Contra indications and considerations

Here are some safetly guidlines I would like to share with everyone- If you have any additional input please share here :)


CONTRAINDICATIONS AND SAFETY GUIDELINES FOR BREAST CANCER MASSAGE
Do not perform any massage on breast tissue without the clients’ informed consent. It’s a good idea to have them sign a consent form.

Do not work directly on a tumor site while malignancy is present, to prevent cell shedding.

Wait 3-5 days after a chemotherapy treatment before you work with your client.

Do not work on anyone that is undergoing chemotherapy or radiation if you are having the slightest viral condition or cold.

Do not massage individuals with fever. Fever may indicate infection, which is a serious concern to those undergoing chemotherapy.

Allow at least 10 days before performing any stretch or massage to a lymph removal site. That can interfere with formation of new lymph vessels

Undrape only the area you are working with, and avoid stroking the nipple area

Use broad flat areas of hands and fingers; do not use deep thumbs and fingertips, unless you use x-fiber technique.

Do not use tapotements.

Over enlarged lymph nodes: Swelling may be an indication of infection virus or malignancy.

Do not passively stretch joints with malignancy present in the bone. Bone may be brittle and possibly degenerated, there for highly susceptible to fractures.

Be cautious with stretching and deep tissue work on lymph removal sites, to avoid irritation and lymphadema.

Skin is very sensitive during and post radiation, avoid deep strokes, cross-fiber and aggressive stretching. Avoid using oil before radiation treatment. It can interfere with the mapping of the area and might increase the likelihood of local burns. It is not recommended to apply heat to a radiated area.

Chemotherapy targets all rapidly dividing cells, and that includes normal blood cell, such as platelets. That can increase bruising and tissue damage. Deep tissue techniques should be avoided or closely monitored.
One of the side effects of Chemotherapy is Peripheral Polineuropathy. Deep pressure and heat should be avoided! Use cold compress on affected areas.

Guidelines for use of hydrotherapy: hot compresses increase the circulation, relaxes and softens adhered tissue. Cold compresses relieve congestion, and inflammation. Alternating between 3 min of hot with 1 minute of cold compresses will increase the circulation. Precaution: Areas of surgery are often numb due to damage to the nerves, patient may not be temperature sensitive!
Do not apply heat on malignant area.

Be aware of Menken (healing crisis). Patient may feel worse before he/she become better. Especially if major detoxification is happening either physically or emotionally.

COMPLICATIONS AFTER SURGERY

Numbness
Hypersensitivity
Heavy tightness around chest especially with reconstruction
Pins and needle
Nervy pain
Sunburn sensation
Loss of shoulder motion
Loss of arm range of motion
Formation of “tight strings of skin” due to lymph vessel shrinkage
Decrease in skin elasticity due to loss of skin
Tightness spasm and cramping of the pectoralis major muscle
Inflammation and formation of scar tissue (adhesive capsulitis) around the shoulders (Can cause “frozen shoulder”) and scar areas
Lymphadema

Reconstruction with other body tissue:

Blood vessels are disturbed and fragile.
Other areas where tissue was taken from are sore, and scarred.
Weakness in area where muscle has been taken for the reconstruction

Eeris Kallil CMT www.bodyworkwisdom.com www.bouldermassageforbreastcancer.yolasite.com