Massage Therapy For Breast Cancer Patients

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Massage Therapy For Breast Cancer Patients

Massage therapy has been shown in several studies to offer a number of both physical and emotional benefits for breast cancer patients. Performed by a skilled and qualified therapist, the immediate benefits of massage therapy include reduced stress and anxiety.

Long-term massage effects include reduced depression and hostility and increased urinary dopamine, serotonin values, NK cell number, and lymphocytes.

Massage can also enhance one's feeling of well-being. It can stimulate the nerve endings in the skin, release endorphins (the feel good hormone) and inhibit the stress hormones, cortisol and adrenaline.

First consult a primary care physician to see if he or she advises that massage may help.

Important Things To Consider
Before Trying Massage Therapy

It's important to let your massage therapist know about your diagnosis, treatment, and any symptoms you may have. Massage can be very helpful. But it has the potential to be harmful. Keep these things in mind

If you've just had breast surgery, you should lie on your back for a massage until your doctor decides it is safe for you to lie on your stomach.

Deep massage, or any type of massage that involves strong pressure, should not be used if you are undergoing chemotherapy and radiation, because there is a risk of bruising. Since deep massage can be taxing to a system already vulnerable from chemotherapy and radiation, it is not recommended for people currently in treatment. Light massage can be used instead.

If you're currently undergoing radiation, your massage therapist should avoid touching any sensitive skin in the treatment area. Massage and massage oils can make already-irritated skin feel worse.

If you have had lymph nodes removed, the massage therapist should only use very light touch on your affected arm and the area around the underarm.

If you have arm lymphedema, the massage therapist should avoid the affected arm and underarm areas completely. Traditional massage therapy can worsen lymphedema. A massage therapist who has experience with breast cancer patients may already know this, but it's important to make sure he or she understands.

If you have arm lymphedema, your arm and underarm area should be treated by a different kind of massage especially for lymphedema, called manual lymphatic drainage. Look for a physical, occupational, or massage therapist trained and certified in manual lymph drainage to treat your lymphedema.