Chiropractic and deep tissue massage

Ask our Nurses your questions
1

Hi,

I’m under a chiropractor for ongoing neck and shoulder issues. I’ve just book my next appointment for after my lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy, with a three and a half week gap after surgery for recovery. I assume there is no reason I shouldn’t have this done? Obviously I will let my chiropractor know what I have had done, and know I might struggle to lie face down.

Also for a week before that I booked a full body, deep tissue massage, for the same ongoing reasons causing me issues. I’ve just googled and there’s conflicting info as whether this is a good idea or not. I would ask her not to go near the affected areas. What advice would you give, should I cancel it?

Thank you
Floss

2

Hi Floss,

Thank you for posting.

We speak to many people who want to know if having therapies, such as chiropractic or deep tissue massage would be ok after treatment for breast cancer. This will vary depending on your individual situation. As you mention, advice can be conflicting and this is often because we don’t have enough evidence to know for sure if a therapy should be avoided.

Do talk to your breast care nurse or treatment team as they will be best placed to let you know if it would be ok to have these therapies 3 and a half weeks after surgery. This may depend on how well your scars have healed, and any further treatments they may recommend for you after your surgery, such as radiotherapy.

You may find this information about chiropractic massage helpful. We also have some information about deep tissue massage on our complementary therapies webpage. It’s usually recommended to avoid deep tissue massage to the arm, hand, breast or chest area that has been treated.

If you go ahead with these treatments it’s important to let the practitioners know beforehand about the treatment you’ve had. This will give them the opportunity to ask any questions or let you know about any concerns they have.

You may also find our Facebook live session about complementary therapies helpful to watch.

We offer a range of free supportive services for anyone who has had a diagnosis of breast cancer which you may be interested in. They include face to face and online courses and events.

Do call our helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. The helpline team have time to listen, talk things through and signpost you to additional support and information if necessary. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks.

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Best wishes

Cassie

Breast Care Nurse

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