Massage, Yoga, & Exercise

Expert Quote

“Research has shown that women who remain physically active during treatment have less fatigue and improved quality of life. At this point in time we would recommend that women try to work a daily walk into their schedule to help promote physical activity during treatment—realizing of course that when you're not feeling well it can be difficult to stay physically active. ”

Cyndi Thomson Ph.D., R.D.

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Massage

Massage can help reduce pain, including post-mastectomy pain, and increase movement. Talk with the massage therapist about the type of pain you're having and the treatment you've had in the past or are having now.

Chiropractors are often good at teaching women how to do self-massage, including lymphatic massage, which supports breast health.

Before they do any chiropractic manipulation, many chiropractors first try to help figure out the cause of the pain. They need to know that it is safe to apply firm pressure to a particular part of the body.

If you have breast cancer that has spread to the bone, that bone may be weakened. In such a situation, chiropractic manipulation would not be advisable.

Yoga

Many women with breast cancer find yoga beneficial. It is a type of exercise that focuses on posture, stretching, breathing, and focusing the mind.

It gently stretches the muscles and tissues of the body, increases muscle tone, and helps strengthen your mind's ability to focus away from pain.

Exercise

Lying in bed and not being active for long periods of time can cause pain. That's why it's important to try to keep moving—even just getting out of bed and walking up and down the hall a few times.

It's always advisable to add physical therapy, stretching, and exercise to your recovery program. This is especially true for post-mastectomy pains.

Still, this doesn't mean starting a vigorous aerobics routine the day you get home from the hospital. It's very important to find the level of activity that's comfortable for you.

Once you're fully healed, regular exercise will help keep your body strong and pain free.