Breasts

[Like The Movies]

In regards to the possible benefits of breast massage, I found this:


Massage therapists can provide gentle and effective treatment of a number of the breast complaints that women have, including post-surgical and scar work, easing of discomforts of pregnancy and breastfeeding, treatment of congestion and oedema and alleviation of many of the causes of breast pain[...] Massage drainage is used to significantly reduce discomfort from these developments.

Summary of treatment goals:

* Relieve lymphatic congestions (lymphodema)
* Prevent or reduce adhesions and restrictive scars in the breast especially after surgery

* Reduce pain and discomfort from fibrous lumps or cysts

* Alleviate breast discomfort during pregnancy

* Reduce engorgement during weaning

* Foster and encourage positive self-image and attitudes to breast health

SOURCE: http://www.massagelondon.org/pages/brstmsg.htm

 

[.Leon Saboor]

Hi, I have read with interest all the views and info on breast massage that has been discussed. Since my training 2 years ago in VTCT Swedish Massage it was taught that certain areas of the body should not be exposed and certainly not massaged. I feel that if breast massage is of such importance that women should be taught how to massage their own breasts and not have it left to anyone to do it for them either in a medical or holistic situation. We as women are told to check our breasts on a regular basis for lumps and bumps, why not include a massage at the same time?

 

[Jen x]

I have been a remedial massage therapist since 1978, and a Vodder MLD therapist since 1997. I now only use MLD in my practice. I use this on women with healthy lymphatic systems or those who have lymphoedema as a result of cancer therapy (men too). I always demonstrate how they should apply self lymphatic drainage, and put them through their paces at each treatment, to make sure they are doing it properly.

Each one admits that they would far rather get me to do it for them - I do try!

I have had two clients who suffered recurrence with lumps in the other breast - I had not detected the lumps, as my technique is very superficial and gentle - the lumps on both occasions were behind the nipple and only detected by ultra-sound - the mammogram did not pick them up. Both women continued with treatment throughout their therapy, except during radiotherapy.

Although in a perfect world, it may be the case, but I do not personally believe that breast massage can prevent cancer. I have received massage regularly over the years, but still required a lumpectomy, axillary clearance, chemo and radiotherapy in 2001. Both my both and grandmother had breast cancer. Genetics have a lot to do with the condition.

 

[the man 505]

I have never stated that breast massage can prevent cancer, and I would certainly not encourage people to not continue with regular check ups either.
I also feel that there is much research to be done into causes of cancer, so much so that I support Cancer Research.

 

[Dani:)]

I know that this thread has almost been forgotten, but I had to revive it.

Here stateside I have women run the gambit of not wanting to take their bra off to undressing right in front of me.

My rule of thumb is if they do not sign my consent form that give me permission to massage the pectorial then I stop at the clavical. If they give me written permission I will work down to where the breast tissue starts. I have only had 2 women who have asked me to work on their full breast area. The first is my wife and the seconds husband was in the room when she requested it and was there for the massage.

I have considered adding another page to my client packet with a BIG disclaimer about a full breast massage.

 

[TheMadHatter[Alice]TM]

Hi Allan[/align][/align]Don't you have legislation over there not allowing breast massage? if not then it is only an issue if you make it one, what feels comfortable to the patient should be sorted in the consultation, informed consent is a part of a consultation form or should be.[/align][/align]It is pointless trying to treat a dysfunction in the pects and stopping at the clavicle, that will not sort it out, you have to work as much of the muscle that the mammary gland will practically allow you with friction, gentle effleurage and MLD is not a problem anywhere in the breast area.[/align]

 

[wpebkucriofidnekc]

Keep one thing in mind about the states. All of europes un-wanted religious nuts came here from the 16th century on. Some people here still have some strange ideas about the human body. I tend to air on the side of caution when it comes to anything that cound get me carged with sexual herasment , sexual asault or shot.

Most women when I explain my policy, choose to have their pect massaged. I have had only 1 client(besides my wife) request a full chest massage. Granted this is just my first year of doing it, so I am sure that number will go up.

As far as the law goes, the state of Texas policy is as follows:

Initial Consultation Required Licensees are required to provide an initial consultation to each client prior to the first massage session and obtain the signature of the client on a consultation document. The document must include:

a statement that the licensee shall not engage in breast massage of female clients without the written consent of the client;

[link=http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/massage/mt_consult.shtm]http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/massage/mt_consult.shtm[/link]

But that can also very from state to state, county to county and city to city. To quote on Will Shakespear - kill all the lawyer, kill them tonight.

 

[cwpfvynl]

If as massage therapists, we believe that the manipulation of muscle or other tissue is a beneficial act, then to completely ignore the chest, buttocks, and in some cases, the stomach of guys, would leave a lot of the body unmassaged.

We are either professionals, or not. During my lymphatic drainage training, we even did drainage of breast tissue - at the specific request of the women in the class. When I was in Geneva, Switzerland, we did expose the breast to go pectoral work, but the instructor always cautioned us to avoid the nipple area.

Subject to what the local laws and customs are, I believe this is an area we should not shy away from, especially if we know we can help the client!

 

[goodheart19512007]

I have been using a client intake form with frontal and rear diagrams and list of body areas. (the chest/pectoralis area is one. It asks if clients want the area "avoided" (such as due to injury, soreness or modesty), treated "normally" or want "extra" attention. Thought some might find this concept helpful.

Also, any practitioners in the Wimbledon/SW London area seeking a massage exchange partner? Contact me by email or PM.

EDITED to remove email address, which are not permitted on the open forum.