancer is not, in itself, a contraindication to massage when treatment is appropriately adapted. What matters is how we understand the person in front of us, and how we respond.
Oncology massage is often taught as a series of restrictions. But in practice, every client’s experience of cancer is different — their diagnosis, treatment, side effects, and needs are constantly changing.
This course will help you move beyond uncertainty and fear, and instead develop the confidence to make informed, appropriate decisions in real clinical situations.
At its core, this training is about:
- Understanding the person, not just the condition
- Using touch with awareness and intention
- Adapting your work safely, based on sound clinical reasoning
Because good oncology massage is not about doing less —
it is about doing what is right for that person, at that time.
Cancer is no longer considered an absolute contraindication to massage. Let me explain the aims of oncology massage.
Who is oncology massage training for?
- Training in oncology massage is designed for qualified therapists who want to work safely with clients affected by cancer.
-
This may include:
Massage therapists
Sports and remedial therapists
Bodyworkers and complementary therapists - This focuses on further developing your manual understanding and advancing your soft tissue skills. Click for full details.
FAQ's
- Do I need prior experience? Yes, you should already be a qualified therapist.
- Can I work with clients in active cancer treatment after this course? Yes — if you apply the principles taught and work within your scope of practice.
- Will I learn specific oncology techniques? You will learn how to adapt your existing skills safely and effectively.
- Is this course recognised for CPD? Yes, it provides CPD points and a certificate on completion.
Find the course breakdown in full below, along with all pricing options and course dates.
The complete workshop (practical and online) is fully certified, accredited and approved by:
Your Training Pathway
If your goal is to become a certified oncology massage therapist, you will need to complete both the online course and the three-day practical training.
Together, these provide the theoretical understanding and hands-on skills required to work safely and confidently with clients affected by cancer.
Online Course only - £99
The online workshop can be taken as a standalone module and provides a clear foundation in oncology massage. It covers how cancer develops, the evidence behind oncology massage, and the different types of cancer treatment. You will also learn about common side effects and how both the disease process and its treatment influence safe and appropriate massage practice.
- 20+ high quality practical and lecture videos
- Comprehensive transcripts and worksheets
- Downloadable lecture handouts
- Final Quiz to test your knowledge
- Option to purchase the practical workshop for £449
- 1 Year access
- Worth up to 5 CPD points
- Certificate of completion
Note: if you decide to purchase the practical workshop at a later date, you can do so for the price of £449. It is best value to purchase the online and practical workshop together saving £49.
3 Day Practical Workshop & Online Course All Inclusive - £499
If your goal is to become a certified oncology massage therapist, you will need to complete both the online course and the three-day practical training. Together, these provide the theoretical knowledge and hands-on skills required to work safely and confidently with clients affected by cancer.
- Adapt your manual therapy with confidence using real-life case studies of common oncology conditions
- Expand your clinical skills to include advanced techniques, home care advice, and rehabilitation principles
- Access flexible training locations across the UK
- Earn up to 30 CPD points to support your professional development
- Receive a certificate of attendance (electronic)
- Be listed in the oncology therapist directory, helping clients find you more easily
See purchase options below
Free Goodie Bag!
Included in the Practical Workshop is a goodie bag containing some things you’ll need for the course such as; massage wax, notebook, softballs and a feather.
If you choose a zoom course, your box will be sent one week prior to the start date. Only available for those living in the UK.
Course Dates & Locations
Time: 9am – 4.30pm
Location: Online via Zoom!
Join me from anywhere in the world! Students will need a client to treat in the afternoon of each day. This client can be a friend or family member and does not need to be an oncology client.
See purchase options in ‘Course Fees’ section below.
Time: 9am – 5pm
Location:
27 Craigs Avenue
Edinburgh
EH12 8HS
See purchase options in ‘Course Fees’ section below.
Time: 9am – 5pm
Location: Jing Advanced Massage Training
28/29 Bond Street,
Brighton,
BN1 1RD
See purchase options in ‘Course Fees’ section below.
Time: 9am – 5pm
Location: Bristol College of Massage and Bodywork
BCMB
Lower Ground Floor
109 Pembroke Road
Clifton
Bristol
BS8 3EU
See purchase options in ‘Course Fees’ section below.
Time: 9am – 5pm
Location: NLSSM, The Hub
Unit 3i & 3J,
25 Ashley Road,
London,
N17 9LJ.
See purchase options in ‘Course Fees’ section below.
*Please Note: For the courses taking place over Zoom, students will need a client to treat in the afternoon of each day. This client can be a friend or family member and does not need to be an oncology client. Registration needs to take place 10 days prior to the start date.
See purchase options below
- This day is all about preparing you for the real thing, starting with taking a comprehensive case history to develop your manual skills to meet the needs of your clients. Understand your role as a soft tissue therapist, what your remit is and when to refer.
- 33 Questions to ask your Oncologist – a supportive discussion about how to communicate and work with the medical team effectively.
- This can include modifying your existing techniques and introducing a few new ones to accommodate your clients’ stage of health and diagnosis, as well as positioning your client based on their condition.
- Manual techniques and their modifications, these will include effleurage, petrissage, shaking, rocking, vibration, compression, distraction, mobilizing and stretching, along with the underpinning knowledge about their efficacy, when and how to use them at different stages of health.
- An introduction about the concept of MELT, often referred to as a ‘mindful touch’. How to achieve a depth that is both beneficial and appropriate.
- Todays case studies include lung, breast, prostate and kidney cancer.
- Emotional prep work, consider your own mental health ensuring you have a support system in place.
- How to improve your environment & work with current PPE protocols.
- Legal implications, consent, and intake forms.
- Appropriate massage mediums.
