What You Should Know About Breast Cancer and Massage Therapy
Posted: October 5th, 2018
Why Massage Therapy Benefits Breast Cancer Patients
During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it is important to focus on a variety of issues affecting breast cancer patients. One such issue is the benefits of massage therapy for breast cancer patients and survivors.
According to the charity-based foundation of Breast Cancer Care, massages are safe for breast cancer patients even in the midst of chemotherapy treatment and there is no proof that it can spread cancer cells around the body.
In fact, massage therapy can help reduce muscle tension and stiffness and can improve mental well being as well as relaxation. Additionally, massages can decrease feelings of fatigue.
You will want to avoid a deep tissue massage and choose a gentler massage that doesn't put as much pressure on your body and allows you to relax. If you recently underwent surgery and feel somewhat stiff, you will want to wear clothes that are easy to get on and off when going to a spa.
If you have decided to attend a day spa, be sure to call ahead and let the organization know about your breast cancer diagnosis and/or treatment. Your licensed massage therapist may have never given a massage to someone with cancer before and may need to ask you some questions about your treatment.
For instance, if you have lymphedema, your massage therapist may need to know about your breast cancer especially when it comes to figuring out the areas of your body that should be avoided during a massage.
If you are either a newly diagnosed breast cancer patient, undergoing treatment, or a breast cancer survivor, your licensed massage therapist will need to know more information about you. They need this in order to develop the best plan for your massage and figure out which areas of your body to avoid and which ones to work on. Your health and well being could benefit greatly from receiving massage therapy.