deep tissue massage

FormerMember over 11 years ago

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It's 18months after diagnosis,surgery,chemo & radiotherapy now and I've developed a problem with my back which I'm told will need sessions of deep tissue massage. A friend who has had the same diagnosis &treatment' in another part of the country, was told never to have this kind of massage. I've not been told anything so I'm unsure what's recommended. Has anyone one else been given medical advice on this treatment?

FormerMember over 11 years ago

Hiya Amanda, There's a helluva lot of twaddle out there about massage and cancer, most of it contradictory. As long as they don't massage anywhere near a recent surgery site and don't use any oils known to contradict treatment drugs it is fine.

But be aware DEEP massage is not recommended if you are a cancer patient.

Lets face it, even Macmillan and Breastcancercare.uk recommend and offer massage as a complimentary therapy.

There is highly detailed info page about it on the CR site if you need some ressurance.

https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/cancer-in-general/treatment/complementary-alternative-therapies/individual-therapies/massage

Hope this helps, G n' J

FormerMember over 11 years ago

I have been having massage to release / relieve the scar tissue on the muscles beneath my skin on my back from the ld flap reconstruction. Its been v effective and I am in a lot less pain. They didn't say what it was called but does this sound like what you are being offered? If so its worth having. I am much more mobile. Good luck x

FormerMember over 11 years ago

Hi Amanda, so glad you asked this question, I'd also heard that your not suppose to have massage after cancer treatment. I'd planned to ask my dr when I saw him on Wednesday but forgot and kicked myself when I got home. I'm having problems with my neck , it's very stiff and knotting and I know if I don't get it treated it just gets worse and takes longer to be sorted! I wish you luck with yours Thanks again karan

FormerMember over 11 years ago

Hi,

I had my cancer treatments in 2012, and last year I had massage to try to drain fluid from under my arm. I had three sessions, and now try to have at least one session a month. This has helped me a lot, and have suffered no side effects from it.

Regards

Yvonne

FormerMember over 11 years ago

Hi as g and j say, massage is often offered as complimentary therapy. I have mine at a Maggie's centre. My plastic surgery team recommended it to help with scarring tightness. X

FormerMember over 11 years ago in reply to FormerMember

Just to say I managed to speak to my breast care nurse today & she said never to have any deep tissue massage as it stimulates the lymph glands but gentle massage is fine. Have read the macmillan section on complimentary therapies & that says pretty much the same. Will tell the physiotherapist when I next see him. Not sure if a gentle massage will help my back much!

FormerMember over 11 years ago in reply to FormerMember

My BCN told me not to have deep massage on the affected arm and shoulder but everywhere else was fine...

FormerMember over 11 years ago

I've had deep tissue massage as part of complimentary therapy sessions post treatment at a a cancer centre. I reckon if stray cancer cells want to spread they will get on and do it anyway, without massage.

FormerMember over 6 years ago

This massage is not used during cancer treatment. Maybe you can do it after completing cancer treatment to get relief from chronic pain. But my advice is if your cancer treatment is running then you need use any type of massage.

FormerMember over 6 years ago in reply to FormerMember

I finished my chemo (Xelox) last week, and had my post scan consultation today. Great news- all clear!

I asked the oncologist about deep tissue massage and he said it's fine and to try to get back to a normal life, doing everything I used to do.

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