Are all Registered Massage Therapists trained in Breast Massage?

In Ontario, Registered Massage Therapists receive foundational training in breast massage as part of the standard 2,200-hour educational program. Massage therapy is regulated by the province of Ontario under the Regulated Health Professions Act (RHPA) and the Massage Therapy Act, and breast massage falls within this regulated scope of practice.

Not all therapists choose to incorporate breast work into their clinical practice. Some practitioners pursue additional post-graduate education to further develop their skills and understanding in this area, depending on their professional focus and interest.

What happens in my initial appointment?

Your initial appointment begins with a review of your health history and a discussion of your goals, concerns, and treatment options. This includes an opportunity to talk through draping preferences and any questions you may have.

Treatment typically focuses on the upper body and surrounding structures, allowing you to become familiar with the approach and to determine whether the work feels appropriate for you. This initial session helps establish a foundation for care and allows treatment planning to move forward at a pace that feels comfortable and informed.

Is breast massage included in my first treatment?

Breast massage may or may not be included in the first treatment session, depending on individual preference, comfort level, and clinical considerations. Some clients choose to incorporate breast work right away, while others prefer to begin with treatment of surrounding areas first.

There is no urgency to include breast massage. Valuable therapeutic work can be done in surrounding tissues, and time is taken to ensure that all questions have been addressed and that you feel fully informed about your options. Breast work is only incorporated once you feel comfortable, understand the proposed approach, and have provided clear consent.

At any point, before or during a session, treatment can be modified based on your comfort level. Your preferences are respected throughout the process, and care is always adapted accordingly.

What are the draping choices for breast massage?

A range of draping options is available, and your comfort and preferences are always respected. Breast massage can be provided either with the breasts draped or undraped, depending on your comfort level and the nature of the work being done.

Treatment may be performed through a sheet, while wearing a light cotton shirt, with towels used to drape the breast tissue, or with one breast undraped at a time. In certain situations—such as when working with scar tissue—undraping may be recommended to allow for more direct and effective application of specific techniques.

Draping choices are always discussed in advance, informed by your consent, and can be adjusted at any point. Your preferences may change over time, and care is adapted accordingly.

Are there parts of the breast that are not treated?

Yes. The nipple and areola (the darker area surrounding the nipple) are not treated.

Is breast massage painful?

Breast massage is generally gentle, though individual experiences can vary depending on the health of the breast tissue and surrounding structures. In some cases, tenderness may be present, while in others it may not.

When tenderness is experienced, it is often associated with congestion or restriction within the tissue. Any discomfort is typically manageable and not greater than symptoms already present. As circulation and tissue mobility improve, sensations of tenderness often lessen over the course of that session.

Breast massage may also be requested when no symptoms are present. In these cases, the work is often experienced as calming and restorative.

Breast-related discomfort can sometimes originate from musculoskeletal structures outside the breast tissue itself. Muscles and fascial structures in the chest, shoulders, neck, and upper body can contribute to postural strain, circulatory or neural compression, lymphatic congestion, and referred pain. For this reason, breast massage sessions always include attention to surrounding tissues.

The breast itself does not contain muscle tissue and is largely composed of fascia. Fascia is richly supplied with sensory receptors and nerve endings, and may transmit discomfort when restricted. Treatment focuses on supporting mobility and circulation within these tissues, using gentle techniques that may include General Swedish Massage and Manual Lymph Drainage, as appropriate.

Is it safe to have massage therapy during my cancer treatment?

Massage therapy may be modified and adapted for individuals undergoing cancer treatment, based on individual circumstances. Care is approached on a case-by-case basis, with consideration given to factors such as the type of cancer, the nature of medical treatments involved, current symptoms, overall physical condition, and timing of sessions. Collaboration with a patient’s healthcare team may also be considered when appropriate.

When appropriately adapted, massage therapy may help support comfort and well-being during cancer treatment. Some individuals seek care to help manage symptoms related to surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation, address musculoskeletal discomfort, support scar tissue mobility, or assist with stress and anxiety management.

Sessions are always structured with safety, comfort, and individual tolerance in mind, and care is adjusted as needs change throughout the course of treatment.