Mega Doctor News
By American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA)
Newswise – Massage Therapy Enhances Recovery and Quality of Life After Mastectomy
A new 2025 systematic review examined the effects of massage therapy on individuals recovering from mastectomy. Analyzing 26 studies with 1,522 participants, researchers found that massage techniques—including manual lymphatic drainage, myofascial release, classical massage, foot massage, and the Cyriax technique—significantly improved both physical and emotional well-being. These benefits included greater range of motion, reduced arm swelling and lymphedema, enhanced relaxation, and improved quality of life. The findings support massage therapy as an effective, complementary intervention for post-mastectomy recovery.1
Massage Proven to Ease Pain and Anxiety After Breast Cancer Surgery
Another systematic review and meta-analysis analyzed seven clinical trials involving massage techniques such as reflexology, myofascial release, and classic massage administered from the day of surgery through 16 weeks post-operation. Results showed that massage therapy significantly reduced post-surgical pain and anxiety, confirming it as a highly effective, non-pharmacological approach to relieve both physical and emotional distress.2
Manual Lymphatic Drainage Helps Lower Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema Risk
This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effectiveness of manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) for managing breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL). Eleven randomized controlled trials involving 1,564 individuals were analyzed to compare MLD with standard care or control treatments. The findings showed that MLD significantly reduced the incidence of lymphedema and decreased pain intensity among participants.3
AMTA: Championing Integrative Care for Breast Cancer Recovery
“Massage therapy can play an important role in supporting individuals through every stage of breast cancer recovery,” said Cindy E. Farrar, AMTA National President. “Growing research continues to show massage therapy as a holistic, non-pharmacological approach that promotes healing, recovery, and well-being.”
As research continues to advance, AMTA remains dedicated to promoting massage therapy as an essential part of integrative care for those affected by breast cancer. By investing in scientific research, education, and public awareness, AMTA is expanding access to therapeutic massage and improving quality of life for patients and survivors.
About the American Massage Therapy Association
The American Massage Therapy Association, the most trusted name in massage therapy, is a non-profit and the largest professional association serving massage therapists, massage students and massage schools. The association is directed by volunteer leadership and fosters ongoing, direct member involvement through its 51 chapters. AMTA works to advance the profession through ethics and standards, the promotion of fair and consistent licensing of massage therapists in all states, and public education on the benefits of massage. To find a qualified massage therapist in your area, please visit AMTA’s Find a Massage Therapist Locator Service™.
Research Citations:
- Mansilla, J. R., Díaz, A. S., Sánchez, B. G., Ramírez-Durán, M. D. V., Ardila, E. M. G., Sánchez, M. D. C. C., & Palomares, M. J. (2025). Effects of Massage Therapy in Breast Cancer Survivors with Mastectomy: Systematic Review. Cancers, 17(12), 2023. https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers17122023
- Cole, J. S., Olson, A. D., & Dupont-Versteegden, E. E. (2024). The Effects of Massage Therapy in Decreasing Pain and Anxiety in Post-Surgical Patients With Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Global advances in integrative medicine and health, 13, 27536130241245099. https://doi.org/10.1177/27536130241245099
- Lin, Y., Yang, Y., Zhang, X., Li, W., Li, H., & Mu, D. (2022). Manual Lymphatic Drainage for Breast Cancer-related Lymphedema: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Clinical breast cancer, 22(5), e664–e673. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clbc.2022.01.013
