After recently becoming qualified to provide Complementary Therapies for clients with Cancer or other life limiting conditions, I thought I would explain a little about how this qualification has enabled me to offer my treatments to those who perhaps may not have been able to receive massage or other Complementary Therapies before, due to issues with insurance.
Before any massage or other Complementary Therapy can go ahead for the first time, I will ask the client to complete a pre-treatment medical consultation form. During this time the client can also explain in more depth any conditions they may have as well as ask any questions. I can also ask questions, such as whether the client is able to lie on the massage couch or should the position be modified in any way. The client also needs to sign the form to give consent that they are happy for the treatment to go ahead.
This is a confidential form and is not shared with any third party.
From time to time a client may have a more serious condition or have recently received a medical treatment such as Chemotherapy. In these cases it is advisable to book a separate shorter appointment with me to go through the consultation form together and to explain which type of treatment or operation they have had. The client may be asked to get a referral letter from their healthcare professional (if they are still under their care) and once that has been received, a treatment plan can be agreed upon depending on the symptoms the client may be suffering from, such as sore/aching muscles, poor sleep patterns or quality of sleep, tension/anxiety/stress etc.
During the first treatment I will usually use a light to moderate pressure and avoid any areas which may have been operated on, as well as any affected lymph nodes.
I also offer Lymphatic Drainage for those clients who may have swelling from an operation or from a medical condition. This treatment is very light touch and doesn’t involve the deeper muscle layers but only the layer just below the skin. This can be used as a stand-alone treatment or incorporated into the massage for specific areas of the body which are affected. Again, this option will be discussed with the client before any treatment is carried out and after receiving a letter of referral from the GP or other healthcare professional.
Usually a treatment plan of around six appointments is beneficial to the client, as feedback can be given by the client at each appointment and the treatment modified, if necessary, to ensure progress is being made with regards to symptoms.
A client may feel nervous or apprehensive for their first treatment (especially if they have never received massage before) but with each treatment they are able to relax and enjoy their time out which will, in turn, improve their wellbeing.
If you have any questions about whether you think massage may benefit you, please contact me. There is no obligation to book a treatment and I am more than happy to help.
Best wishes
Nicola
Glow Therapies Tavistock
Mob: 07969 157897
Glow Therapies Tavistock 