Massage Therapy for Breast Cancer Patients
Battling breast cancer is an immeasurable challenge- it is physically, mentally, and emotionally draining on the patient. Studies indicate that all types of cancer patients should consider massage therapy pre-treatment, during treatment and post-treatment as a complement to their traditional medical care. Research now shows us that therapeutic massage is an effective supplement for all types of cancer patients, but especially for women with breast cancer undergoing treatments such as chemotherapy or surgeries including lumpectomy, mastectomy or breast reconstruction.
Massage therapy prior to any of these surgeries helps to relax the muscle tissue and increases the flow of the lymph, which then in turn helps to fight the disease. During treatment, massage therapy is a great option to help manage pain, anxiety, anger, depression, and chronic fatigue. Did you know cancer treatment often leaves patients completely depleted of energy- not only during treatment, but also extending up to 10 years after treatment?
In a recent study performed by the University of Miami School of Medicine, women with breast cancer who received massage therapy three times a week reported lower levels of depression, anxiety, and anger. Another study at the University of Michigan concluded that after 6 weeks, participants of the study, who were cancer patients, practiced self-applied acupressure once a day for 15 minutes experienced a reduction in pain and fatigue. The participants also reported better sleep and an improved overall quality of life.
Post-treatment benefits of massage therapy after breast cancer is in remission include boosting the immune system and helping women reconnect with their bodies. Studies show that cancer patients who underwent a surgery during treatment and received post-surgery specialized lymph drainage techniques, known as lymphatic drainage, from a well-trained massage therapist experienced less pain and significantly less swelling.
Massage therapy is proven to be extremely beneficial in all stages of cancer treatment; and you don’t even have to go to a spa to have it done! While we do offer massage therapy for cancer patients and lymphatic drainage at our location, we also provide on-site massage therapy at your home with one of our highly skilled massage therapists.
Interested in learning more? Ask us about our free lessons for cancer patients! Whether you are interested in learning how to do self-applied massage therapy or maybe for someone you know struggling with breast cancer we can help you learn how to perform a beneficial massage on your own. We are happy to educate patients or family members of cancer patients on how to receive these wonderful benefits at home.
Call us at 703-352-2800 for more information about our off-menu services for cancer patients. We are conveniently located a 1/2 mile from the Fairfax Cancer Center.
Newsflash! We will be selecting one person who is battling cancer this month to receive our Breast Cancer Awareness Month Spa Day Giveaway! E-mail contact@dantesalonandspa.com to enter yourself or someone you know for our Spa Day Giveaway. Tell us why you are nominating this person in your e-mail. Note: all nominees must be going through breast cancer treatment.
