Have Breast Cancer, Had Stent Replaced. Is It Ok To Take Massage From A Physio Therapist?

Posted on Sun, 4 Nov 2012

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 4 Nov 2012 Answered on

Tue, 27 Nov 2012 Last reviewed on

Question : Thanks..yes... I am a massage therapist and i have a client who has had breat cancer about 1 year ago but apparent is free right now from that and within the month ow has just had 2 stent replaced to open up the heart on another matter... i know there is a potential lymphodema rist that can be trigger by even a light touch light touch... but she wants her hand massaged..... and she is hoping that might make her feel better.... she know swedish massage is contraindicated... welll i was wondering if you thought it wouold be alright if i worked on her hand and feet.... just gentle touch... i certainly dont wnat to do anything that could cause harm... so thanks for your suggestions... thanks XXXXXXX. YYYY@YYYY

Answered by Dr. Anantharamakrishnan (4 hours later)

Hi friend
Welcome to Health Care Magic

Gentle massage to the hands and feet poses no hazard. You can go ahead.

Only Isometric exercises are contra-indicated.
Regular isotonic exercises are actually a part of rehabilitation after heart attack, bypass surgery and so on.

A thing may be useless, but if it is harmless and gives satisfaction, why not try it?
It is the general policy in Medicine - anything in life for that matter...
The patient should understand and be convinced.

Take care
Wishing speedy recovery
God bless
Good luck

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar