Tracy Walton, LMT

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​My career goes back to 1990. Over the years I have taught oncology massage therapy, written about it for trade and health care publications, and worked on various research projects in massage therapy and cancer care.

 

All of this grew from the first client I worked with while they were in cancer treatment, when it became clear to me that massage could help in cancer care and beyond.

 

Training.

 

I graduated in 1990 from the Muscular Therapy Institute (MTI) in Cambridge, MA, then built a busy private practice. I had gone straight from graduate school in biochemistry to massage therapy school. I ended up teaching science at MTI, then served as Academic Dean and managing the school curriculum until 2003.

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Writing.

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I’ve written a good amount about massage therapy in cancer care: A monthly column for a while. Articles in trade journals. A few clinical and research papers.

 

In 2011, my general textbook about massage therapy for health conditions was published. Medical Conditions and Massage Therapy: A Decision Tree Approach took me 6 years to write, the second draft while my newborn slept.

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Teaching.

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When I started out in massage therapy, “oncology massage therapy” was not a thing. There was little curriculum, so I created one. I was my first student.

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It was not easy at first! Back when I was in school, in massage education around the world, there had been an old myth: Massage wasn’t safe for people with cancer. We took years undoing that myth, then developing massage therapy approaches for clients during treatment and beyond.

 

We documented our clients’ experiences, and pushed for more research and recognition. 

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Eventually I saw that by teaching other massage therapists, we could get skilled touch to many more people who needed it. In 1998, I began teaching oncology massage therapy in some form to thousands of massage therapists around the world, and trained a team of instructors.

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Now in the 2020’s, we have textbooks, trainings, conferences—even a professional association devoted to oncology massage therapy. Hospitals offer massage therapy to their patients with cancer. We’ve come a long way, and I’ve been honored to be on that ride.

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Research.

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Lots of years ago, I worked with the Osher Institute, studying the effects of massage therapy on people with advanced cancer. Then I worked on an overview of oncology massage therapy research with the late Cynthia Myers of Moffitt Cancer Institute.

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My last project was with William Collinge. We developed multimedia instruction for caregivers, so they could learn to massage their loved ones with cancer. Funded by the National Cancer Institute, the program is used in many healthcare settings and is translated into several languages. 

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Therapeutic massaging.

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Of all of the roles I’ve played in my profession, massage therapist is a constant; it is an enduring source of pride. I enjoy physical work and the privilege of caring for people.

 

Where I have Worked

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In a spa, hospitals, classrooms, and private practice.

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In 2021, after 30 years in the same office in Cambridge, MA, I moved my practice to East Arlington. I expect to spend the second 30 years of my career there.

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A Massage Therapy Story

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I've seen thousands of clients benefit from massage therapy in countless different ways. I've been on the receiving end as well. Here is just one tiny massage therapy story, told from the receiving end:

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In October 2001, fresh after 9/11, I flew cross-country to teach oncology massage therapy, then on to look after an ill family member. By the first stop, I was a jangled mess. Flying was awful. The hotel TV blared anthrax, burning buildings, impending war. I was consumed with fear and worry. I couldn't sleep.

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Try as I might, I couldn't move through the stress on my own. My nervous system needed some outside help. 

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In some desperation, I scheduled a massage session at the hotel. The quiet young therapist had skilled hands. We chatted little. I soaked in a tub.

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My state changed. My airplane neck didn’t hurt. I slept. I went from jangled nerves to coping, and even a sense of peace. I felt like I could manage.

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I continued the trip, better able to travel and teach, then travel again, then visit family to look after things, then travel home.

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That was just one massage therapy session, at the beginning of a long trip. Imagine what a course of sessions can do!

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For many, well-being can mean several days without pain, a couple of nights of decent sleep. A stretch of peace. Easier breathing. In moments of well-being, challenges become more manageable.

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What else?

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My pronouns are she/her.

 

I am a middle-aged mom, wife, and dog owner. I volunteer for voting rights. I consume news, novels, science, poetry, and essays. Owing to a faithful Wordle practice, I know a lot of five-letter words.

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For fun, it’s a toss-up between a bicycle and a hula-hoop.

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Memberships

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Society for Oncology Massage

American Massage Therapy Association

Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals

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Education

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• 1990 - Diploma, Muscular Therapy, Muscular Therapy Institute.

• 1988 - M.S., Biochemistry, Northeastern University.

• 1985 - B.A., Biology, Wellesley College.