Breast and Chest Massage Therapy
A Call to Canada: From Breast Massage to Breast/Chest Massage Therapy
We invite healthcare professionals, massage therapists, educators, and advocates across Canada to start using the term "breast and chest massage therapy" instead of "breast massage." This shift emphasizes not only the professional and therapeutic nature of the practice but also the importance of using patient-centered language that respects, empowers, and protects the dignity of individuals. Many clients who have had surgeries that remove their breasts, due to either breast cancer or gender-affirming top surgery, do not necessarily see themselves as being welcomed into a massage therapy session if it is just named ‘breast massage’ so by adding ‘chest’ into the full term- breast and chest massage therapy, it modernizes it to some of the clients who may feel excluded. As healthcare moves towards more inclusive, holistic approaches, the words we choose carry weight.
A Look at History
Massage has been around for centuries, with people naturally using their hands to ease discomfort in muscles. Over time, these hand movements evolved into specific techniques, especially in Canada in the late 19th century. As outlined in Patricia Benjamin’s book The Emergence of the Massage Therapy Profession in North America, massage became the generic term for manual therapy. Benjamin traces its journey from caregiver and midwife roles to Swedish masseuses and, eventually, massage therapists. By the late 20th century, "massage therapy" became the accepted term, with the word “therapy” adding legitimacy by aligning with other health professions like physical and occupational therapy. Today, massage therapists are recognized as skilled healthcare professionals working within ethical guidelines and defined standards of practice.
Breast Massage: The Evolution
Breast massage has likely been around for as long as massage itself, though pinpointing its origins is difficult. It likely began with mothers massaging their breasts during breastfeeding to promote milk flow. Today, much of the research on breast massage focuses on its benefits for breastfeeding mothers, helping with issues like swelling or milk expression. Lactation consultants, massage therapists, and mothers themselves practice these techniques, and training like the Therapeutic Breast Massage in Lactation program has further legitimized this field. Breast massage also plays a vital role in supporting women recovering from breast cancer surgery, offering relief from pain, swelling, and scar tissue, while improving range of motion. These benefits, along with its applications for benign conditions like PMS, post-surgery recovery, and gender-affirming top surgery, highlight the need to adopt the term "breast and chest massage therapy" to reflect the full scope of care.
Why the Change?
Pam first learned about breast massage while studying at WCCMT and was eager to incorporate it into her practice. After years of teaching and refining these techniques, she reviewed the Massage Therapy Association of Saskatchewan (MTAS) bylaws in 2023 and realized that current regulations didn’t fully align with her practice or what she taught. After meeting with MTAS leaders, Pam proposed adding more specifically breast massage itself and scar tissue release terms, along with lymphatic drainage that was already there, under breast massage guidelines. It was in this conversation that board member Aileen Tran Mapletoft suggested using "breast massage therapy," a term that resonated deeply with Pam. In her view, this terminology better reflects the therapeutic intent behind the practice and aligns it with other healthcare therapies. It also helps desexualize breast massage, placing it squarely within the realm of professional, evidence-based care. Pam now wants to elevate the term “breast massage therapy” and educate others on its importance, especially for women’s health. Along with the addition of the term “therapy” to breast massage, Pam, respects the need for more inclusive language to be used to welcome in women who have had their breasts removed, thus becoming part of the flat community post-surgery, or people who have had gender-affirming top surgery. In interviewing some of her clients about what language feels most welcoming to them, they have resonated with ‘chest’, which has also been used by other massage therapists in Canada. So, putting the two terms together, just makes sense- to lift up both- making all of our clients feel like they are seen- Breast and Chest Massage Therapy.
What is "Breast and Chest Massage Therapy"?
Breast and chest massage therapy involves techniques focused on both the muscles surrounding the breast and the breast tissue itself. If the breast tissue has fully been removed, then it involves the skin of the chest area itself that it addressed therapeutically. It may also include lymphatic drainage and scar tissue release if needed. It is therapeutic by nature, addressing specific symptoms in a safe, trauma-informed environment.
Why Use "Breast and Chest Massage Therapy"?
Holistic Approach: Breast and chest massage therapy considers both physical and emotional well-being.
Professional and Ethical: The term "therapy" emphasizes ethical practice, trust, and patient empowerment.
Patient-Centered Language: Using “chest and therapy" highlights the collaborative nature of the treatment and respects patient dignity, making them feel in control of their care.
Modern Language in Healthcare The shift to "breast and chest massage therapy" elevates the professionalism of this practice and reflects the evolving standards of healthcare, and the actual clients that we are seeing in our clinical practice. It brings clarity, reduces ambiguity, and helps ensure that patients feel respected and safe.
We invite all healthcare professionals to adopt this term, ensuring breast health is treated with the professionalism and dignity it deserves.
Pam Fichtner and Aileen Tran Mapletoft
