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The WORLD SKIN PROJECT / Scott Raymond
If you read the Spring Edition of Massage Therapy Journal (MTJ), you read about the early detection of skin cancer and the role of the massage therapist. Massage therapists can ease pain, reduce stress, and increase range of motion. Now, massage therapists can be the front line and begin to help in the battle of skin cancer. Annie Powell and Scott Raymond are both massage therapists from Connecticut that have begun to form the non-profit organization called, The World Skin Project. The mission of The World Skin Project is to raise public awareness around melanoma and other skin conditions.
This will start on the set of “Good Morning America” (on ABC stations) on July 3rd, 2008. Annie and Scott, along with Brittany Lietz, Miss Maryland 2006, will appear on a segment of “Good Morning America” to talk about melanoma and the role the massage therapist can play in early detection. Brittany, who has melanoma, staffs booths at health fairs and speaks to students at high schools about her use of tanning beds and shows people her numerous scars to add emphasis. Her efforts to raise awareness of skin cancer are making a difference.
Annie and Scott are currently developing a curriculum for massage therapists and aestheticians. The class will teach other therapists how to become more well-versed in approaching clients with skin abnormalities. According to Annie, “Therapists should become very confident and educated on the subject of melanoma and be able to stay within their scope of practice.”
Therapists cannot treat, diagnose, or prescribe, but they can observe, chart, and refer. The rapport that clients have with their massage therapists is an incredible asset. Clients may have apprehension about showing their bodies, but will often feel comfortable with the compassionate and non-judgmental surroundings of their therapist’s office. For massage therapists, it is important to pay attention to the details known as the ABCDE’s of skin cancer: Asymmetry, Border, Color, Diameter, and Evolving/Elevation. Anything that changes is suspicious and so is a spot that doesn’t look like the rest of the spots on the body. Massage therapists have wonderful powers of observation; use this to your client’s advantage. If a client says that they have a mole that is itchy, tender, painful, or tingly, it is something to alert your client about and refer to a dermatologist.
We continue to look for more CT Therapists Making News. If you have some exciting news to share or know of someone you think should be highlighted email our newsletter editor at
newsletter@amtactchapter.org.