Spa at Norwich Inn, ECHO offer 'fragile client' healing services

The Spa at Norwich Inn and ECHO Cancer Foundation are offering special services to enhance healing for people being treated for cancer or chronic diseases.

Meant to help "fragile clients" undergoing chemotherapy or living with diseases like diabetes and multiple sclerosis, the services range from massage therapy and relaxation facials to manicures, pedicures, and a "hydrating body antidote."

The benefits to being "pampered" with comfort massage and other treatment methods include lowered anxiety levels and stress, improved sleep and reduction of discomfort, said Laura Stevenson-Flom, the foundation's executive director. She is also a licensed massage therapist.

Massage therapy is already available at the Eastern Connecticut Hematology and Oncology Group in Norwich, said Stevenson-Flom, but the spa's resort setting is likely to enhance the positive effects of such services.

Specially trained staff will also protect customers by omitting the trimming of cuticles in manicures and pedicures to protect the integrity of the skin or reducing the level of pressure in massages, for example, said Danielle Knerr, director of The Spa.

Services priced from $30 to $135, plus taxes and fees, are available to anyone with the permission of his or her physician, Knerr said.

For spa, restaurant and overnight reservations, call 860-886-2401 or visit

www.thespaatnorwichinn.com.