Breast cancer treatments are as unique as the patients receiving them.
However, the side effects of these treatments do not seem to discriminate. Many patients undergoing treatment have a shared experience with side effects, such as anxiety, stress, insomnia, nausea, pain, and reduced mobility. Acupuncture, chiropractic, physical therapy, and massage therapy can help alleviate these symptoms and promote a better quality of life during and after treatment. Breast Cancer Awareness Month is the perfect time to explain how these therapies work and restore some normalcy to an incredibly challenging experience.
Acupuncture for Insomnia, Anxiety, Stress, and Nausea
Acupuncture can be used effectively to treat insomnia, anxiety, stress, and nausea. Specific acupuncture points on the wrist, top of the head, and behind the ear are stimulated to shift the body from a “fight or flight” state to a “rest and digest” state. This shift in the nervous system can promote relaxation and reduce the physiological reactions that contribute to insomnia.
Acupuncture points used for insomnia are also associated with reducing stress and anxiety. By calming the mind and reducing stress levels, acupuncture can create a more conducive environment for sleep. Acupuncture may also stimulate the release of endorphins, which are natural painkillers, as well as serotonin, which is a neurotransmitter associated with mood regulation and sleep. These neurochemicals can contribute to a sense of well-being and relaxation, making it easier to fall and stay asleep.
Nausea is also a common side effect of chemotherapy and radiation therapy and can be treated with acupuncture points on the inner forearm, shin, and abdomen. Acupuncture may block nausea signals from the gut to the brain. By stimulating certain points, it can disrupt the pathways responsible for conveying nausea sensations. Acupuncture may also improve digestive function by promoting the movement of food and reducing stomach contractions that contribute to nausea.
Chiropractic for Pain Management
Stiff muscles and back pain are common after surgical breast cancer treatment procedures such as mammaplasty, tissue expansion, lymph node dissection, lumpectomy, and mastectomy.
Tense muscles can often go into spasms and contribute to misaligned vertebrae which can put pressure on nerve fibers and stress on joints causing pain. Chiropractic therapy works to restore proper musculoskeletal alignment through manual spinal manipulation and soft tissue stretching to reduce pain and improve spinal health.
Physical Therapy to Improve Mobility
Physical Therapy will help improve strength and mobility and provide movement and positioning strategies that reduce discomfort with daily activities. Most patients find it difficult and painful to lift their arms after breast reconstruction or radiation therapy. Some women may even develop Axillary Web Syndrome (AWS), also known as cording, tethering, or branding.
It occurs in the arm, armpit, trunk, or breast after surgery or breast cancer treatment. The condition is painful and limits patients’ ability to lift their arms and straighten their elbows. Therapeutic exercises designed to strengthen muscles, improve flexibility, and restore function are used with modalities such as ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and heat or cold therapy to reduce inflammation and promote tissue healing.
Massage Therapy for Stress and Muscle Tension
Massage therapy involves applying pressure and manipulating soft tissues, such as muscles and fascia. This action stimulates blood circulation in the massaged area which delivers more oxygen and nutrients to muscles, while removing metabolic waste. Muscles can then relax and function more efficiently. Massage therapy can also trigger the release of endorphins which induce feelings of relaxation and reduce the perception of pain. When stress and anxiety levels decrease, muscle tension also follows suit.
