More Complementary Health Articles
Massage Therapy Pre- and Post-Mastectomy
Massage therapy can be beneficial for breast cancer patients. Providing massage for various illnesses can improve one’s outlook, or the way they handle their diagnosis.
Receiving a cancer diagnosis can be mentally and physically challenging for anyone. Some massage professionals take on the responsibility of helping those with cancer to live a life with less stress, pain, depression, and mobility restrictions. Studies have shown that the immune system functionality can improve after massage therapy treatments.
A study in 2003 with both The University of Miami and Minnesota showed that breast cancer patients that received massage treatment had a reduction in anxiety and the need for pain medication. The treatment given by a massage therapist with an experienced intuitive approach can make the process of treatment and recovery a more manageable experience.
With breast cancer patients, after mastectomy surgery scar tissue can form around the area where the surgery was performed. Massage methods used to break up scar tissue in other areas of the body can be used to gently soften and stretch hardened areas from mastectomy procedures. Also, the removing of lymph nodes can cause lymphedema (swelling in the lymph system) around the shoulder and down the arm. A massage technique called manual lymphatic drainage can be used to help move stagnant fluid along in the lymph system.
It is always recommended to consult with your doctor before receiving massage therapy treatment after a cancer diagnosis, and even in remission. Before massage treatment can be administered there are things to consider, such as if the patient is undergoing radiation or chemotherapy. Some cancer treatments can cause areas of the skin to be very sensitive, so these areas should be avoided or only light touch and pressure should be administered. Deep pressure massage is not recommended for someone receiving chemotherapy or radiation, because of the fragile state of the body and systems. Your massage therapist should be provided with all information pertaining to your current health state to provide a thorough treatment plan.