- Goal setting – if you have ever had problems engaging your clients to do their ‘homework’ this will be a game changer. Homecare is a vital portion of our therapy with the focus of empowering our clients to take control. It is not about going to the gym 3 nights a week but how to make lifestyle changes that will stick. We discuss how to decide what goals are most important under the circumstances.
- We will discuss in more detail both chemotherapy and radiotherapy, offering suggestions about how to lessen their side effects.
- We will continue working together to discuss more complex case studies such as testicular, brain tumour, esophageal cancer, and acute myeloid leukaemia building on the complexities of yesterdays discussions.
- Practical demonstrations will include an introduction to Transverse STR, Muscle Energy Techniques, we will also include modifications of any techniques you bring to the table like NMT, TP, Myofascial Release. Prior training in these techniques is useful but not essential.
- We will introduce ball massage skills, for working through clothing, or in environments that do not allow privacy (this is also a brilliant tool for your regular clients).
- You will also have a chance to work with the ‘purple gloves’ as a home care tool, and regular gloves that will help dispel some myths.
- We will further develop homecare skills covering subjects listed under the ‘6 best doctors’ such as breath work, and improving sleep habits.
- This day is about putting it all together and integrating all the previous modules with additional workshop information on rehabilitation principles and homecare suggestions.
- We will cover subjects like nutrition, exercise, mental health and well-being, focusing on their importance to the success of your clients journey.
- Understanding the principles of delivering a more effective homecare plan and how to encourage client compliance using these principles.
- Case studies covered include bowel, thyroid and colon cancer.
- Advanced positioning and mobility techniques to accommodate many circumstances, working within the hospital, in a chemotherapy chair, surgeries, adjusting your techniques to suit a variety of medical equipment and devices.
- An important part of what we do is the emotional prep work along with
- Advanced techniques that will open up opportunities for you to work with a majority of your clients throughout their treatment.
- This portion of the day will help you with marketing and developing your business skills as a qualified and certified oncology massage therapist
With your enrolment you'll receive access to a number of discounts to products from companies such as MooGoo Skincare, Songbird Massage Wax, Hokki Stools and more. I am a representative for Moo Goo Skincare and often have samples for you to try.
Course Fees
Online Course +
3 Day Practical Workshop
-
1 Year Access to online course
-
3 Day Practical Workshop
-
Certificate of Attendance
Online Course
Only
-
1 Year Access to online course
-
Certificate of Attendance
-
Option to purchase practical workshop at a later date for £449
Practical Workshop
Only
-
3 Day Practical Workshop
-
Certificate of Attendance
-
You can only choose this option if you have already completed my online course
Paying by Paypal?
You can split the cost over 3 months, with their Pay in 3 option (Paypal T&Cs apply). Just choose PayPal at checkout.
Already purchased this course? Get lifetime access for just £65!
Complete the form to get in touch with us and we'll send you your unique link to sign up.
Further Learning
Take a look at a couple of previews for my free to view webinars that help to describe in more full detail about oncology massage. All you need to do is subscribe to my mailing list below and you will have immediate access to watch the webinars in full.
What Oncology Massage Is and What It Isn't.
This webinar was originally recorded with LCSP in 2024, where l am discussing:
- The importance of understanding the complexities of cancer when working with an oncology client.
- The misconception that oncology massage is a matter of applying a lighter stroke or working elsewhere on the body.
- Understanding your client’s goal for the session and being able to address and provide the hands-on therapy that will meet their needs while working under the conditions of their treatment and the disease itself.
What are the benefits of Oncology Massage?
This webinar was originally recorded with CHP in 2022 and I am discussing:
- The aims, objectives and potential benefits of massage therapy for oncology clients.
- The importance of engaging your clients well-being both physically and emotionally.
- An insight into my 3 day practical workshop and what this qualification can help you to achieve.
Watch these FREE webinars
Sign up below to subscribe to my mailing list and you will have immediate access to watch the webinars in full.
ONCOLOGY MASSAGE WORKSHOP FAQ'S
All my courses are further development for therapists who have an existing hands-on qualification. If you are unsure about meeting the requirements, please contact me at info@susanfindlay.co.uk.
You should have also received an email confirming your purchase, please check your junk/spam section of your emails before contacting aimee@susanfindlay.co.uk. Otherwise sign in using the details you registered with.
Yes! All my face-to-face courses have a strong element of practical work.
I provide everything you need for your training, including massage couch, towels, lotions etc.
You will need to bring your own lunch with you, or you can visit one of the nearby shops/cafes. Bring a tablet/computer or a printed version of the course material, whichever is your preferred method to support your learning.
Please wear comfortable and easy to move in clothing. You will be massaging fellow therapists throughout the course. Most therapists choose activewear/sportswear.
I use a number of different massage creams, lotions, oils and waxes, including the following:
If you are allergic to any products please bring your own massage medium.
In order for your course to be recognised as completed, you must ensure you have clicked ‘Complete and Continue’ at the end of each module. Once you have done this, including filling in the survey, you will be directed to your certificate.
You can also find your certificate by clicking on your profile icon in the top right-hand corner of the page > My Account > Certificates.
I am happy to support students with any specific learning requirements such as visually impaired, & dyslexia, please check with me prior to signing up if your condition is not listed. 0208 885 6062
I have developed a robust set of procedures to minimise any risk, to find out more please read my policy.
My oncology massage workshop is fully certified, accredited and approved by:
- CHP (Complimentary Health Professionals)
- CTHA (Complementary Therapists Association)
- SMTO (Scottish Massage Therapists Association)
…and many others.
If you choose to pay via paypal, they may give you the option to split your payment into three via their Pay in 3 scheme. Please note, this is an agreement between you and Paypal, T&C’s apply.
Sign up to my newsletter & Massage Mondays
Get my latest video straight to your inbox, every Monday!
