Massage Therapy Post Breast Cancer Surgery

​At Wairarapa Massage Therapy we love supporting people to Move Well, Feel Well and Live Well. We have clients who will come and see us for support post breast cancer surgery to relieve pain and discomfort, improve range of motion and reduce the impact and discomfort of scar tissue. If you or someone you know may be suffering from any of these please read on to hear how we can help.
After cancer surgery in which a mastectomy has been performed some woman may find that after healing from the surgery they can experience changes in the range of motion of the arms and shoulders, this is often due to scar tissue or trauma to the muscles creating holding patterns within the body. If there has been a reconstruction in which muscles has been used to create a breast  this can  lead to muscles imbalances in the body  and if implants have been used in the process in rare cases capsular contracture may occur. this happens when the immune system will respond to the foreign materials inserted into your chest. Your body builds a “capsule” around the breast implant. The capsule is made from interwoven collagen fibers, or scar tissue In some cases, the capsule tightens over time. This is called capsular contracture. When this happens, the collagen “fabric” around the implant shrinks due to a buildup in fibers. This tightening can squeeze the implant, making it feel hard and painful to touch, or it can effect the range of motion of the arm and tighten the surrounding structures. The exact cause of capsular contracture isn’t fully understood.
 
In the clinic we have had some fantastic results for our clients who have come in with this and other associated range of movements, scar pain and general muscular discomfort issues associated with breast cancer surgery.
At the initial consultation we discuss the issue presenting itself and perform different movement tests to see what muscles are involved. We spend a large majority of the time using hands on techniques to loosen tight and contracted muscles, ease and gently mobilise scar tissue which brings relief of discomfit and improved movement. If capsular contracture is also present we gently work the problematic areas to break down and tease out the fibres. The client is in control of the pressure at all times and sessions are tailored to needs on each day. Clients often comment how relaxing they find the treatment and improvements are often noted after the first treatment.
 
If you would like to now more about how we can help please get in touch by using the email form on this website or calling us 06 304 7799, we are happy to chat and answer any questions you may have and book you in for a consultation if you wish.
Healthy regards
Jodie
 
 
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