Breast Health Therapy Program

Sessions are generally 15 minutes to 30 minutes, with a cost of $30-$60. Extended sessions can be requested.

Although scientific studies are limited so far, evidence suggests breast issues can be improved and possibly prevented with regular breast health sessions. Some of the benefits may include:

• Increased circulation of blood and lymph
• Reduced congestion in breast tissue
• Relief from mastalgia (breast pain)
• Improved posture
• Restored range of motion in the upper body
• Scar tissue reduction
• Reduce inflammation

These physical improvements may also provide huge psychological and emotional benefits.
Unlike blood, which is pumped by the heart, lymph doesn’t have a pump of its own and must be moved by either muscle contractions or manual pressure. Breast tissue is well-supplied with lymphatics but lacks external sources to promote the natural lymphatic drainage found in most other body tissues. Breasts have no musculature of their own. Gentle techniques can help clear lymphatic channels, increase circulation, and reduce uncomfortable congestion.

Many consider the lymphatic system the crux of regulating homeostasis (balancing of the body systems). Appropriate lymph dynamics are fundamental to an adequate immune system and in addition, the lymphatic system is also responsible for cleaning up after the rest of your biological systems. A healthy lymphatic system attacks bacteria and viruses in your bloodstream, trapping them in the lymph nodes where special white blood cells destroy them. The lymph system also cleanses your body of toxins, dead cells, and cancer cells. At the same time, the lymph delivers much-needed nutrients to healthy cells.

Outside sources will tell you, if you’re feeling tired and low on energy, or if you’ve been sick and feeling like your body is fighting to get back on track, it may be due to a sluggish lymphatic system. You may be experiencing lethargy, heaviness or bloating. Trauma, injuries, poor diet, surgical procedures, inflammation, stress and swelling can often put a demand on lymph vessels which can become overwhelmed and overtaxed with the demand placed on them. The lymphatic flow can stagnate for many reasons. However, by innervating the skin in a gentle, light manner, and showing the body it’s true self (which is more water than solid), we can wake-up the lymphatic system to get it moving and bounce back! Fluid stagnation can cause chronic pain, due to deep swelling, constipation, and muscle aches, as well as many more other unnatural conditions. Many, including me will say that getting it to bounce back will help charge your batteries, so to speak, and prep the immune system for the road ahead.

I will tell you what I have discovered in my room after treating patient after patient who experience pain, discomfort, stress, mental health issues, etc. Touching in a very gentle, non-invasive way and combining it with basic, proven manual lymph drainage treatment sequences, has allowed for significant change in their lives. The goal is to restore fluidity and function. We will accomplish this by increasing lymph circulation, promoting the lymphatic return from areas in need of drainage, releasing restrictions that may be blocking the efficiency of the lymphatic system, while all at the same time, reducing stress. We can go where deep tissue and invasive therapies cannot, into the fluid fascial matrix. These superficial techniques have a deep and profound impact. We engage and assist the wave; we find it, not create it. We work with the body’s own innate self-correction abilities.

Therapeutic breast massage also loosens the tissues of the chest, shoulders, and neck, using a combination of deep-tissue massage techniques, movement, breathing, and stretching. Whether your breasts are healthy or compromised, every woman can benefit from this work, and it can be a powerful aid to healing after surgery or radiation therapy.

These procedures can leave uncomfortable scar tissue, adhesions, and muscle imbalances. Restricted movement, altered posture, and chronic pain often result. After medical clearance is given, a skilled therapist can release restrictions, which in turn can reduce or eliminate pain and improve range of motion.

Marla Kaplan, the owner and director at Hands On is a Licensed Massage Therapist, Certified Lymphatic Therapist and an Expert Level JB Myofascial Release Practitioner. Marla and many of her therapists have additional training as Oncology Massage Therapists through Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Together they have logged thousands of hours in additional training including Mastectomy Massage, Edema and Lymphedema courses, Elastic Taping for Lymphatics and much more. Marla was an ACE Certified Personal Trainer and is qualified to teach the Strength After Breast Cancer program. Hands On HealthCare is a Recommended Community Provider for MSKCC and a Certified Cancer Aware Center. We set the standard of care in the community and work with healthcare teams and individual healthcare providers from both Suffolk and Nassau Counties. We understand that wellness must also include your peace of mind. You will feel safe and assured that you have come to the right place as soon as you walk through the doorway. The environment is warm and inviting, the staff is professional and caring.

Additional questions or concerns? Give us a call.