Breast Cancer Surgery
During our experience teaching oncology massage at the School of Natural Health, we are grateful to a number of real-life models who volunteer their time for our students during practical class training. Each one comes with their own story and many present with a variety of post-operative issues. These issues often comprise unexplained pain (often in different area of their body to their surgery site), loss of movement and decreased range of motion in their arm, neck and shoulders.
One client was itching to get back to the gym in order to rebuild her fitness levels after her cancer treatment. One of her mental and physical blocks was the uncomfortable feeling that her shoulder was going to dislocate every time she did a workout. This experience is not uncommon and, importantly, we have discovered that there is a gap between the discomfort still felt post-operatively upon hospital discharge and the heartfelt desire for normal movement, range of motion with, hopefully, little or no feelings of pain or discomfort.
Sad to say, breast cancer is top of the list as the most common cancer, not only in the UK, but statistically, across the globe.
Alongside common cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy, surgery is a very common curative treatment for breast cancer. Thank goodness for the surgery, and the hopeful removal of all, or much of the offending cancer.
Of course, we are extremely grateful for the surgeon’s knife and for the advancement in breast reconstructive surgery that can help rebuild the cancerous tissue that has been removed. This breast reconstruction can play a huge part of the recovery process for many women.
Just as a side note, let’s not forget that a percentage of men, albeit a low number, can get breast cancer too. Breast cancer surgery can be just as radical in men, as with women with breast cancer.
In males, breast cancers are often located behind the nipple and commonly grow into the nipple which require more extensive surgery, such as a full radical mastectomy. Typically, surgery in males is followed by radiation therapy.
The surgery our clients undergo can be lengthy, especially after micro-reconstructive procedures, often using autologous tissue (the patient’s own fat, muscle and skin) to rebuild lost breast tissue. The recovery period from the reconstructive procedures can be lengthy in itself, with the usual attendant bruising, swelling and pain as healing takes place.
Surgeons learn the marking techniques for oncoplastic surgery at the School of Oncoplastic Surgery. Image by Unseen remnant, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
At a recent online event, we were invited to attend a soft tissue release webinar (STR) for a group of ladies who were recovering from breast cancer surgery. Many were experiencing some of the symptoms mentioned above.
Amongst pain and dysfunction, what stood out amongst all the women who spoke at the forum, was their frustration, lack of confidence in daring to exercise and ignorance of what was behind these issues. It is common to experience a feeling that the shoulder will dislocate – this in itself can prevent patients from healthy exercise with weights or bands.
With all this in mind, we do of course need to remember that other types of cancer exist, all with their own unique surgical procedures. For example, abdominal surgery for colorectal or gynaecological cancer removal can also result in similar issues and future clients who may well need our help.
But there is another important aspect to consider within this ever-evolving puzzle – and that is the subject of lymphoedema, which is also inherent in many patients’ recovery process.
Lymphatics are tricky!!
Most physicians and clinicians don’t know a lot about the lymphatic system in enough detail, yet it impacts many systems in the body such as the cardiovascular, immune and digestive systems.
Most people living with cancer don’t understand their risk factor for having lymphoedema, and not all risk factors are created equally.
To compound this problem even more, unfortunately there are not enough lymphatic specialists in the UK and Ireland to support the number of people with a cancer diagnosis. It is a sobering fact that one in every two people born after 1975 will receive a diagnosis of cancer in their lifetime!
Currently the standard of care in oncology is to evaluate the lymph nodes closest to the tumour to determine if metastasis (spread) has happened and which require removing some or all of the lymph nodes under the arm or in the groin depending on where the cancer is located. Essentially anybody with a cancer diagnosis is at risk of developing lymphoedema.
For most patients, understanding their risk and how to manage it as a cancer survivor, is essential to their wellbeing, and aside from cancerous lymph node removal, the link with previously described muscular and fascial network problems are inextricably linked to lymphatic issues in many cases. Often, cancer survivors just put up with the problem and cancer after-care is an after-thought.
