In celebration of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, please read and share this post with your loved ones.
(Artwork is by Jody Noel Coughlin and can be purchased at
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Massage education in Canada includes training in breast tissue, conditions of the breast and treatment of the breast.
There are many positive clinical indications where breast tissue massage is ideal; to increase circulation, to increase mobility, to decrease excess fluid and to help monitor any tissue changes through increased awareness of breast tissue.
Consent is required in all types of treatment. Due to the highly sensitive nature of breast massage, it is protocol to speak about the treatment process, draping of the sheets, type of techniques, and all areas to be massaged, (including areas of the body to be omitted) prior to the massage.
Specific consent from the client is required.
As with all massage sessions, that consent may be revoked by the client at any moment after their consent has been given. In no uncertain terms if the treatment is uncomfortable, let the therapist know you want to stop the treatment. RMTs are professionals that do not want to disturb the client’s comfort or trust. If such a request ever goes unanswered, you are urged to contact the provincial association. Both of the associations in New Brunswick have websites which are located on the ‘links’ page of the Celtic Knots website. (www.celticknotsclinic.ca)
After the information and procedure are discussed, a general treatment of the back or other agreed upon areas other than the breasts may be offered. This serves as an introduction to the therapist's touch and allows the client to absorb the information. The client will then be sent home with some reading material to think the process over. Not until the subsequent appointment will the breast massage be performed.
Upon return for the second appointment a review of the content of information will be addressed. Prior to the treatment, the procedure of breast massage will be reviewed, including a reminder that at any time during the treatment the client may stop the treatment if they so wish. Even if a client was at first quite keen on the massage, they may for a slew of different reasons opt out last minute. There will be no pressure from the RMT as breast massage, although highly effective and beneficial, is not mandatory.
A risk involved with breast massage is that due to the nature of the treatment, and the length of time spent massaging the breast tissue, lumps or other types of nodules may be found. RMTs are responsible to bring such findings to the attention of the client, but are not at any time qualified to diagnose such a discovery. This includes speculation. For example, "That might be a tumour." is not good practice as an RMT. If a suspicious lump or nodule is found, the RMT will ask the client to locate it using their own hands, and suggest follow up inquiry with a qualified professional to examine the mass.
Also, tenderness may ensue on behalf of the area not being used to touch. Home care for breast massage will include ways for the client to remedy any discomfort.
Breast massage, if not fulfilling for any other reason, helps an individual become aware and reconnected with a part of themselves that may be at a disconnect.
The breasts can be undraped one at a time, both at the same time, or the client may opt to keep a sheet over the breasts. This is always an option for clients; RMTs are trained to pursue the treatment with the modifications. It will be advised if the client takes this approach, that the treatment effects will be somewhat compromised compared to skin to skin contact where the therapist can assess the texture and temperature of the tissue.
The nipple and areola regions of the breasts are never touched during the treatment. Great care is taken to avoid these regions of the body. Self care may include instruction for self massage with these areas for a specific treatment such as scar tissue work.
Due to the location of many lymph nodes in the breast tissue, a technique called lymphatic drainage massage is performed in the beginning to help any excess fluid drain. Secondly, the muscles surrounding the tissue are addressed, and then the breasts are massaged. Lastly, the shoulder joint is massaged to help encourage continual relaxation as well as fluid drainage.
Massaging breast tissue is not always ideal. Such times include lactation mastitis, an infection during breastfeeding, specific work directly on a discovered lump prior to having it checked or simply if either the client or the RMT are unable to remain neutral and professional during the procedure.
The RMT is trained to recognise warning signs that require immediate attention such as clear discharge or blood from the nipple, both possible indicators of cancer.
Indications where breast massage is ideal; swelling or painful breasts, drainage problems, poorly restricting scars, premenstrual pain, simply that the client seeks a professional, trusting environment to receive assistance with breast monitoring, or even to become more comfortable with one’s own body.
Breast augmentations, lumpectomies, breast reductions or a single or double mastectomy are all common factors in breast health that are familiar realities with women. All four of these situations would dictate specific considerations for the treatment, including scar tissue work if apporved by the client.
Ask your massage therapist about further information about breast massage, including who practices breast massage in your area.
Awareness is primary to change. Be part of the movement to take care of all women and spread awareness and familiarity. Let us ALWAYS talk openly to one another about breast health and ways to witness early detection of cancer.
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