Abstract:
OBJECTIVE: To explore
the
effectiveness
of
breast
massage
in
order
to
improve
range
of
motion
and
reduce
pain
of
the
gleno-‐humeral
and
scapulo-‐
thoracic
joints
post
lumpectomy,
axillary
lymph
node
section
removal,
chemotherapy
and
radiation
treatment
for
breast
cancer.
METHOD:
Swedish
and
myofascial
techniques
applied
to
the
breast,
anterior
neck
and
chest
as
a
focused
modalities
and
in
combination
with
traditional
massage
techniques
such
as:
swedish,
trigger
points,
passive
stretching,
neuro-‐
muscular
techniques
(NMT)
and
frictions
to
the
arm
and
shoulder
muscles
and
tendons,
and
joint
mobilizations
to
the
clavicle,
glemohumeral
and
scapulothoracic
joints.
Treatments
occurred
twice
a
week
for
five
weeks
and
assessments
were
performed
every
3-‐4
treatments,
using
goniometry,
photography,
McGill
pain
scale
and
a
daily
journal.
c)
RESULTS:
The
primary
goals
of
improved
ROM
in
all
directions
and
elimination
of
pain
were
achieved
improving
and
easing
activities
of
daily
living.
Other
results
noted
were
changes
in
the
left
breast
in
texture
and
shape
as
well
as
the
client’s
experience
of
both
breasts
feeling
more
balanced.
d)
CONCLUSION:
These
results,
as
well
as
the
reported
psychological
benefit
of
decreasing
the
client’s
fear
of
touching
her
breast,
encourage
further
research
into
the
benefits
of
breast
massage
after
medical
intervention
for
the
treatment
of
breast
cancer.
