Post-Mastectomy
Recovery Therapy
Clients frequently tell me that after having a mastectomy that they feel lost and without direction even though they may have had what is called a “successful surgery.”
They say that no one ever tells them about what comes next – the swelling, the scarring, the tugging, the tightness that form across their chests and often limit the mobility of their arms. No one tells them that a task as simple as brushing one’s hair might be next to impossible – and that with the right help, it can be prevented.
It is sad that women are not told how to deal with the inevitable scarring that will result as a normal part of the healing process. During the first weeks following the procedure so much can be done to help the body lay down scars that are less restrictive and less noticeable.
Many surgeons are simply uninformed of how a clever combination of lymphatic drainage, specialized myofascial scar massage, cupping, and pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy can make a world of difference. I often hear that they never knew such services existed, and as you can imagine, getting our message out to doctors is very difficult. (Patients telling doctors about their positive experience is often a far more effective method than therapists trying to get an audience with a doctor who will listen.)
There are many types of reconstructive techniques that women frequently undergo following a mastectomy in order to restore the breast. Each type of reconstruction comes with its own healing challenges. Click here for a great video that explains the most common types of reconstructive surgeries. Regardless of what kind of reconstruction you have chosen, if any at all, I can help you get rid of your pain, swelling, and restore your normal range of motion.
If you have had a mastectomy, are planning a separate reconstruction surgery in the future, and are wondering when you should get therapy, the answer is the sooner, the better. By addressing the tightness and restrictions that happened after your mastectomy, you are preparing your body to be ready for the next surgery. It will be easier after the reconstruction to get back your normal range of motion if you have already worked on existing scars.
Here’s a helpful article about the 10 Commonly Asked Questions About Life After Breast Reconstruction Surgery.
Lymphatic Drainage can begin within a few days following surgery.
You will need to get clearance from your surgeon for this. Advise him or her that you will be seeing a Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT) for post-op lymphatic drainage (not “lymphatic massage” at a chain massage business where lymphatic “training” may consist of anywhere from a paragraph in a book to a single day of class). Certified Lymphedema Therapists complete a minimum of 135 hours of rigorous training in lymphatic drainage and associated medical conditions.
Myofascial Scar Remodeling
Although it sounds a bit crazy, scars are a good thing. When the body experiences an injury like a surgical cut it begins to lay down fibers of collagen in a web-like pattern in order to hold the cut together – no matter which way the skin is tugged. It’s quite magical, actually.
Pulsed ElectroMagnetic Field
(PEMF) Therapy
In short, PEMF Therapy can help to reduce swelling and speed up the healing process following a mastectomy.
It can be used immediately following surgery and throughout the healing process. It is a great 15-30 minute add-on to a lymphatic or myofascial scar remodeling session.
