Massage For Mastectomy Clientgreenspun.com : LUSENET : AMTNSW : One Thread |
Dear FriendsI would really appreciate some guidance and advice concerning massage for a client that has experienced a recent mastectomy (about 2 months ago). This will be the first time that I have massaged a client with this condition. My client has requested a general relaxation massage, not massage to the breast area. However, I would like to be as prepared and informed as possible. Thank you so much for replying to my question and sharing your knowledge with me. I am extremely grateful.
Yours faithfully, Katie Hailston
-- Kathryn Louise Hailston (mkhail@tpgi.com.au), March 01, 2004
Hi Kathryn, I have been massaging for 10yrs now and only two months ago I was faced with a lady who had a mastectomy too. In my case the lady also had a tummy tuck. I had been treating the lady before the diagnosis so this made it a bit easier. I began treatment 4 weeks post op. The first question that I asked the client at diagnosis was did she had permission from her oncologist to have massage. This is a decision that you as a practitioner need to make are you going to treat people with cancer or post-op cancer or find out the reason for the mastectomy - it usually is for a malignant lump. DOCUMENT all discussions, when the diagnosis was made, what the lady said, and your treatment as you do with all clients but these details are necessary.I then find out if it was in the lymph nodes or localised. I am not sure of the lastest reserch but I like to cover my self and always record this information on the client form. Secondly I was aware of ladys breast area and endevoured help with helping her modesty. As time went on and she got more comfortable with her "new breast" (she had a reconsturction at the same time) so did I. In so far as treatment the lady I massaged couldn't lie on her tummy and I massage her lying on her side. Her traps, neck and rhombs were all very tight post-operative she is recovering well and back a work part-time having fortnighly massage treatments.
Remember this is only my experience, hope that the lady improves as much as the lady that I treated. Regards and happy massaging. Leonie
-- Leonie Sinclair (tranquillity@pacific.net.au), April 30, 2004.