COURSE DATES:


20th, 21st, 22nd & 23rd November 2024


​​​​​Palliative Care Massage Training

Location: Conference Room

                 Quest Apartment Hotel

                 72-84 Upper Heidelberg Road

                 Ivanhoe, Vic 3079


Cost: $1400

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Advanced Palliative Care Massage (4 Days)

This course provides specialised training for massage therapists, myotherapists, physiotherapists and osteopaths, who wish to work with clients who are living with chronic or life-limiting illnesses, be in palliative care, aged care or at home.

Participants will explore their own perceptions of loss and grief, mortality and how they can BE with clients who are approaching end of life.

During the four days, participants will be given an overview of Palliative Care, including 


-      How bodywork can support the individual and their carer/s at all stages of life.  
-     The role of massage therapy in Palliative Care (WHO)
-     What adjustments may be applicable for the person. (Position, Pressure, Site,              Duration, Frequency, Mediums) Demonstration and practice session
-     A brief overview of Life Limiting Illnesses – eg: oncology, neurological, paediatric,        chronic illnesses
-     Palliative Care Massage techniques Demonstration and practice session
-     Gathering information for the client assessment, documentation
-     Boundary issues medical or psychological
-     How to prepare providing massage therapy in the hospital, aged care and

      home care environments,

-     Looking at Cultural and Religious considerations
-     Occupational Health & Safety considerations, Smart move training,

      Infection control
-     How bodywork can support the individual and their carer/s at all stages of life.


This is a journey that allows participants many opportunities for self-reflection, and provides the skill set for therapists to specialise in the palliative care sector.


Enrolment Requirements:

To undertake this course participants –
Must have attained a minimum qualification of a Diploma of Remedial Massage (or equivalent), with a minimum of 12 months experience in client work. 

It is highly recommended that participants complete the 3-Day Intensive in Oncology Massage (or equivalent).

Consideration will also be given to those working in a palliative care setting

Individuals will be assessed on their massage qualifications, client experience and current role within the palliative care sector. 

Applicants must provide copies of:
- a current first aid certificate
- Professional Indemnity and Public Liability Insurance
- Membership to a Professional Association​


Course Preparation:

Pre-reading of the following books is required


Gayle MacDonald & Carolyn Tague, Hands in Health Care - Second Edition - Massage therapy for the adult hospital patient (2021 Handspring Publishing) 


Kathleen Dowling Singh, The Grace in Dying - A message of hope, comfort and spiritual transformation (1998, Harper Collins Publishers)


​Cynthia Heep Spence, Palliative Touch - Massage for people at the end of life

(2023 Handspring Publishing)


Books may be purchased through Amazon, via the S4OM website or through The Book Depository.


Participants will be required to complete preparatory exercises leading up to the course commencement. It is advised participants commence pre-reading 1 (one) month prior to the course commencement.


Course Requirements:

Participants are asked to bring the following items for the duration of the course:
* 2 towels
* 2 pillows
* 1 blanket
If you are unable to bring these items, they will be supplied at an additional cost of $15 payable at the beginning of the course.
Massage tables will be supplied for the duration of the course