Therapies... - Massage - Breast Drainage

This type of treatment should be considered for anyone that suffers from a condition of poor breast drainage or circulation. This can include women that have undergone a lumpectomy, mastectomy or other breast surgery, as well as for women with pre-menstrual breast tenderness, pregnancy, post-natal breast engorgement and fibrocystic breast disease.

Generally, 85% of the lymph that flows through each breast drains into larger lymphatic vessels on the same side of the body. That is, the lymph that flows through the right breast will drain into lymphatic vessels on the right side of the body. The remaining 15% will cross over to drain into vessels on the other side of the body.

This drainage, however, is typically altered after surgery in the area, with destruction of many of the vessels. This can lead to pain due to congestion and a build up of toxins. Massage can assist the flow of lymph through the remaining vessels as well as increasing venous return, reducing the congestion and toxin build up, thus reducing pain. Massage can also help promote the formation of a healthy, mobile scar after breast surgery by influencing the scar formation process, or for the reduction of a chronically adhered scar.

Hydrotherapy applications can also prove beneficial in such cases. Cold applications can constrict superficial blood vessels and assist in venous return, alleviating congestion. Hot hydrotherapy can be used to soften connective tissue before massage is applied to the area to reduce adhesions. Contrast hydrotherapy can be used to promote tissue health.

Before any approach is attempted, one must be sure the origin of pain in the breast is known. There are some trigger points that have pain referral patterns which include the breast (see section on trigger points). The therapist can and should instruct you on how to perform self-care techniques in addition to regular massage therapy sessions. Such techniques could include hydrotherapy, stretches and self-massage.