Oncology massage – Post Mastectomy

I sincerely appreciate the hospitals I had a chance to work in and the nurses who gave me an opportunity to work with oncology patients.

The therapists who work with Oncology patients have to have knowledge of pathophysiology of cancer and other contraindications associated with cancer- treatment symptoms.

If you ask me how the oncology massage is different from other forms of massage therapy. It is not about what I do. It is about what I know not to do when I am working with oncology patient, combined with the knowledge I have gained regarding the treatment of cancer that distinguishes me as oncology-massage therapist.

When I am working with an oncology patient, I know that I should not be aggressive at my work and I should be aware of the kind of pressure, touch I am utilizing when providing manual lymphatic massage. Otherwise, my inexact treatment can compromise an immune- suppressed patient, or over- tax their body which will make them feel exhausted the following day.

This work is not for everyone. The patients I worked with have taught me a lot. In other words, although I went to the hospital to provide the service, I learned a lot from the patients whom I have worked with. I am forever grateful for the hospitals, nurses, doctors and of course to the patients.

Benefits of Post Mastectomy massage

During the course of one study conducted by the Touch Research Institute found that women who received 30minute massage sessions, three times per week for a five-week period showed that immediate decrease in depression, anxiety and pain, increased energy, immune system’s natural killer cells and lymphocytes also increased throughout the study.

• Post Mastectomy massage provides a therapeutic remedy for both patients who have opted for breast reconstruction surgery as well as those who choose not to.
• When I am working with a patient after mastectomy, I understand that the cancer survivor has a multitude of physiological, emotional and physical scars to cope up with. so, I customize my massage with lymphatic massage based on client’s pain-tolerance levels and medical history.
• When I understand my client’s needs and customize the massage in a nonjudgmental way, I am not only helping my client get some relief from the pain after highly invasive procedures of Radiation and Chemotherapy, I am helping my client restore the sensation and feeling in the area of amputated breast. It allows my client to reconnect with their body and feel complete after going through surgery and amputation.
• I feel honored to work with my clients who have undergone mastectomy since I am playing a role in helping them improve their self-image, strengthen their body image and empowering them in their healing process.
• Massage therapy helps increase circulation to the surgical area, promoting healing from mastectomy and helps minimize scar tissue.
• Radiation can make the skin look and feel fibrotic, tough and can lead to formation of adhesions. Massage can help the irradiated tissue to become more pliable by bringing more oxygen and nutrients to the area and improve their range of motion by removing the waste products.
• DEEP TISSUE IS NOT UTILIZED In this scenario.
• Manual Lymph drainage massage, light myofascial massage to spread the tissue gently, cross-fiber friction on areas of scar to make it more pliable.
• I listen to my client’s energy and body with my hands, fingers and cater the massage to her pain tolerance and needs.
• I integrate energy work, reiki in my massage when I am working with my mastectomy patients. This actually cultivates a positive mental attitude in those women, which in turn improves their tolerance when they are going through chemotherapy and or radiation therapy treatments.
• Lymphatic tissue in the axillary area of the arm is disrupted during breast augmentation. Sometimes lymph nodes are removed depending on the severity of cancer. Lymphatic fluids can become trapped and cause swelling post-surgery. So vigorous massage, excessive friction and deep tissue massage should NOT be used. Those individuals should be treated by manual lymph-drainage massage therapist.
• Post mastectomy massage helps the woman to accelerate the healing process, and allows the woman to reconnect on an emotional and physical plane.

Gift certificate for massage would benefit women when they are diagnosed with cancer. I sincerely appreciate all those women who trust me and my service.

References: Massage Magazine