Massage Therapy Aids Recovery From Breast Cancer-
All
You Need To Know;
As a survivor I am dedicated to helping women who are going through
breast cancer. It is very important for the patient to become involved and empowered in her own healing process.
When I was diagnosed with breast cancer 10 years ago there were many myths about massage being
unsafe for cancer patients. Since then this myth completely turned around and more hospitals and mainstream clinics became
aware of the benefits of massage therapy and added it their programs. Nowadays massage is widely used as part of people’s
health maintenance but there are important facts about massage and cancer that people should know. As a seasoned massage therapist and instructor
, I would like to assist with important questions about receiving bodywork during treatment and recovery.
There are different types of
bodywork that will support a cancer patient, depending on the stage they are in their treatment process;
Energy work is soothing and balancing and helps with
calming the nervous system. It is recommended for the first stages during crucial decision-making and is safe before treatment
starts. It may include visualization and meditation.
Shiatsu is a form
of bodywork that is based on Chinese medicine. It’s focus is on restoring Chi/Qui, rather than stimulating muscles.
Chi/Qui, is believed to be the life force behind our existents. Shiatsu will help restore the body Chi/Qui flow
and will help the client thrive through surgery, chemo treatments and radiation, It will help support the immune
system, increase the release of toxins and decrease fatigue due to treatment. Shiatsu uses thumb and palm pressuer on specific
energy pathways (meridians) along the body.
Swedish massage is soothing and relaxing and especially good for
recovery time after surgery and chemotherapy. Massage will restore range of motion; decrease scar tissue and speed release
of toxins and healing of wounds. Due to the relaxing nature of the work it helps with relieving mental and emotional stress
that accompanies dealing with cancer.
Myths And Facts;
Myth: Massage is a luxury
Fact: There are many benefits from receiving
bodywork in daily life and especially during a time of stress and health crisis. Many people use massage therapy as their
regular preventative health maintenance program.
Some benefits are:
· Massage is relaxing and rejuvenating
· Calming the nervous system
· Helps you cope with mental and emotional stress
· Relief of physical pain and fatigue
· Increase flexibility and range of motion
· Speeds recovery from surgery and treatment
· Improves circulation and immune system
· Improves skin tone
· Speeds the removal of metabolic waste
Myth: Massage is NOT safe for someone newly diagnosed with cancer
Fact: Initially,
it is best to air on the cautious side and receives gentle massage techniques to help calm the nervous system, like Swedish
massage, Shiatsu, Reiki, healing touch. Deep tissue work should be avoided and avoid receiving work directly on the tumor
area.
Myth: Since massage stimulates the blood flow it can increase the risk of metastasis
(spreading to other parts of the body)
Fact: Massage does stimulate the blood flow but so is walking,
exercising, taking a shower or a baths…all of which are highly recommended during cancer treatment.
Recent studies
show that massage induces the production of the hormone Oxytocin which counter acts cortisol also known as the “stress
hormone”. Cortisol is very useful when we need the fight or flight mechanism, but under constant stress excess production
of cortisol can be harmful by decreasing the immune system response. A cancer diagnosis is very stressful and a person in
susceptible to anxiety and depression. Since massage aids with the relaxation response and the release of Oxytocin it can
be a major aid in strengthening the immune system and release of toxins and promote healing.
Myth: Women who had lymph nodes removed should never receive massage
Fact: Extra caution is necessary
in this case due to the risk of developing lymphadema. Receive only light massage on the compromised quadrant of the torso
(arm, chest and back) but a regular massage can be administered to the rest of the body. It is best to see a professional
who is trained in oncology massage.
Is massage OK during chemotherapy and
radiation?
Fact: Yes, however a waiting period of 4-7 days after chemotherapy treatment is recommended
depending on the treatment and the individual. It is OK to receive bodywork during radiation, but massage and oils should
not be administered to the radiated area.
How about massage after surgery?
Fact: After surgery it is recommended to wait 7 days and up to 6 weeks before receiving bodywork, depending on the
type of surgery and reconstruction and healing progress. However, energy work and gentle massage to non affected areas can
be administered as soon as the client feels up to it and the doctor approves it.
What about massaging around tumors?
Fact: Direct pressure to the area should be
avoided. Once the tumor is removed and the wound is healed massage is very helpful to prevent scar tissue adhesions. Avoid
deep massage to the quadrant of the body where lymph nodes are compromised due to the risk of lymphadema.
If tumor
is deep and cannot be removed massage should be administered with caution
Body image
issues
Some women are self conscious about their body especially after a mastectomy. This is understandable
and most practitioners use draping techniques which reassures the client’s privacy. If the client is not comfortable
with work on the breast area, or prefer that area covered they should make sure the practitioner knows.
How can I find a practitioner?
Since cancer diagnosis requires some modifications it is best
to find someone who is experiences and has some training in oncology massage. If one already has an established relationship
with a practitioner, they should ask the practitioner if he/she are comfortable providing massage therapy during the cancer
treatment. Trust and rapport are just as important as skills and knowledge.
The Society for oncology massage has
a trained provider list www.s4om.org or call your local hospital’s oncology department.
Precautions
Receiving massage is a personal decision that each client should discuss with their doctor and practitioner
and judge by his or her comfort level.
I offers sliding scales for people
during their cancer treatment and if they experiences financial difficulties after. I also offers free healing circles
and pre surgery “Letting go and blessings” ceremonies for patient. The ceremony may include making a plaster mold
of the patient pre surgery body. Please contact me for more information.
