Q & Ahhh
Massage Envy experts answer your questions
Q: Is receiving massage therapy safe for breast
cancer survivors and those undergoing treatment for breast
cancer?
A: For those who have been diagnosed with or who
have recovered from breast cancer, massage can be a calming and
healing therapy. Studies have demonstrated that massage can offer
health benefits for people with cancer. It has been shown to reduce
anxiety, pain and fatigue and also boost immune system
functioning.
If you have breast cancer and are interested in receiving
massage, consult with your surgeon or oncologist first. They may
even be able to give you a referral to a massage therapist
experienced in working with oncology patients. It's important to
let your massage therapist know about your diagnosis, treatment and
any symptoms you have. It's also important to understand that
everyone experiences disease differently so massage therapy during
this time has to be specially customized for each client, taking
into consideration their individual needs and physical/emotional
states. Massage can be very helpful, but there are precautions to
consider including:
- If you've just had breast surgery, you should lie either on
your side or back during the massage until your doctor decides it
is safe for you to lie on your stomach.
- Deep massage should NOT be used if you are undergoing
chemotherapy or radiation or have had lymph nodes removed.
- If you're currently undergoing radiation, your massage
therapist should avoid touching any sensitive skin in the treatment
area.
- If you have had lymph nodes removed or are experiencing
lymphedema, the massage therapist should avoid the affected areas
completely unless he or she is specially trained in Manual Lymph
Drainage protocols and techniques.
-C.G. Funk Licensed Massage Therapist and Vice President of
Industry Relations and Product Development for Massage Envy