Massage Therapy After Cancer Treatment
Support for swelling, scar tissue and tightness after surgery, radiation and reconstruction.
Finishing treatment doesn’t always mean your body feels like yours again. Months or even years later, you may still be living with swelling, tight or thickened tissue, scars that pull, or a shoulder, neck or jaw that won’t move the way it used to.
We provide focused, hands-on care for the swelling, scar tissue and restriction that can follow cancer treatment, so you can move more comfortably and get back to the things you do every day.
Michelle is a cancer survivor herself, and knows firsthand how long the effects of treatment can linger.
Who This Is For
People who have finished, or are recovering from:
- Surgery, including mastectomy, lumpectomy, thoracotomy and skin cancer removal
- Lymph node removal
- Radiation therapy
- Reconstruction
- Head and neck cancer treatment, including neck dissection and thyroid surgery
What We Help With
- Swelling and lymphedema, including swelling after lymph node removal. We have certified lymphedema therapists on staff.
- Scar tissue that feels tight, thick, pulling or sensitive
- Radiation fibrosis: areas that feel stiff, thickened or less mobile after radiation
- Chest-wall and shoulder restriction, including trouble reaching or lifting your arm
- Neck and jaw tightness after head and neck radiation or surgery
Even older scars, including ones from many years ago, can respond to treatment.
When to Start
We work with your oncology team’s guidance. If you’ve had lymph nodes removed or are early in your recovery, we may ask for clearance from your physician before your first visit.
Your First Visit
All initial appointments are 90 minutes. We’ll talk through:
- Your surgery, radiation and other treatment history
- Any lymph nodes removed or treated
- Where you notice swelling, tightness or discomfort
- What movement or daily activities have become harder
- Compression garments or other instructions from your care team
- What you most want help with
Hands-on treatment is provided as appropriate. Care is gentle and adapted to the condition of your skin and tissue. You stay in control of pressure and pace the whole time.
Working Alongside Your Care Team
We’re massage therapists, not doctors. Our care is meant to complement, not replace, care from your oncologist, surgeon and other providers, and we coordinate with them when appropriate.
Payment
Care after cancer treatment is offered as private-pay packages and is not billed to insurance.
Learn About Targeted Scar Tissue Release Learn About Lymphedema & CDT
Ready to Get Started?
If cancer treatment has left you with swelling, scar tissue or limited movement, we can help you figure out what kind of care fits where you are in recovery.
Se habla español
Call 509.405.2642