I have been practicing Oncology Massage and Manual Lymphatic Drainage Therapy for nearly 9 years.
As a BRCA1+ woman with a long family history of breast and ovarian cancers, I felt drawn to working with people in the cancer community as soon as I entered the massage therapy field. The fact that men and women can find comfort and relief in their bodies through touch during a time when so much is beyond their control is still inspiring to me even well into my career.
I was drawn to massage therapy out of a desire to serve others and through a strong personal belief in the power of human connection. My own recent journey through breast cancer has only strengthened this belief. Being able to relate to the fear, the uncertainty, and the challenges that face someone dealing with cancer, particularly the unique challenges that breast cancer patients face in both the physical and mental aftermath of altering our bodies to fight this disease, provides a unique perspective and connection with my oncology clients. I believe one of the greatest things I do for my clients is to hold space for them, to provide a safe and caring environment focused on the whole person and not just the part we are treating.
I have learned a lot from my clients on how to be with someone experiencing a life threatening illness. Those lessons were never more important than when I received my own breast cancer diagnosis in 2017. Through a double mastectomy, reconstruction, chemotherapy, and beyond, I am learning how to navigate life after cancer for myself and for those I work with. Having a patient’s perspective in addition to my formal training helps me relate to my clients in a unique way and I am humbled by every person who allows me into their journey.
My goal is to educate both the patient and medical communities about how anyone undergoing cancer treatment or living with a cancer history can find comfort and relief through integrative medicine like massage therapy while never forgetting that each of us is more than just the body we inhabit.
Wherever you are in your personal journey, therapeutic massage can have a positive impact on your physical, mental, and emotional wellness. Every body can benefit from massage therapy. I welcome all people to my practice, but I tend to be the best fit for:
- those who have been affected by cancer at some point in their lives (particularly breast cancer)
- are at risk for or suffer from lymphedema
- struggle with chronic pain or autoimmune disorders
- have a history of trauma, chronic stress, anxiety and/or depression
I see clients in private practice in Buffalo, NY and have also worked extensively with the Patient Resource Center at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center to provide free chair massage to patients, caregivers, and staff.
In addition to the hands-on work I do, I am passionate about educating the patient and medical communities about the value and need for integrative therapies such as oncology massage.
Curious about how I help others beyond massage therapy? Check out my story here: https://amyhartl.com/
Dreamer. Connector. Cancer Survivor. Obsessive Learner. Massage Therapist. Pottymouth Pollyanna
[email protected]
www.hartlmt.com
716-215-2621 (office)
703-472-8278 (cell)
Buffalo, New York
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