I just wanted to inform other survivors that are feeling depressed and self conscious as I did; that massage therapy improved my life! Having undergone mastectomy, chemotherapy and radiation therapy, my body was feeling foreign, weak and wounded. Surgery had left me with limited mobility on my left side; even combing the little hair I had left was a painful challenge. When I was referred to Paul Lewis, RMT for post cancer rehabilitation, I was apprehensive about how my body would cope with yet another form of treatment. But with very limited rotation in my shoulder, along with restricted movement in my neck and a constant numbness and tingling in my hands, I felt I had little to lose from trying something new. Any worries I previously held went out the window as Paul explained everything to ensure my comfort and ease. The pressure he used was never painful. He took extra measures with draping and positioning my body, which allowed me to relax completely. I've gone from someone who could barely comb their own hair to someone who can once again swim with my kids. And my scars are less noticeable! With Paul's help to restore my mobility and reduce my pain, I've begun to reclaim the things I enjoyed in life before my cancer diagnosis.
I know it is difficult to think of going for further treatments after we have been through so much to battle the cancer but massage therapy is worth it to get your active life back. I would recommend to other survivors, as well as to doctors, surgeons and therapists looking to refer their patients. It is best to look for a Registered Massage therapist who has post mastectomy experience and who is sensitive to all we have been through.
Mississauga, Canada