Business Details
21 Years
experience
Gentle, Expert Massage Therapy for Cancer Patients and Survivors
Founded in 2005, Hands of Solace is a clinical massage therapy practice dedicated to supporting individuals navigating life's physical and emotional transitions. Our founder, Charlotte Phillips, brings over two decades of specialized training in oncology massage, manual lymph drainage, and myofascial release, informed by her personal experience as a cancer surgery survivor. We prioritize a holistic approach that integrates scientific knowledge with intuitive care, focusing on reducing pain, anxiety, and physical restrictions through gentle, adaptive techniques. Our services cater to cancer patients and survivors, emphasizing safe, individualized treatments that honor each client's unique healing journey.We maintain strict professional standards through ongoing education and collaboration with medical teams when necessary, ensuring optimal client safety and outcomes. By blending clinical precision with compassionate presence, we help clients reconnect with their bodies during periods of stress, grief, or post-surgical recovery. Our practice philosophy centers on the belief that effective therapy need not involve discomfort, instead prioritizing comfort-driven adjustments that support natural healing processes. We serve the Richmond, VT community with transparent pricing and policies designed to accommodate individual needs, including specialized hospice massage options.
Services
Oncology Massage
Scar Tissue Work
Manual Lymph Drainage
Myofascial Release
Relaxation Massage
Details
- Year established: 2005
Highlights and features
- We specialize in oncology massage with 20+ years of cancer survivorship experience
- Our founder combines personal medical experience with advanced manual lymph drainage training
- We use adaptive techniques that prioritize comfort without compromising therapeutic effectiveness
- Sessions integrate scientific knowledge with intuitive, client-centered care approaches
- We maintain strict professional standards through ongoing collaboration with medical teams
Services
Oncology Massage
Specialized massage therapy adapted for cancer patients and survivors. Our practitioners modify techniques to accommodate treatment-related sensitivities while promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety. Sessions prioritize client comfort through careful pressure adjustments and positioning. This service supports individuals during and after cancer treatment by addressing physical discomfort and emotional stress.
Manual Lymph Drainage
Gentle rhythmic technique that enhances lymphatic system function. This specialized approach reduces swelling and fluid accumulation, particularly beneficial for post-surgical recovery and lymphedema management. Our advanced training enables fluid redirection between lymph node regions. The calming technique also supports immune function and nervous system balance through non-invasive skin movements.
Myofascial Release
Slow, sustained pressure technique targeting connective tissue restrictions. This method improves mobility and reduces pain by addressing fascial adhesions from surgery or injury. Sessions focus on restoring tissue elasticity and improving postural alignment through deliberate, stretch-like movements. The approach helps integrate scar tissue while promoting overall musculoskeletal balance.
Scar Tissue Work
Specialized treatment using gentle fascial techniques to improve scar mobility and sensation. Our ScarWork method helps integrate surgical scars into surrounding tissue, reducing discomfort and improving function. Sessions address adhesions that restrict movement or cause pain, focusing on restoring natural tissue relationships through slow, intentional manual therapy techniques.
Relaxation Massage
Gentle therapeutic massage addressing emotional stress and physical tension. This service helps clients reconnect with their bodies during life transitions through calming touch that activates parasympathetic nervous system responses. Sessions focus on creating mental space for healing while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness through mindful, adaptive techniques tailored to individual comfort levels.
People
Charlotte Phillips
Clinical Massage Therapist
Certified massage therapist since 2005 with specialized training in oncology massage and lymphatic drainage. Personal cancer survivor since 2000, combining clinical expertise with lived experience to support clients through physical and emotional transitions using gentle, effective techniques.
Questions
What makes oncology massage different from regular massage?
Oncology massage adapts techniques for cancer patients' unique needs, modifying pressure and positioning to accommodate treatment effects. Our therapists consult with medical teams when needed to ensure safety while addressing pain, anxiety, and physical restrictions through gentle, specialized approaches.
Do you accept insurance for massage therapy sessions?
We do not accept insurance payments for massage therapy services. Payment is required at the time of service, with flexible options available for discussing specific financial needs or hospice-related requests.
What should I expect during my first appointment?
Initial sessions include 30 minutes of intake discussion and goal setting before the massage. Our therapist will review your medical history, discuss treatment objectives, and adapt techniques to your comfort level while explaining the therapeutic approach throughout the session.
How do you accommodate clients with post-surgical needs?
We specialize in post-surgical recovery support through gentle scar tissue work, lymphatic drainage, and mobility restoration. Our approach adapts to healing timelines and medical recommendations, focusing on reducing discomfort while improving function and tissue integration.
What payment methods are accepted?
Payment is required at the time of service through cash, check, or electronic payment methods. We do not accept insurance or tips, with pricing structured transparently based on session duration as outlined in our policies.
