Description
Course Overview: Specialist Touch Therapy for Cancer and Chronic Illness
At The Academy, we believe in making holistic wellness accessible to everyone—especially those going through some of life’s most difficult health journeys. This SATCC-approved course is designed to equip beauty and massage therapists with the specialist skills needed to safely and confidently treat clients living with cancer, whether they are currently undergoing treatment, in recovery, or in remission.
While cancer care is at the heart of this course, the techniques taught are equally beneficial for clients dealing with a range of complex and chronic conditions, such as:
- Autoimmune disorders (e.g. lupus, rheumatoid arthritis)
- Neurological conditions (e.g. MS, Parkinson’s)
- Chronic illnesses (e.g. fibromyalgia, ME/CFS)
- Lymphoedema
- Stress-related conditions that require a gentler therapeutic approach
These clients often fall outside the scope of conventional spa therapies due to concerns around contraindications or lack of practitioner training. This course bridges that gap—empowering therapists to offer safe, nurturing, and inclusive treatments that support both physical and emotional wellbeing.
Who is This Course For?
This training is ideal for qualified beauty and massage therapists who want to:
- Deliver oncology massage and adapted spa treatments for clients living with cancer
- Understand how to safely treat clients with complex health conditions often excluded from mainstream therapies
- Broaden their professional skillset to offer more inclusive, person-centred care
Pre-Requirement : OFQUAL regulated Level 3 Massage Qualification (Level 6 in Scotland)
What You’ll Learn
- A comprehensive understanding of cancer, including its staging and treatment impacts
- How to modify body and facial treatments safely and effectively
- How to perform oncology massage, with bespoke adaptations based on each client’s health status, treatment side effects, and areas of contraindication
- Specific guidance on treating clients with lymphoedema—a condition still wrongly considered untreatable in many spa environments
- Emotional and psychological support strategies for working with vulnerable or anxious clients
- Techniques that are gentle, adaptable, and deeply comforting for anyone experiencing physical sensitivity, chronic fatigue, or heightened stress
Why This Course Matters
Clients living with cancer and other chronic illnesses often feel excluded from spa and wellness environments due to outdated myths, fears, or a lack of therapist training. This course breaks down those barriers, giving therapists the knowledge and tools to deliver not only safe treatments—but also deeply therapeutic and emotionally supportive experiences for those who need them most.
Course Delivery
Location: The Academy, Cumbernauld
Our fully-equipped training centre offers a supportive learning environment, ample free parking, and excellent transport links for easy access.
