Why Breast Massage is Gaining Popularity for Wellness, Recovery, and Emotional Healing - and a Word About Gender

Breaking Barriers: A Word About Gender and the Case for This Male Therapist
Choosing a therapist for breast massage is not easy. While interest is growing, it is still hard to find therapists willing to offer this work in every city. If you're lucky to find one, it's more likely to be a female, as statistically, women account for about 90% of all massage therapists. So, what happens when you stumble upon someone like me?
While the question of male vs. female therapists for breast massage is valid, the focus should perhaps shift from gender to experience and professionalism. This post explores the growing interest in breast massage, the challenges within the massage community, and the profound impact of touch, especially in the post-pandemic era.

The Growing Interest in Breast Massage
Interest in breast massage is steadily increasing, driven by a greater awareness of women's health issues, including breast health, pelvic floor health, and post-surgery recovery. Whether due to the rise in breast cancer diagnoses or the growing awareness of the emotional and physical benefits of this work, many individuals are now seeking breast massage as part of their wellness journey. It’s a form of therapeutic care that, while often overlooked, can be incredibly beneficial for emotional well-being and physical healing.
Some parts of the massage community, however, remain stuck, bound by statistically small but serious concerns related to boundary violations and discomfort. This hesitance has led to a more diluted experience for some clients, especially those who are seeking a more comprehensive therapeutic encounter. Post-COVID, there has been a significant rise in touch deprivation, with more and more people feeling disconnected from human contact, leading to an increased need for nurturing, healing touch. This is where breast massage can play a critical role in both physical recovery and emotional well-being.

The Benefits of Breast Massage
Breast massage is not just a therapeutic tool for those recovering from breast cancer or surgery. It also offers profound emotional benefits, helping to reduce stress and anxiety, and can even assist with lymphatic drainage. Regular breast massage has been shown to improve circulation, reduce scar tissue formation, and relieve discomfort related to hormonal fluctuations, such as those experienced during menstruation or menopause.
For individuals recovering from breast cancer or breast surgery, this form of massage can be integral to healing. It helps soften scar tissue, alleviate pain, and improve mobility. Importantly, it also provides a safe, supportive environment for clients to reconnect with their bodies during an incredibly vulnerable time in their lives. Beyond the physical benefits, the emotional impact of breast massage is undeniable. It offers an opportunity to restore a sense of connection to one's body and embrace the healing process on a deeper level.

The Role of a Male Therapist
When I "discovered" breast massage over 15 years ago while studying massage for the first time in Germany, it was not the "discovery" one might expect. In fact, there was nothing to discover—it was simply part of the work. No one made a big deal about it; it was just done that way. I was new to massage at the time, and I thought it was an enlightened and normal practice. It wasn’t until I returned home and started studying in the U.S. that I realized how much stigma, fear, and misunderstanding existed around it.
As an adult male therapist, I’m already grappling with age bias and gender bias in my second career. I believe it’s important to define oneself, rather than letting stereotypes define you. I’m passionate about helping break down barriers and promoting acceptance across genders, especially when it comes to this kind of healing work.
While not all male therapists may approach this work with the same mindset or sensitivity, I bring over 12 years of licensed experience and train other therapists nationally in this work. With 5 NCBTMB-certified courses to date, plus ethics training, I am recognized as one of a small, growing community of pioneers in breast massage. The increasing interest in this practice, particularly among gender-diverse students and clients, has been incredibly encouraging. My priority is client-focused care that embraces individual empowerment and choice.

Why Gender Shouldn’t Be the Primary Factor in Choosing a Therapist
I understand that some clients may feel more comfortable with a same-gender therapist, and that’s completely understandable. Gender and body comfort are personal factors that should be taken into consideration when choosing any therapist. If you are specifically seeking a female therapist, I’m happy to provide recommendations from my students when available. However, it’s important to remember that experience, professionalism, and a therapist’s ability to create a safe and supportive environment are far more important than gender.
Together, with more clients insisting on this care, more therapists willing to offer it, boards developing a deeper understanding of their role, and a shared goal to elevate—not dilute—the overall massage experience, we can ensure that everyone has access to the care they need and deserve. This movement is about empowering clients to feel supported and comfortable with their care, regardless of the therapist’s gender, while also expanding the accessibility of this important practice.

​Conclusion
Breast massage is a powerful, healing modality that can be essential for those recovering from breast cancer, surgery, or simply seeking a more comprehensive wellness experience. The growing interest in this work, especially post-pandemic, highlights the need for accessible, skilled therapists in this field. Whether you choose a male or female therapist, experience, professionalism, and a focus on client care should always be the deciding factors.

If you are a therapist with interest in this work, visit my CE pages.  If you are a consumer from afar with a favorite hometown therapist, or a breast cancer survivor, refer them to my CE offerings and let them know this training exists.

Together, with more clients insisting on this care, more therapists willing to offer it, boards developing a better understanding of their role, and a common goal to elevate—not dilute—the overall massage experience, we can ensure that everyone has access to the care they need and deserve.