Massage?

aunt_paula

My sister-in-law is coming for a visit in a few weeks, and I would like to schedule an afternoon for us to go have massages and pedicures, but am not sure if that's a good idea with LE. It is better, and as much as it surprises me to admit it, I now love wrapping because it feels so good. Is it ok to get a massage?

NatsFan

I've gotten massages - probably not the best thing for LE, but I don't get the deep muscle massages - I stick to the light relaxing Swedish massages.  I also talk ahead of time with the masseuse about LE, and tell her to stroke only very lightly on the affected areas.  I also tell her that she can only stroke the arm up from fingers to the shoulder - no downward strokes.  Or you could just have them avoid the affected area entirely.  You may want to call the spa and ask if anyone there has experience with breast cancer survivors or lymphedema.  You may luck out and get someone who has taken some training in oncology massage or lymphatic massage.

I think in some ways it's a bit easier for those of us with LE who know the management techniques (wrapping, compression garments, tribute garments, etc.) to experiment with pushing the envelope a bit.  If we push it a bit too far and trigger a flare, we already have the knowledge, equipment and techniques to manage it.  This may be one of those trial-and-error things for you.  It's a calculated risk, but maybe get the massage and make sure to take the time to talk to the masseuse about the issues, and give explicit instructions about what they can and cannot do. Monitor your arm during the massage and don't hesitatet to tell her to stop if you sense any issues.  Wrap as usual that night, and then see if the massage triggers a flare.  If it doesn't, then you may able to enjoy the occasional massage again.  If it does, then you have your answer.

kira66715

Paula, I have a wonderful massage therapist who is also trained in MLD--the basic Vodder course. She works on myofascial issues--like my radiation fibrosis, residual cords, scar massage--and general muscle tension. I got a massage from her today. It was great. She doesn't do MLD on me, but is aware of LE.

I was concerned the first time, but have come to treasure our sessions.

As Mary said, those of us who wrap and have the skills to control our LE can push the envelope. (I hauled some dirt yesterday--to get it into raised beds before the rain and wondered just how dumb I was, but I wrapped afterwards and all is well.)

I have a LE therapist who is also a massage therapist and she only does MLD.

I'm wrapped right now, and it is comfortable. Wish I didn't have to, but the results are so good....

hugz4u

I never even thought to ask my Vodder MLD girl if she also does spa type massage. She is a certified massage therapist.   Here I thought that I may never be able to get a massage again but.. It is possible to do almost anything and if we think about it hard enough we usually can wang dangle something. Thanks for the idea, I hope she will do it. 

Going to wrap soon also due to gardening. Planted 9 Hostas today.

SpecialK

If you are treated at a large cancer center they often have fee for service massage - the NCI center near me does offer this.  It is massage for cancer patients, but is not PT - they have a separate department with certified LE PT folks.  The nice thing about the fee for service massage is that they only work on cancer patients, so are familiar with LE and many of the limitations and can work around them without any awkwardness - they see it all the time.  I know that does not answer your immediate question about the spa day - the ladies who posted above gave great advice, I thought I would add this for the future if massage is something you enjoy.

OneBadBoob

Interestingly, Joe Zuther published this link on Facebook today 

http://futurelmt.com/lmt-blog/manual-lymph-drainag...

purple32

ugh!

cookiegal

I usually go to a cancer center massage therapist who knows LE. But if I am on vacation, as long as they know what LE is and do not rub my arm in the wrong direction, I go with it. 

I kind of think that full body massage could be beneficial since it is good for circulation. Certainly never had a problem.

NancyD

My brother just gave me a gift certificate to a day spa for the works! Hot stone massage, vitamin facial, mani/pedi, and a choice of either a seaweed or mud wrap. I will ask them to not work on my left arm where I have lymphadema, but is there anything else I should caution them about? If all this sounds like too much, I will sadly "regift" the present to a friend. I don't want to exacerbate what up to now has been a relatively low stage case.

hugz4u

Nancy, that sounds delightful. Have him stay away from arm,hand,trunk,breast on your affected side and u should be ok. U should not have anything hot put on that area. A foot /leg massage would be wonderful in exchange. That said some girls here do have full body massage with no trouble but I myself would stipulate my rules clearly to therapist if I had one. Other girls should weigh in on this. We love massages

ahdjdbcjdjdbkf

I've had good and bad results with all types of massage. I've had the best luck with some repeat proof from Shiatsu. I will come right out and declare I do my OWN THING with this stuff. Most of the therapists are just parroting advice that has no basis - just a theory someone passed around. I have gone to all the certified lymphedema therapists in the area. I got better results from shiatsu consistently.

NancyD

Well, I had part of my spa day. One of the employees called in sick, so I ended up only having the hot stone massage and the facial.

I forewarned the masseuse about my lymphadema and she actually knew manual lymph drainage massage! So she was very careful on that side of my body. I have to say, she did a very good job. Whereas I had no definition in the underneath muscles of my forearm (when the arm in folded up) before the massage, afterwards I did. That has been my bellweather for my condition...good days I have some definition, bad days it's just smooth. Since the massage, I've had constant definition that I've been able to maintain.

ahdjdbcjdjdbkf

I went into a massage quite swollen on Saturday with someone who does lymphatic massage and understands lymphedema. She is not a lymphedema trained therapist. I came out with my arm looking about the same but I could feel everything moving. By the next day my arm was significantly less swollen and that has held up through today. I do find that when I have a reduction, keeping the AC colder at home lets me hold on to it a bit longer. It's worth the higher electric bill and being a tad chilly.

carol57

Maria, that's very encouraging news! I know several women who have found massage therapists with LE training to be wonderful, effective MLD providers. One friend who is herself a certified LE therapist told me that when she went to her CLT school, she soon learned to partner with the massage therapists in the class, because in practicing on each other, she found the LMTs to have a more intuitive touch, and faster learners. It's a shame that only PTs and OTs can be reimbursed by insurance, so the LMTs who are equally effective must always see us as self-pay clients.