Joan Rau, LMT

I believe in the restorative power of touch. The physical benefits of massage are many, but I’m equally interested in the ways touch can be mentally and emotionally transformative. It’s as if a door opens and lets us take a peek at who we could be if we had less stress, anxiety, or pain in our lives.

When I work with you, I bring my experience and intuition to cultivate the most relaxing and restorative experience possible. I collaborate with each client to focus on the symptoms or side effects that most matter to them. When a massage session is designed with your unique needs in mind, it gives you a chance to be still, and allow for a supportive connection between mind and body.

Having practiced massage therapy professionally since 1996, I have studied and used a range of techniques with great success. In terms of massage therapy pressure, I have also learned the importance of inviting change to occur in the tissues, rather than trying to force change. Less is often more when alleviating distress in the body.

This is especially true in oncology massage therapy as we look to encourage the body’s own healing processes. It means a lot to me to help my clients find pain relief, sleep, and relaxation.

My specialty in oncology massage therapy began in 2008, when I first studied it at the advanced level. Since then, I’ve maintained memberships in the Society for Oncology Massage, the Society for Integrative Oncology, and Cancer Patient Navigators of Georgia. I continue to study at conferences and related courses.

Many of my clients are referred to me by oncology teams at Emory, Northside, and Piedmont healthcare systems. I have worked closely with nurse navigators, oncologist, and providers of supportive care.

I’ve also done some assistant teaching in Tracy Walton & Associates’ oncology therapy courses here in Atlanta and beyond, and offered up my experience at various panel discussions and conventions. My practice has been a presence at various cancer-related fundraisers and events. I’ve even sponsored participants at Tour de Pink, Dragon Boat races, and 5K races over the years.