Breast & Top Massage

Written By Amanda Hodgins

Photo by Klaus Nielsen

Historically seen as a female-only anatomy issue, breast tissue injury and changes affect both sexes. Every body has breast tissue, but it looks different between the two sexes. For example; the Canadian Cancer Society notes that in 2022 there would be 28,600 female new cases of breast cancer and 270 male new cases of breast cancer. Seatbelts and spinal surgeries can often create breast discomfort after an event has concluded. People who are transitioning can also experience quite a bit of discomfort in the breast tissue with the use of hormone replacement therapy, binders, and related surgeries.

It should be noted that this region of the body is considered a ‘sensitive area’. This indicates that its a region of the body that is often both personally and culturally sensitive for another person to touch. In Canada, sensitive areas include chest wall musculature, the breast, upper inner thigh, and gluteal region. Treatment of these areas requires a specific consent form to be signed by the patient and the therapist indicating that a clear plan has been made and that the treatment of this area is medically justified.

There are four distinct borders of the breast tissue as seen here. The topmost is the collarbone, the middle is the sternum, the bottom is following the 6th rib, and the outside is the midline of the armpit down to the 6th rib. This covers quite a large area! The muscle that can require treatment is the pectoralis major muscles (think chest press).

Many people need time to think about if they require breast massage or if it’s something that feels okay for them. There are always alternative treatment options if needed, sometimes breast massage is the alternative option to another medical therapy. Give yourself and your loved ones time to consider this style of treatment and maybe give chatting with a massage therapist who does breast massage a try.

Indications;

  • congestion & swelling

  • pain reduction

  • breast tissue trauma

  • postsurgical symptoms

  • scar tissue treatment - mobility, circulation, drainage, esthetics

  • discomforts of pregnancy, breastfeeding, & weaning

  • skin & physiology changes due to cancer treatment or transitioning treatments

    • assistance with breast monitoring

  • implant-related adherences & soft tissue concerns

  • patient has a personal goal of becoming more comfortable with their breasts and having them touched - after medical procedures or while working with a counselor regarding related trauma

Contraindications;

  • local or systemic infections - mastitis, post-surgical, current & active inflammation

  • undiagnosed lump or abscess

  • implanted breast with submuscular placement creating lateral breast and underneath shoulder blade pain

  • patient can’t, for whatever reason, clarify wishes & comfortable boundaries

  • patient & therapist can’t, for whatever reason, establish open communication

  • patient doesn’t provide informed consent

Textbook Refrence; Breast Massage by Debra Curties

Amanda Hodgins
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