Koala Massage Therapies

01/12/2025

| WHAT MAKES ONCOLOGY MASSAGE DIFFERENT |

Not all massage is the same — and when it comes to supporting people living with cancer, the difference truly matters.

Oncology Massage is a specialised, evidence-informed approach designed to safely support those undergoing cancer treatment or living with the after effects of it. It’s not just a “gentler massage” — it’s a carefully adapted, clinical practice.

🩵 Here’s how it’s different:
✔️ Trained expertise: Therapists complete specialised education to understand cancer pathology, treatment side effects, and safe touch modifications.
✔️ Individualised care: Each session is adapted for scars, ports, medical devices, fatigue, or pain — every person’s care plan is unique.
✔️ Gentle, therapeutic approach: Pressure, positioning, and duration are all specifically tailored to ensure comfort and safety.
✔️ Emotional and physical support: Beyond physical relief, oncology massage provides calm, connection, and reassurance during an uncertain time.

Oncology massage therapists don’t just “work on the body” — they work with the person, creating space for rest, dignity, and healing connection.

Our students and graduates are proud to deliver care grounded in compassion, safety, and clinical excellence across Australia and New Zealand.

💚 Learn more about our training programs www.oncologymassagetraining.com.au or email info@oncologymassagetraining.com.au

28/11/2025

We pledge to make scar therapy available for free to members of the public with supervised advanced training clinics. Find a free appointment here.

16/10/2025

Well said! So true 👍

Incoming rant about massage therapists and “lymphatic drainage”.

I’ve just read another support group post where someone’s first “lymphatic drainage” was painful and completely not what they expected.

Sadly this happens. A lot.

I’ve talked about the cowboy training courses before so I’m not going there now.

And I want to say very clearly, there are different types of manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) and some are more firm than others.

If what you’re receiving is too painful then say something. And if your therapist doesn’t listen? Get off the table and leave.

So let’s get into the myth-busting.

Massage therapists are not registered/licensed in Australia.

Ummmm. What now?

As a REMEDIAL MASSAGE THERAPIST (RMT) I am registered with the ATMS (there are several registration associations to choose from). As a lymphoedema therapist I am registered with the ALA.

To be able to register with those associations you need to have a certain level of qualifications, full insurance and current first aid.

You also need to complete multiple continuing education activities each year to keep your registration.

That massage at the mall? Usually cheaper, but that therapist probably does not have full training, registration, or insurance. Proceed with caution.

On a separate note, the word “masseuse” was used a number of times. Please don’t. That word carries connotations we’ve moved far beyond. “Massage therapist” is the correct term.

Another myth. Only use a physiotherapist as massage therapists seldom know about MLD.

If only! In reality, only those who’ve done extra lymphoedema training - physios, OTs, RMTs, nurses, osteos - actually know how the lymphatic system works.

Another myth, start drainage from the heart or stroke upwards from the ankles. Just no.

Here’s my advice.

If someone claims to do MLD, look for proof.

Qualified lymphoedema therapists proudly list their registrations and training, those logos and details will be front and centre on their website or socials.

If you can’t find them then ask.

If in doubt, find a therapist from the practitioner registry of the Australasian Lymphology Association.

Because proper lymphatic work is gentle, skilled, and evidence-based and should never be painful.

Rant over.

PS, photo credit to the amazing Miranda Mayle

25/09/2025

👏

Read this article from the Massage and Myotherapy Association Australia about scars and scar massage and how Restore Scar Therapy can help

29/08/2025

My DLT teacher😊
Looking forward to another learning
opportunity. PD never ends!

Don't miss our upcoming webinar presented by Founder of Lymphoedema Therapy, Training & Education Jacqui Beutel ‘Treating the Whole Person: Clinical considerations for chronic and complex conditions in massage therapy’, on Monday 1 September at 12pm AEST.

This session is not about limiting your practice – but expanding your awareness. Many therapists unknowingly work outside their scope simply because the risks aren’t visible at the surface. By deepening your clinical understanding, you’ll gain confidence to make safer, more informed decisions and contribute meaningfully to integrated care.

If you are unable to attend a webinar you have registered for, you will receive a recording that can be accessed for up to two months. Massage & Myotherapy Australia members can claim 5 CPE points and 1 CPE hour per webinar.

REGISTER
Treating the Whole Person: https://tinyurl.com/24x6srcx

01/08/2025

Read a delegates perspective of the ALA Symposium 2025 in Perth and her review of Emma Holly's workshop on negative pressure and scars

31/07/2025

I'm so thrilled to find Helen here in Cleveland😊

29/07/2025

Need a bit more compression on the top of your foot? Over the distal metatarsals (where the toes join the foot)?
Try some shirring elastic woven across the top of your toe piece, or a rolled men's hanky on top of your compression gear, and pull a sock over the top.
Timing is probably limited to when you can rest with your feet up, as it's difficult to hold in place when mobile.
As always, check with your health professional if this is right for you.

More resources available on LAA website.

www.lymphaustralia.org.au/resources/living-with-lymphoedema/

02/07/2025

I finally completed the scar therapy practitioner course!
I did two case studies and amazed with the result 😊
I am looking forward to applying all the new skills and knowledge to my practice and help people beyond the scar.

17/06/2025

I am so privileged to learn the scar therapy from Emma Holly. The scar therapy course was amazing ✨

07/06/2025

👏

⛰️ A momentous step forward for cancer care in our region!

Not too long ago, our incredible massage therapist Rachel walked through the doors of and onto the ward—for the very first time—as part of the inpatient care team 🙌

This makes SATH the first hospital in our region (and possibly in all of Queensland!) to officially integrate oncology massage into care for inpatients—a milestone we’ve been advocating for over many years 👏👏👏

Oncology massage isn’t just a “nice to have”—the evidence shows it can reduce pain, anxiety, nausea and fatigue for people undergoing cancer treatment.

We’re proud to see this compassionate, evidence-based care becoming more accessible—and grateful to St Andrew’s for leading the way.

02/06/2025