Reflexology Refusal?

Karyll,

Let me answer this question as a bc survivor and as a physical therapist.

We are taught that massage techniques move lymph throughout the body and that in active cancers it is a contraindication.  Having said that, there is no research that I am aware of that suggests massage in and of itself spreads cancer. Exercise/any movement moves lymph throughout the body.

I would not do lymphatic massage on anyone who has active cancer. I have done myofascial techniques (a type of deep tissue work) on a woman with metastatic bc because the benefits outweighed the risk.  I know a woman with metastatic ovarian cancer who regularly recieves massages because again for her, the benefits outweigh the risks. 

I recieved regular massages before my bc diagnosis.  I was blissfully unaware that I had anything going on yet like a lot of women I was told my tumor had been growing for years. Obviously my massage therapist was not massaging my breasts (that was my husband's job ) but he was stretching my pecs and massaging my neck with it's very superficial lymph nodes. He did not spread my cancer.

When I was going through chemo I had him do reflexology. It was interesting because the point corresponding to the liver was very painful and post chemo it was not. My oncologist office has a massage therapist on staff and she would do massage while you were having your infusion.

If you want a massage, find someone who will give you a massage.  Reflexolgy is probably one of the most safe treatments you can get at this time. 

Some people just freak when they hear the word cancer and common sense leaves them.

The new radiation cancer center here in town now offers massage one day a week to the paitents and their caregivers as they are waiting for their treatments.

as a licensed massage therapist and trainer, I of course agree with the physical therapist.  When we are in school we are trained to work lighter on survivors and not on area where cancer occured.  For instance, if skin cancer on left arm, work around, just not on.  After mastectomies there is a lot of various scar tissue and massage is wonderful to break it up and release the fibers.  Its a personal comfort thing for the patient and therapist and should have a release from the oncologist to perform a massage according to doctors directives or suggestions.  Get a skilled, compassionate therapist that you feel safe with and watch your outcome and how you feel.  We were also told to offer a half an hour massage to try it out first.  Some of us take a lot of meds and massage can dump the residual back into system, could cause a detox, no fun.  Drink lots of water before and after regardless.  I am having a massage tomarrow myself which will include Lymphedema drainage work on my arm and upper body.  It's amazing how fast it works, when she's done, I am running for the potty!  I am a bc survivor of two years, single mastectomy and reconstruction.  I can't wait!  She has the best warm hands and heart...good luck