massage for breast cancer and post mastectomy clients
Filling the Gap in Breast Cancer Support: Healing Massage for Every Stage
A Gentle Approach to Supporting Healing
Breast cancer treatment and recovery take a toll on both the body and mind. Whether you are newly diagnosed, undergoing treatment, or healing post-surgery, massage therapy offers a compassionate and supportive way to ease discomfort, reduce stress, and promote overall well-being.
This work is not just about relaxation—it’s about creating a safe, therapeutic space where your unique needs are honored at every stage of your journey. Gentle, mindful touch can help manage pain, improve mobility, and restore a sense of connection with your body in a way that feels both comfortable and empowering.
How Massage Can Support You at Every Stage
At Diagnosis: Navigating the Early Days
Manage stress and anxiety during this overwhelming time
Support emotional well-being as you begin your treatment journey
Provide a sense of calm and empowerment
Before and During Treatment: Managing Stress and Side Effects
Alleviate anxiety and promote relaxation
Support lymphatic drainage to reduce swelling
Ease muscle tension from stress or altered posture
Provide nurturing touch to counterbalance the medical experience
Advocating for Yourself: Why Self-Care Matters, Even on the Tough Days
Taking time for self-care, even in small moments, is an essential part of healing and managing stress. Massage can play a key role in this process—provided you're feeling well and have received approval from your doctor to seek treatments outside the home. Massage has the unique ability to support both body and spirit, nurturing you through the journey of breast cancer recovery.
Post-Op / Post Recovery Care
After surgery, your body undergoes significant changes that require compassionate care and attention. Massage therapy can help address common concerns like scarring, lymphedema, and cording (axillary web syndrome), while also improving range of motion and reducing the emotional impact of recovery.
Scar Tissue and Adhesion Release
Gently break down scar tissue and adhesions to improve flexibility
Promote the healing of tissue and prevent painful restrictions
Improve circulation and oxygenation to the healing area
Managing Lymphedema and Cording
Lymphatic drainage to reduce swelling and fluid buildup
Help release restrictions caused by cording (tight bands of tissue)
Relieve discomfort from fluid retention or limited movement
Unexpected Nerve Damage: Navigating Surprises in Recovery
Nerve damage often occurs during breast cancer surgery, and its sensation and impact can take patients by surprise.
Managing nerve damage through scar tissue work and specialized massage can encourage new nerve growth and help restore sensation.
Massage therapy can alleviate discomfort, reduce nerve pain, and improve overall mobility, supporting both physical and emotional healing.
Improving Range of Motion and Mobility
Restore movement in the chest, shoulder, and arm areas
Address postural imbalances due to surgery or reconstruction
Aid in recovery by improving flexibility and reducing tightness
Living With Breast Cancer
Survival is not just about physical healing—it’s about reclaiming strength, emotional balance, and re-emerging as a stronger, more resilient version of yourself.
While breast cancer awareness, research, and general support are at an all-time high, one critical gap remains: access to specialized massage therapy.
I can tell you that client-driven or requested chest and breast massage is some of the most profound and powerful work I do—you can see that reflected in the client testimonials.
For over 10 years, I’ve offered therapeutic breast massage as a matter of client choice. Thanks to specialized training, I now offer targeted work that truly supports breast cancer recovery.
Beyond my practice, I’ve made it a mission to spread this transformative care by teaching other therapists across the country. My goal is to ensure this important healing work reaches as many people as possible, helping to reduce or eliminate stigma wherever it exists.
