Myofascial Massage for Treatment After Breast Cancer Surgery

Chronic localized pain and decreased upper extremity mobility commonly occur following breast cancer surgery and may persist despite use of pain medication and physical therapy.

A study from Ohio, USA aimed to determine the value of myofascial massage on these pain and mobility limitations.

The study took place at a clinical massage spa in the U.S. Midwest involving 21 women with persistent pain and mobility limitations 3-18 months following breast surgery. The study was a pilot randomized controlled trial, where intervention patients received myofascial massages and control patients received relaxation massages.

Intervention participants received 16 myofascial massage sessions over eight weeks that focused on the affected breast, chest, and shoulder areas. Control participants received 16 relaxation massage sessions over eight weeks that avoided the affected breast, chest, and shoulder areas. Participants completed a validated questionnaire at the beginning and end of the study that asked about pain, mobility, and quality of life.

Results showed that at baseline, intervention and control participants were similar in demographic and medical characteristics, pain and mobility ratings, and quality of life.

Compared to relaxation massage, participants who had massage on the affected areas had more favourable changes in pain, mobility, and general health after eight weeks. All intervention and control participants reported that receiving massage treatments was a positive experience.

The authors concluded that myofascial massage is a promising treatment to address chronic pain and mobility limitations following breast cancer surgery.