As new studies continue to expand understanding of cancer care, massage therapy is emerging as an important complementary treatment for people recovering from breast cancer. According to new research highlighted by the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA), massage can significantly reduce pain, anxiety, and swelling while improving mobility, relaxation, and overall quality of life for patients and survivors alike.
Massage Therapy Offers Relief After Mastectomy
A 2025 systematic review of 26 studies involving more than 1,500 participants found that massage therapy can make a measurable difference in recovery following mastectomy. Researchers examined a range of massage techniques—including manual lymphatic drainage, myofascial release, classical massage, foot massage, and the Cyriax technique—and found consistent benefits across studies.
Participants who received massage therapy experienced improved shoulder and arm mobility, less swelling, reduced lymphedema, and enhanced emotional well-being. Many also reported lower levels of pain and a greater sense of relaxation. Overall, the review concluded that massage therapy is an effective, non-invasive intervention that supports both physical and emotional recovery after breast surgery.
Easing Post-Surgical Pain and Anxiety
A second meta-analysis reviewed seven clinical trials on massage therapy’s effects after breast cancer surgery. The studies examined various approaches—from reflexology to myofascial release—and spanned treatment periods ranging from the immediate post-surgical phase to 16 weeks after surgery.
The findings were clear: patients who received massage therapy experienced significantly less pain and anxiety than those who did not. These results highlight massage as a safe, drug-free option that can help manage common post-surgical challenges, particularly during the difficult early weeks of recovery.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage Reduces Lymphedema Risk
Lymphedema—a painful swelling caused by fluid buildup in the arm or chest—is a common side effect of breast cancer surgery. A separate systematic review of 11 randomized controlled trials involving over 1,500 participants found that manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) can play a major role in preventing and managing this condition.
Compared with standard care, MLD significantly reduced the incidence of breast cancer–related lymphedema and eased pain intensity among participants. The research supports incorporating MLD into rehabilitation plans for patients at risk of or already experiencing swelling following treatment.
A Growing Role in Integrative Cancer Care
“Massage therapy can play an important role in supporting individuals through every stage of breast cancer recovery,” said Cindy E. Farrar, AMTA National President. “The growing body of evidence shows massage therapy as a holistic, non-pharmacological approach that promotes healing, recovery, and overall well-being.”
The AMTA continues to champion integrative care models that bring together conventional medicine and evidence-based complementary therapies. The organization supports ongoing research, public education, and professional training to make therapeutic massage more accessible to those undergoing or recovering from breast cancer treatment.
For patients, massage therapy can serve as a valuable part of a broader recovery plan—working alongside medical treatment, physical therapy, and emotional support. By helping reduce pain, improve movement, and enhance quality of life, massage therapy offers more than comfort; it provides a pathway toward healing and empowerment.
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