In spring we hosted a specialist Oncology Scar Massage course at our Lakes Centre in Kendal, which was delivered by leading expert in the field, Emma Holly.
As October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we caught up with the aromatherapists who took part to see how they are utilising their learning as part of their work
“The scar massage course was an incredible insight into how complex scars can be and how they affect the whole-body, not just the area around the scar. I’ve enjoyed incorporating these techniques into my therapy work and have had some great results. For me it’s a privilege for someone to allow me to work on their scars, I want to help people weather that’s on making the scar feel smoother or giving the client the confidence to look and touch their own scar,” said Stacey Smith, an aromatherapist at our centre in Barrow
Stacey’s client, Dawn Hampton, said the technique has been extremely beneficial.
“I thought after having surgery on both breasts lumpy red scars were normal. After only having a couple of sessions of scar massage therapy with Stacey I noticed a difference. I have continued with the treatment and there is such a big difference. Thank you Stacey,” said Dawn.
The course also allowed colleagues who work in different centres to come together to share ideas, work and learn from each other.
“Since we finished the course, I have been able to offer these new techniques to clients, whether their scars are new or more mature. I feel fortunate to have attended the course and it was also lovely to meet other colleagues who work in different centres,” said Alison Smedley, an Aromatherapist at our centre in Morecambe.
Kendal based Aromatherapist Dany Brown said: “I have practiced on two clients so far, a man and a woman who have both been very pleased with the results. I was a little nervous at first but kept looking back at my training notes which helped. The female client who had a mastectomy that was very sore and tight around the scar area has had several weeks of scar tissue massage and she has noticed a huge different which even her consultant had commented on how much better her scar is.”
This was echoed by her colleague at Kendal, Diana Fenton. “The course was brilliant, and it was very sensitively presented by Emma. The skills I learnt has definitely deepened my practice and knowledge around working with scars,” she said.
CancerCare is proud to have the ability to deliver essential therapies to our clients and we are always looking to keep up with the latest developments in complementary healthcare and technology. The Oncology Scar Massage course has proven to be a fantastic example of this.