As therapists, we aim to build the specialist oncology skills and knowledge that enable therapists to help clients with all these issues. Understanding how to support clients with a compromised muscular-skeletal (MSK) and lymphatic system requires specific training.
How can we help?
Marc, Christine and Joseph bring a wealth of medical and clinical experience within the massage and wellbeing sector – oncology is high up on our specialist areas.
Joseph O’Dwyer is the School’s Director of Clinical Sport and Remedial studies with a background in martial arts as a Jujitsu Instructor.
Through competitive injury, Joseph was propelled into the massage industry, seeking remedial help. After qualifying in 2013 as Level 5 Practitioner in Clinical Sport, Remedial Massage and Soft Tissue Therapy, he joined our team as head of studies. Joseph is also a Bodymaster Method ® Practitioner.
He is also qualified in Osteopathic Articulation and Medical Acupuncture.
Christine Clinton – Wellness for Life!
Christine has been involved in the Health and Wellness sector for over 30 years. She began her career in Dublin with a Diploma in Health and Exercise studies subsequently qualifying in Therapeutic Massage, Skincare, Aromatherapy, Reflexology, Reiki, Lymphatic Drainage, Energy Medicine and The PECO program. Christine was an International Examiner for a UK awarding body for over 10 years and has taught in many countries around the globe.
In 2007 she received certification in Medical Massage for cancer patients from Memorial Sloan- Kettering. In 2008, she undertook clinical training in Mind Body Medicine at Harvard Medical School and went on to produce an international award winning 3-day Cancer Care certification program for Spas and Schools. Christine has been a guest speaker at the World Spa & Wellness conference in Dubai & Thailand, and at Olympia Beauty London.
Marc Innes – the School Principal has a background in the NHS as a Paramedic and Superintendent for 23 years. Since 2006 he devoted his time and medical experience to the massage industry, taking over the school in 2010. Since 2016, Marc has been involved in oncology massage, utilising his previous medical experience with cancer patients.
In 2019, Marc was recognised by The Power of Touch (tpot) for his work in cancer care and was presented with an award – Inspirational Trainer of the Year, 2019.
He is also a subject matter expert in oncology massage for Think Tree Hub and is a founder board member of SATCC (Standards Authority for Touch in Cancer Care), who are a body of industry experts, setting UK and international standards for Touch in Cancer Care – alongside he is a regular conference speaker, including the recent Holistic Health Show, organised by Think Tree Hub on 22nd & 23rd May 2022 in Coventry.
Together we have carefully put together a comprehensive programme to educate and train massage, spa and holistic therapists to provide an invaluable service to those living with and beyond cancer.
We are inviting massage practitioners to start this journey with us as a therapist, learning how to address the challenges associated with compromised muscular skeletal and lymphatic systems and to learn more about quality-of-life issues as a long-term side effect of surgery related to cancer treatment.
There are a range of other side effects, not discussed here, which we will cover, such as skin issues, neuropathy, sleep disorders and issues of digestion. We can teach you how to address all of these life limiting challenges and bring therapeutic touch and intervention to our clients who need it the most.
Our three-day Oncology Masterclass is a robust foundation course with principal Marc Innes and guest practitioner and lecturer from the USA, Christine Clinton, for a life changing experience in cancer care.
This Autumn we are launching our Advanced Course in Post-Surgery Cancer Care which can be taken as an advancement of the therapist’s newly developed skills in oncology massage.
Think Tree Hub members who wish to take advantage of this unique accredited programme, will benefit from a 10% discount off the full price (£495) of the Oncology Masterclass in London (13th-15th July 2022).
Full details are here:
Oncology Masterclass July 13 to 15 click here
To book your place with discounted special offer, please call us on 0203 544 6544
The School of Natural Therapies – info@schoolofnaturaltherapies.co.uk
Tel: 0203 544 6544
