What if scars aren’t something to “fix” — but something to understand?

In this episode of the Healing Summit Speaker Series, we sit down with Catherine Ryan to explore the story scars tell, the science of fibrosis, and why shifting from fixing to listening can transform clinical outcomes.

This conversation offers a glimpse into her upcoming session at the

2026 Virtual Oncology Massage & Esthetics Healing Summit.

🔹 WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

Why scars hold both physical and personal meaning

The biggest myths about fibrosis — and what the science actually supports

Why “breaking up scar tissue” is an outdated concept

How to approach scar work with curiosity instead of assumption

The role of listening and therapeutic alliance in effective care

🔹 ABOUT THE GUEST

Catherine Ryan is an educator, researcher, and manual therapist known for her work in scar tissue and post-surgical care. She brings a science-informed, patient-centered approach to manual therapy, helping clinicians rethink long-held assumptions and deepen their clinical reasoning.

🔹 CONNECT TO SUMMIT (CTA)

This conversation continues at the 2026 Virtual Oncology Massage & Esthetics Healing Summit

🗓 April 26, 2026

🕐 1:00–7:30 PM ET

👉 Explore the full summit + agenda:

https://www.s4om.org/education/virtual-in-person-summits/2026-oncology-massage-esthetics-healing-summit/

To learn more about the Society for Oncology Massage (S4OM) visit http://www.s4om.org

Follow S4OM on your favorite social media platforms!

Facebook: Society for Oncology Massage (S4OM) | Auburn ME (facebook.com)

Instagram: Society for Oncology Massage (@s4om_org) • Instagram photos and videos

Twitter: S4OM_Org (@s4om_org) / Twitter

LinkedIn: Society for Oncology Massage | LinkedIn

What if the areas clinicians are most afraid to treat are the ones that could benefit the most from skilled, informed touch?

In this episode of the Healing Summit Speaker Series, we sit down with Holly McMillan to explore the complexities of head and neck cancer care, the role of manual therapy, and how education can shift clinicians from fear to confidence.

This conversation offers a glimpse into Holly’s upcoming session at the 2026 Virtual Oncology Massage & Esthetics Healing Summit.

• Why head and neck cancer is one of the most complex areas to treat
• Common fears clinicians have — and what the evidence actually says
• How manual therapy can improve quality of life in meaningful ways
• The importance of understanding contraindications and clinical reasoning
• How confidence and collaboration can move the field forward

Holly McMillan is a speech-language pathologist and massage therapist specializing in head and neck cancer care. Her work focuses on evidence-based, integrative approaches that improve function, reduce symptom burden, and support patients navigating complex oncology treatments.

This conversation continues at the 2026 Virtual Oncology Massage & Esthetics Healing Summit

🗓 April 26, 2026

🕐 1:00–7:30 PM ET

👉 Explore the full summit + agenda:

https://www.s4om.org/education/virtual-in-person-summits/2026-oncology-massage-esthetics-healing-summit/

New episodes are released weekly leading up to the summit.

👉 Follow the series on your favorite podcast platform

👉 Or explore more at S4OM.org

Subscribe for more conversations in oncology massage & esthetics and follow the full Healing Summit Speaker Series.

To learn more about the Society for Oncology Massage (S4OM) visit http://www.s4om.org

Follow S4OM on your favorite social media platforms!

Facebook: Society for Oncology Massage (S4OM) | Auburn ME (facebook.com)

Instagram: Society for Oncology Massage (@s4om_org) • Instagram photos and videos

Twitter: S4OM_Org (@s4om_org) / Twitter

LinkedIn: Society for Oncology Massage | LinkedIn

What does it take to build a sustainable, compassionate practice in oncology massage — not just for clients, but for practitioners too?

In this special Healing Summit Speaker Series episode, we sit down with Cara Thurman to explore the power of collaboration, the importance of support systems in clinical work, and what it really looks like to integrate massage therapy into healthcare settings.

This conversation is part of our lead-up to the 2026 Virtual Oncology Massage & Esthetics Healing Summit.

🔹 WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

• How personal health experiences can shape a career in oncology care
• Why collaboration is essential for sustainability in this work
• The emotional and professional realities of working with medically fragile clients
• What intentional support looks like inside a clinical practice
• How advocacy is evolving within the massage therapy profession

🔹 ABOUT THE GUEST

Cara Thurman is the founder of Vinings Massage and Wellness in Atlanta and an NCBTMB-certified educator in oncology massage therapy. She has built programs that integrate massage into hospital systems and works to create sustainable, supportive environments for therapists in clinical settings.

🔹 CONNECT TO SUMMIT

This conversation continues at the 2026 Virtual Oncology Massage & Esthetics Healing Summit

🗓 April 26, 2026

🕐 1:00–7:30 PM ET

👉 Explore the full summit + agenda:

https://www.s4om.org/education/virtual-in-person-summits/2026-oncology-massage-esthetics-healing-summit/

To learn more about the Society for Oncology Massage (S4OM) visit http://www.s4om.org

Follow S4OM on your favorite social media platforms!

Facebook: Society for Oncology Massage (S4OM) | Auburn ME (facebook.com)

Instagram: Society for Oncology Massage (@s4om_org) • Instagram photos and videos

Twitter: S4OM_Org (@s4om_org) / Twitter

LinkedIn: Society for Oncology Massage | LinkedIn