Impact of Osteopathy on Breast Cancer

Osteopathy and Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is one of the most commonly discussed and researched forms of cancer. Unfortunately for many women and men, despite so many research attempt, many suffer from it every year. There are many things that change when one is diagnosed with breast cancer. The life focus now becomes on treatments and fighting creating an immeasurable amount of stress. Osteopathy treatments have been shown to help decrease stress levels and help people cope with their day to day lives more efficiently. It is certainly very important to advise the osteopath of the cancer diagnosis and the treatment protocol that has been devised. It is also important to advise any doctors or surgeons of the osteopathic treatments in case there is a contra-indication to the therapy.

Many people who have breast cancer undergo one or more surgeries for biopsies of the lymphatic system, removal of a tumour, removal of cancerous tissue and mastectomies. These surgeries cause many problems in the long term. Removal of parts of the lymphatic system and damage to the lymphatic system from chemotherapy and radiation therapy can cause chronic swelling of the limb(s) and torso changing the center of gravity and the way the body moves. Scar tissue and swelling from the various surgeries such as tumor removal and mastectomies will create adhesions in the fascia and will again change the way the body moves and the alignment of the soft tissues.

How can osteopathy help?

After any type of surgery, it is important to ensure that the scar tissue that forms is healthy and restricts movement of the limbs as little as possible. The osteopath will evaluate the body movements and will assess what areas are most restricted and which areas are compensating. Once the assessment has been done, the osteopath will be able to help mobilize the tissue with gentle manual therapy and various body movements. Each technique and movement done will be adapted to the person to ensure that the limitations they suffer from will be adequately addressed. The osteopath will communicate regularly with other members of the rehabilitation team such as the lymphatic drainage massage therapist, athletic therapist and physiotherapist to ensure progress in the rehabilitation process. Working with the other therapists will allow the client to adequately adapt to each stage of the rehabilitation process before proceeding to the next step.