Can I Receive Massage Therapy After Breast Cancer Surgery? Answers and Recommendations

One in eight women will develop breast cancer at some point in her life. In fact, each year, 32% of all newly diagnosed cancers are women with breast cancer. While a breast cancer diagnosis is always scary, that doesn't mean you have to weather the storms alone. Receiving proper care and treatment allows the vast majority of women to survive and thrive, and here at The Wellness Hub, we're honored to have been part of so many journeys toward recovery and healing.

Over the years, we've found that women who are approaching breast cancer surgery are curious about whether massage therapy may be right for them. 


Yes, You Can Receive Massage Therapy After Breast Cancer Surgery

While it is true that massage therapy can offer benefits after breast cancer surgery, before you run a Google search for "massage near me" and book with the first option that pops up on your screen, we would like to offer a few caveats.

First, not all massages are the same, both in terms of the experience and what they accomplish. Deep tissue massage, for instance, which involves strong pressure to target deep layers of muscle and connective tissue, would not be advisable for someone who's just had breast cancer surgery, particularly if they are still undergoing chemotherapy or radiation.

Swedish massage, however, which involves gentler methods and a lighter touch, could benefit women post-surgery by helping to improve circulation while also lessening symptoms related to anxiety, depression, pain, fatigue, and nausea. For these reasons, a Swedish massage could be a good addition to your post-surgery recovery plan.

Lymphatic drainage massage (also known as manual lymphatic drainage) is another type of massage therapy that women should consider after breast cancer surgery. This type of massage helps your tissue release lymphatic fluid buildup and move it to the lymph nodes to be reabsorbed. 


What Are the Benefits of Massage Therapy After Breast Cancer Surgery?

Recovering from breast cancer surgery is a deeply personal journey—one that involves not just physical healing, but emotional restoration as well. For many survivors, massage therapy offers a gentle yet powerful way to support both.
Massage can help ease post-surgical pain, reduce muscle tension, and improve circulation, especially in areas affected by surgery or radiation. Specialized techniques like manual lymphatic drainage may also help manage or prevent lymphedema, a common concern after lymph node removal. But beyond the physical benefits, massage provides something equally important: a chance to reconnect with your body in a positive, nurturing way.
Whether you're seeking relief from discomfort or simply a quiet moment of peace, massage therapy can be a meaningful part of your recovery.


Steps to Take Before Booking Massage Therapy After Breast Cancer Surgery

Before booking your first massage after having breast cancer surgery, take the following steps.


Step One: Consult Your Doctor

It's always smart to check with your doctor before booking any type of massage. While massages are generally safe and effective, individual circumstances related to your body's current condition may factor into whether any type of massage is right for you.

In short, even the right type of massage at the wrong time is the wrong massage. This is especially true if you've just had breast cancer surgery. During your recovery period, you must make choices that won't impede healing in any way. For that reason, before booking a massage, always consult with your doctor. 


Step Two: Research Your Options

In addition to researching types of massages that could aid in your recovery, you'll also want to investigate what options are available locally in terms of physicians and clinics. 

While searching "massage near me" may reveal the most popular local spots, along with the number of five-star ratings and general price breakdowns, we don't recommend searching for therapeutic massages the same way you would search for Friday night dinner options. In this situation, online search results don't always tell the whole story.

For one thing, the most popular massage clinics near you may not offer the types of massage that would best help you recover from breast cancer surgery (such as manual lymphatic drainage). Second, their staff may not have the expertise needed to ensure that they don't do more harm to your recovery than good.

That's why, as you research your options, it's smart to seek input that isn't guided by the algorithms. In addition to asking your doctor or other members of your medical team if there are any massage therapists they would recommend, you can connect with members of local breast cancer support groups who have been through similar experiences to see if they have any first-hand recommendations. Looking for clinics that have offer oncology massage and lymphatic drainage are more medically focused, and good places to start.


Step Three: Consider The Wellness Hub if You're in Jacksonville, Florida

For years now, our team at The Wellness Hub has been serving our local community here in Jacksonville, Florida, by offering quality, affordable care. 

We have a special place in our hearts for anyone recovering from serious injuries and illnesses, including anyone who has recently experienced breast cancer surgery.

This is one of the reasons why we are sure to offer manual lymphatic drainage as one of our services. 

If you find yourself in need of a safe, nonjudgmental place to further pursue healing, or if you have questions about which type of massage would be right for you, please do not hesitate to reach out. We're here to help you heal.


Start Your Massage Therapy Journey
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Whether you are recovering from breast cancer surgery or are in need of any other holistic health services to aid you in your recovery, please contact us at The Wellness Hub.

While massage therapy can be incredibly beneficial, it’s important to proceed with care after breast cancer surgery. Always consult with your healthcare team before beginning any bodywork, especially if you've had lymph nodes removed, are undergoing radiation, or have concerns about lymphedema. Choose a licensed massage therapist trained in oncology or post-surgical massage to ensure your safety and comfort. With the right guidance, massage can be a safe and supportive part of your healing journey.
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Our dedicated team of licensed massage therapists are standing by to serve you. 



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We are pleased to serve the following Florida communities with massage therapy, chiropractic, organic skincare, acupuncture, red light therapy and more: Jacksonville, Orange Park, Fleming Island, Mandarin, Jacksonville Beach, Nocatee, St Johns, Ponte Vedra and beyond.

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