I will occasionally publish interview here for those curious to learn how other massage therapists took the path to becoming a CLT.
Meet Brooke Brownlow, CLT
How did you get into massage therapy as a career?
So, the massage career route came somewhat circuitously. I was working in the non-profit sector when I developed a terrible case of plantar fasciitis. My doctor suggested everything from surgery to orthopedic aids, massage was the last thing he mentioned but the first I was determined to try if only because it was the most affordable and least disruptive option. I saw a therapist for 6 sessions, after 4 of which the PF has almost entirely disappeared. Here was a woman who so thoroughly knew the structures of the foot and leg that she- without any other intervention- had helped me with this condition and in the process educated me on what I could do at home to help prevent a future flare-up. Previously to this interaction, my relationship with massage was inconsistent where I would often go when given a gift certificate. I was interested in this therapist’s ability and asked her questions about her training and experience. I soon learned that MT’s are highly trained professionals with superior knowledge of the muscular system and body. I also learned that the ways to apply a massage education was incredibly varied. It took almost 6 months of me questioning myself before I decided to leave my job with the NP I was working for to jump into massage school. It was one of the best decisions I have ever made.
What is your community in Asheville, NC like?
Asheville is a jewel in the Blue Ridge Mountains! Many have dubbed it the Portland of the south and for good reason. Both cities have a thriving arts and culture scene, great food, proximity to outdoor activities and are surrounded by mountains, though Asheviille still retains much of that small town vibe where it is not unusual to walk into town and see a neighbor or friend. With the increase in tourism and popularity of Asheville over the last decade or so there is a changing demographic of people bringing with them all sorts of experiences and ideas to our little city creating a vibrant and colorful tapestry. Overall, I think many of the people who call Asheville home are here to enjoy the more laid-back lifestyle, access to nature and, of course, beer. Asheville is home to a dizzying array of breweries!
What drew you to oncology massage and the certified lymphedema therapist training?
The day we covered the lymphatic system in massage school I was transfixed and left wanting to learn more. One of the teachers at the school told me that if I wanted to pursue it there is a special certification that would allow me to focus my practice on lymphatic issues. It was eye-opening to me that this little known body system is responsible for some of the most important roles in our bodies. In the course of getting my CLT certification I began to learn that our area has a dearth of practitioners like me outside of the hospital system and there was a whole community of people needing lymphatic work who did not fall into the category of having lymphedema. The oncology massage work came, in part, as a natural extension of this. However, I was familiar with this kind of work from years before when my father was dying from cancer. There was a nurse who performed this service for my dad at the end of his life giving him, and my family, a degree of peace and comfort we never thought would be possible.
You were educated by some of the best names in the business — Lymphedema Therapist training from the Academy of Lymphatic Studies and Oncology Massage from Tracy Walton and Associates. What drew you to their training programs?
I pursued the programs with these institutions because I believe what they have to offer is a wealth of experience backed by research which they have adapted to highly successful training programs. I love to learn and learning about anything that will help me to become a better therapist for my clients is worth pursuing. I also appreciate the community network available to all of their students, since taking part in these programs I have continued to connect with other lymphatic and oncology MT’s- that sharing of experience and knowledge is just so valuable.
What drew you to the Myofascial Massage after Liposuction, Massage after Facelift and Massage after Reconstructive Surgery classes?
As I mentioned above, I love to learn and learning from other MT’s with lymphatic training, like you, is invaluable. Through ACOLS I gained skill and a deep knowledge of the lymphatic system but I did not have the opportunity to learn specific tips for a client coming in after cosmetic surgery. I chose these classes because I wanted to learn a different way of approaching a specific client and/ or issue.
What did you learn that was valuable from the classes?
Your classes provided insight directly from a practitioner who is like me and facing many clients with the same surgeries and/or issues post-surgery. Taking part in your classes I noticed that many of the issues post-surgery I was trying to help with could be more effectively remedied by integrating another modality or even making small adjustments to positioning. I appreciate that you offer alternatives in your classes like the use of negative compression and myofascial release, it gives a practitioner like me another tool in the toolbox, which is never a bad thing. That you are sharing your years of experience and proven practice methods much of which is backed-up by research and study, I also consider invaluable.
What tips do you have for new massage therapists looking to specialize in oncology massage?
Working with oncology clients is one of the most difficult and yet most rewarding work I have ever done. I have worked with those years into remission, others at the end of life and still many more somewhere in the middle of their cancer diagnosis. It is specialized, unique work that is constantly changing and can be challenging. My advice would be to really consider the population you will be working with, speak with other OMT’s or call the wonderful organizations out there like Tracy Walton & Associates and gather the information you need. One of the first things I did was read Medicine Hands by Gayle MacDonald which is a handbook for the MT practicing (or thinking of practicing) oncology massage and full of helpful information.
