Carole Gras, nationally certified, licensed massage therapist at FirstHealth, completed an intensive course of study in Mastectomy and Breast Surgeries Massage. Ms. Gras studied under Cheryl Chapman, who is a certified holistic registered nurse (RN) practitioner, Nationally Certified in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCTMB), and a National Certification Board approved continuing education provider and instructor for cancer and mastectomy massage.

As the breast cancer rate climbs, so does the need for this specialized form of massage. Massage is beneficial for women who have undergone mastectomy and other breast surgeries such as: augmentation, reduction, implantation or removal.

According to Ms. Chapman, "Mastectomy massage enables the woman to reconnect with her body and improve her self-image, while empowering her to take charge of her own healing process." The benefits of massage include: relaxation, relieving stress, alleviating sore, achy muscles of the neck, shoulders and back, combating fatigue caused by surgery, radiation or chemotherapy, relieving post-operative pain, and accelerating the removal of lymph fluid away from the chest area and extremities. Massage can also increase range of motion and mobility of the shoulder, while promoting the rapid healing of scar tissue.

Massage therapists can participate in the team approach to healthcare, working with the physician, physical therapist, other health care practitioners and caregivers to provide a personalized healing recovery plan.