Episode 069: Ronna Moore – From Practitioner to Researcher – a career in Oncology and Palliative Massage

For almost 40 years, Ronna Moore has been quietly transforming the world of massage therapy. From her early training in the 1980s to her current research at the forefront of oncology massage, she’s been a powerful advocate for change. Ronna’s career is a story of passion, persistence, and a deep commitment to helping people, particularly those facing cancer and palliative care. Let’s take a journey through her incredible career and uncover the lessons she’s learned along the way.

From Curious Student to Dedicated Therapist

Ronna’s journey into massage therapy started in the early 80s when she attended her first massage course. Like many great stories, hers began with curiosity and a bit of boredom. At the time, she was living in London, unsure of what her next steps would be. She spotted an ad for an aromatherapy massage workshop, and something about it piqued her interest.

It wasn’t Ronna’s first experience with massage. She had encountered it earlier when dealing with some health issues, but this time, something clicked. She returned to Australia and dived into various courses, gradually building her knowledge and skills. By the mid-80s, she was fully immersed in the world of remedial massage, starting her career in Sydney.

But Ronna’s career wasn’t a straight line toward sports massage or musculoskeletal work, which is where many massage therapists find themselves. She had always been interested in the medical side of massage, and life soon steered her in a different direction—toward oncology and palliative care.

Finding Her Calling in Oncology and Palliative Care

As Ronna’s massage therapy career unfolded, life events and personal experiences began to shape her path. Two close friends were diagnosed with breast cancer, and it was during this time that Ronna first discovered the power of massage for those going through cancer treatment.

One of her friends developed lymphedema as a side effect of breast cancer surgery, and Ronna started researching ways to help. She discovered manual lymphatic drainage (MLD), a gentle massage technique used to manage swelling. This was a turning point for Ronna. She completed her training in MLD and became a Vodder therapist, a highly specialised form of lymphedema therapy.

For Ronna, this was more than just acquiring a new skill. It was the start of her deep dive into oncology massage and palliative care. “When you work with cancer patients,” she said, “you inevitably encounter people whose prognosis isn’t good. That led me to palliative care.”

Over time, Ronna built a thriving practice that focused on helping people with cancer and those receiving palliative care. She wasn’t just treating symptoms; she was offering comfort, dignity, and compassion to people at some of the most vulnerable moments in their lives.

Advocacy for Accessible Massage in Cancer Care

One of the key elements that defines Ronna’s career is her advocacy. She is passionate about making massage therapy more accessible, especially for people who can’t afford it. While many massage therapists work in private practices, Ronna has always been driven to bring massage into public healthcare settings. She sees it as a vital part of care for cancer patients, and her mission is to make it available to as many people as possible.

Ronna’s work at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre in Melbourne is one of the highlights of her career. She was invited to establish an oncology massage program there, and she has been instrumental in integrating massage therapy into cancer care at the hospital. “I’ll stay until we get it more established,” she says with the determination of someone who knows the value of what they’re bringing to the table.

In Ronna’s view, massage therapy should be a standard part of care for people with cancer. She has seen firsthand how it can reduce pain, ease anxiety, and improve the quality of life for patients. But the challenge, as always, is funding and recognition. Massage therapists working in public institutions are still a rarity in Australia, and Ronna has made it her mission to change that.

The Role of Research in Advancing Massage Therapy

As if her career wasn’t impressive enough, Ronna has recently taken on a new challenge: research. She’s currently pursuing a PhD at La Trobe University, where her research focuses on the prevalence of massage therapy in palliative care and the barriers to its implementation in Australian healthcare settings.

Research is a new frontier for Ronna, but it’s a natural extension of her career. She has always been curious and keen to push the boundaries of what massage therapy can do. “I didn’t wake up one day and decide to do a PhD,” she says with a laugh. “It was a gradual process. But I believe massage therapy needs to be able to articulate and advocate for itself, and research is the way to do that.”

Ronna’s research is focused on gathering evidence to support the inclusion of massage therapy in healthcare, particularly for cancer patients. She’s looking at how massage therapy can be integrated into public healthcare settings and how therapists can better advocate for their place in the system.

One of her key drivers is equity of access. Ronna believes that everyone, regardless of their financial situation, should have access to massage therapy, especially during cancer treatment. This belief is at the heart of her work in public hospitals and her commitment to research.

Lessons from a 40-Year Career

After almost 40 years in massage therapy, Ronna has seen a lot. She’s worked with hundreds of clients, built programs from the ground up, and fought for massage therapy’s place in public healthcare. Along the way, she’s learned some important lessons about longevity in the profession and the need for self-care.

“I’ve always believed in aligning my work with my values,” Ronna says. “That’s what has kept me going all these years.” For her, massage therapy isn’t just a job—it’s a calling. And it’s the ability to stay true to her values that has allowed her to have such a long and fulfilling career.

She also stresses the importance of continuous learning. Over the years, Ronna has completed countless professional development courses, from her early training in Sydney to her most recent work in research. “Knowledge and skills degrade over time,” she explains. “If you’re not constantly learning and evolving, you’re not doing the best you can for your clients.”

Another key lesson for Ronna is the importance of self-care. Working in oncology and palliative care can be emotionally taxing, and Ronna has had to find ways to care for herself so she can continue caring for others. “There’s a seam of joy in what I do,” she says, “but it’s not always available. That’s why self-care is so important—it’s what enables everything else.”

Looking Ahead

While Ronna may be nearing the end of her hands-on career, she’s far from done. Her PhD research is keeping her busy, and she remains committed to advocating for massage therapy in public healthcare settings. She knows there’s still a long way to go, but she’s confident that change is coming.

“I want to make a capstone for my career,” she says, reflecting on the future. “Massage therapy has so much to offer, especially in oncology and palliative care. We just need to keep pushing, keep advocating, and keep building the evidence to support what we know is true.”

Ronna’s story is one of persistence, passion, and a deep commitment to making a difference. She has spent her career fighting for the recognition of massage therapy in healthcare, and her work has touched the lives of countless people along the way. As she continues her research and advocacy, there’s no doubt that Ronna Moore’s legacy will inspire future generations of massage therapists for years to come.

Would you like to connect with Ronna? You may send her an email at ⁠⁠R.Moore@latrobe.edu.au⁠