Massage Therapy for Breast Cancer
Massage is a method of manipulating the soft tissues of the body using the hands. Massage can include a variety of types of pressure and touch. A massage can be light, concentrating on the skin, or deep, focusing on the underlying layers of muscle tissue.
Studies have shown that massage can offer some health benefits for people with cancer.
Massage is helpful for reducing common side effects of breast cancer, including:
Research shows massage can also support the immune system and improve sleep.
Common types of massage
There are many types of massage used around the world, but some are more common than others, including:
Swedish massage uses long, flowing strokes with light pressure to stimulate blood flow and relax the entire body. It’s the most common type of massage in the Western world.
Deep tissue massage uses more intense, sustained pressure to treat musculoskeletal pain. Some people experience discomfort during a deep tissue massage, but it’s ideal to relieve tension deep in the muscles and connective tissues. Deep tissue massage is not typically recommended for people undergoing breast cancer treatment.
Lymphatic drainage massage (sometimes called manual lymphatic drainage) gently aims to release lymphatic fluid buildup from your tissue and move it to the lymph nodes, where it will be reabsorbed.
What type of massage should I get if I have breast cancer?
Gentler types of massage, like Swedish massage, are safest for people undergoing breast cancer treatment. If you’ve just had surgery or are currently undergoing radiation or chemotherapy, consider asking your doctor about areas your massage therapist should avoid.
Deep massage, or any type of massage that involves strong pressure, should NOT be used if you are undergoing chemotherapy and radiation. Chemotherapy can lead to a drop in red and white blood cells and increase the risk of bruising. Since deep massage can be taxing to a system already vulnerable from chemotherapy and radiation, it is not recommended for people currently in treatment. Light massage can be used instead.
If you're currently undergoing radiation, your massage therapist should avoid touching any sensitive skin in the treatment area. Massage and massage oils can make already irritated skin from treatment feel much worse. Your therapist should also avoid touching any temporary markings that are being used to indicate the radiation treatment field. If you don't have skin irritation in the treatment area, any massage to this area should be done very lightly through a soft towel or cloth.
If you have an implanted device (such as a port), your massage therapist should avoid the area. Let them know exactly where it is.
If you have any incision wounds that are still healing, your massage therapist should be aware of where it is so they can avoid the area.
If you have arm lymphedema, your massage therapist should avoid the affected arm and underarm areas completely. Traditional massage therapy can worsen lymphedema. Instead, you should ask for a manual lymphatic drainage massage. Look for a physical, occupational, or massage therapist trained and certified in manual lymph drainage to treat your lymphedema.
If you have peripheral neuropathy (numbness or tingling in your limbs), let your massage therapist know so they can adapt your treatment appropriately.
If you've just had breast surgery — including mastectomy — you should lie on your back for a massage until your doctor decides it is safe for you to lie on your stomach.
If you’ve had lymph nodes removed, your massage therapist should only use a very light touch on your affected arm and the area around your underarm. If your doctor has informed you that you’re at risk for lymphedema, you should only work with a massage therapist trained in lymphatic drainage techniques.
Research on massage in people with breast cancer and other types of cancer
Studies have shown that massage offers both physical and emotional benefits for people with breast cancer.
A 2017 study at Emory University showed that massage therapy decreases cancer fatigue. The study involved 66 women with breast cancer who were experiencing cancer-related fatigue after undergoing surgery plus radiation and/or chemotherapy. The women received either weekly Swedish massage, weekly light touch, or were placed on a waitlist for a six-week period. The women who received Swedish massage reported greater improvements in fatigue than those in the other groups.
A 2003 study at the University of Minnesota compared the effects of massage healing touch (a practice in which the therapist's hands are above or very lightly touching the body) with the caring presence of a doctor or nurse (without any touch therapies) in 230 people who had cancer. In this study, researchers found that, while both healing touch and massage lowered anxiety and pain, massage also reduced the need for pain medicine.
In a five-week study at the University of Miami in 2003, massage therapy and progressive muscle relaxation therapy were compared in 58 women with stage I and II breast cancer. Both groups reported feeling less anxious, and the massage group also reported feeling less depressed. The massage group also showed increased levels of a brain chemical called dopamine, which helps produce a feeling of well-being.
In addition, for the massage group, there was an increase in protective white blood cells that help boost the immune system (called natural killer cells) from the first to the last day of the study.
Massage practitioner requirements
If you're being treated for breast cancer, it's important to find a licensed massage therapist who has experience with breast cancer patients. Since many cancer centers are connected with programs offering massage therapy, ask your doctor for recommendations. If these are programs in your area, consider reaching out to potential massage therapists to discuss your needs.
Here are some questions to consider:
How many hours of training did the therapist complete? Many states require that massage therapists have a minimum of at least 500 hours of training in order to be certified. Although requirements vary by state, seek a therapist who has trained at least 500 hours.
Does the therapist have any experience working with breast cancer patients?
Does the therapist have a license or certification? If the therapist is licensed, the initials LMT (Licensed Massage Therapist) or LMP (Licensed Massage Practitioner) will appear after his or her name. In states that do not offer licenses, the minimum qualification you should look for is CMT (Certified Massage Therapist).
To find a qualified massage therapist in your area and explore a state guide for therapist education and experience, visit these organizations:
What to expect in a typical massage session
When you arrive for your massage appointment, the massage therapist will ask if you have any injuries or health conditions. This helps them to determine the type of massage that's right for you, as well as any areas to avoid.
Depending on the setting, you may have the option to either lie on a table or sit in a chair for your massage.
If you choose a table massage, you'll be taken to a private room and asked to remove some or all of your clothing and cover yourself with a blanket.
If you choose a chair massage, you typically won't need to remove your clothing.
Your massage therapist may use oils or lotions on your skin and pillows to support different areas of your body. If you are allergic to any common ingredients of body oils or lotions, let the therapist know.
Don't hesitate to let your massage therapist know if the level of pressure is too hard. If you feel any discomfort, ask them to use lighter strokes.
A typical massage lasts about an hour, although sessions can range from 30 to 90 minutes.
— Last updated on December 21, 2024 at 6:00 PM