Has anyone tried massage cupping?

GointoCarolina

I just recently heard of this method,where they apply suction to help release scar tissue and improve circulation.I have a double mastectomy and my chest is so tight and extremely sensitive to the touch.I could never have regular massage on my chest as it would be so painful.I am wondering if this might help me,but would like info from others who have had it done.I have heard that women who have used the Brava for breast reconstruction have had their scars pull out and feel better.Thanks!!

impositive

I have not had a mastectomy so I cant speak to that but I have had massage cupping on my upper back.  It's more of a skin massage than a deeper muscle massage.  It definitely improves circulation to the skin!     

cinnamonsmiles

I just finished 5 months of therapy for scar tissue adhesions and pmps. the "massages" i got from the two therapists i had were not massages like you would get a massage parlor. they were more like pulling the tissue to release the ahdesions. i also was given stretches and exercises to do at home. i did some there, too. it involved a lot of arm movement when pain level started decreasing. i even rode the stationary bike that has the arms for arm movement. that was always my favorite cool down. one therapist was into yoga so when i was ready, she even incorporated some of that into my exersize book.

i have never hear of massage cupping. i will have to look it up

good luck to you.

rock

http://www.integrative-healthcare.org/mt/archives/2007/07/six_massage_tec.html

 I got a very very clear "Go ahead" on scar massage from my OT yesterday. (I had a lumpectomy in 2008, ovaries removed in 2011...followed shortly by a frozen shoulder.)  In fact, she said that without scar massage, a person can develop problems with circulation and lymph. She spent about 10 minutes on my very small, nondescript scar as she says it may be contributing to the problems I'm having with my shoulder. Basically, she said to rub vertically, horizontally and in circles along the scar to break up the collagen. Who knew? (And WHEN was anyone going to tell me this?!)

I think treatment/discussion of scar tissue should be standard briefing post-surgery but my sense is that it is not!

GointoCarolina

Thank you all so much.I have found a physical therapist who specializes in breast cancer patients.Problem is that she is almost two hours from me.I am going to go and see her and hope she can set me up with things to do at home.I do have a great PT that I have gone to for other things,so maybe she can work out a plan and I can go to him.I have an appointment with my breast surgeon in a couple of weeks and I am going to tell her this needs to be addressed.I think when we are released after surgery we should be given a referral to a PT.