Massage for Post Breast Surgery
Postmastectomy Lymphedema Syndrome, Pain, Shoulder Mobility Impairment
About this trial
This is an interventional treatment trial for Postmastectomy Lymphedema Syndrome focused on measuring Post Breast Surgery, Myofascial Massage, Pain, Mobility Limitations
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
- Age range 21-79 years of age
- Female
- Breast and/or axillary surgery
- 2-18 months post-operative
- Meets minimum pain and/or lack of mobility threshold as determined by survey
- Ability to give informed consent
- Ability to complete adherence task
- Benign or malignant forms of disease
Exclusion Criteria:
- History of blood clots
- Mentally incompetent
- Non-English speaking
- Infected sites or open wounds
- Currently lactating
- Currently receiving massage therapy for breast surgery
- Currently taking anticoagulants including:
Cilostazol Clopidogrel Ticlopidine Prasugrel Ticagrelor Dipyridamole Warfarin Dabigatran Rivaroxaban Apixaban Abciximab Eptifibatide Tirofiban Dalteparin Enoxaparin Fondaparinux Heparin Tinzaparin Argatroban Bivalirudin Lepirudin
Sites / Locations
- MetroHealth Medical Center
Arms of the Study
Arm 1
Arm 2
Experimental
Active Comparator
Experimental/Myofascial
Control/Global Relaxation
The intervention group will receive Myofascial Massage Therapy specific to breast/chest/shoulder of the affected side(s). These massages will include a variety of techniques specifically aimed at reducing pain, inflammation, and tissue sensitivity while also increasing mobility by breaking up scar tissue and thick fibrosis. The intervention massages will include the following specific techniques: skin glide, j stroking, vertical stroking, strumming, fascial stretch, circular friction, deep fascial restriction release, arm pull, side latissimus dorsi stretch, twisting, moist heat application, cold therapy, and lymphatic drainage. These massages will be twice a week at 30 minutes per massage for a period of 2 months after study enrollment.
The control group will receive a general full body massage referred to as a Global Relaxation massage. The massage technique used here will be relaxation massage, avoiding the breast/chest/arm area. This includes light kneading and stroking in order to restore a sense of well- being. The relaxation massage will also be twice a week at 30 minutes per massage for a period of 2 months, avoiding the area of the affected shoulder/shoulders. In this way they are still being seen and touched by a massage therapist, without receiving the intervention treatment.