Ethics (again)

[We Miss You Alex V.]

I was interested to see the discussion about breast massage - because I had raised it in the previous forums.

I had contacted several therapists about massage and whether they included breast massage or not. With one exception, they were all adamant that breast massage would never be included as part of the treatment. The one exception said that he would usually include breast massage............

I received further e-mails of support following the discussions within the forum -saying that it was unethical to include breast massage, and they would never consider it. I did further research on this both in the US and the UK. Nowhere could I find anyone who offered breast massage as part of their treatment.

I must say, I support some of the views in the discussion raised by Flower about this. It is quite disturbing to find someone trying to defend this practice so strongly.

 

[Dewi]

Hi Junep

If the massaging of breasts saves just one life not to mention the amount of other dysfunctions that are addressed then the therapy is very justifiable in my opinion.

There is research going on at the moment on breast massage however it is mostly post cancer treatment they are looking into and not the preventative side which is in my opinion what needs clarifying anyhow did a quick search and came up with a few sites offering info on breast massage which you might find interesting, cant look at mine yet as I have not finished it yet

Yes Siobhan, every aspect of any treatment need clarifying and signed informed consent should be received before any treatment takes place anywhere.

http://www.sutherland-chan.com/copi/breastmassage1.pdf
http://www.sacredstonehealing.com/breastmasg.htm
http://www.massagemag.com/2001/issue93/recovery.htm
http://users.rcn.com/cd.dnai/a/b/bm/breastmassage.html
http://www.massagetoday.com/columnists/jordan/
http://www.bodymechanics.net/subpages/breast.htm
http://www.hps-online.com/breastcancer.htm
http://www.kneadedreliefdayspa.com/breastmassage.html

 

[Purple Ku$h]

Hello,

I have a friend who goes for a massage once in a while. After the first session, she told the thepraist that him going to "hide away" while she was taking her clothes off made her feel uneasy. It made her feel like it was not very natural for her to take her clothes off... She wanted her breasts to be included in the massage because it made her feel more "whole", rather than having a part of her skipped. As far as I am concerned, if I was recieving a massage, I would definitly be happy to have my breasts included.

Artemis

 

[Christian Brooks]

I have read your links paul and yes it makes perfect sense to me to include the breasts especially in cancer cases.

I do not think all women would be comfortable with it and it should be offered as part of the treatment if the client is ok with it.

Lab
Dez

 

[Daltaithair]

Hi Dez

As with all forms of treatment it is offered and agreed to or it will not happen and this rule should be applied to any form of therapy, informed consent seems to be the norm these days in the ever increasing threat of litigation

 

[Ice Cold]

 

[mgefeujmihtinieec]

Hi help me smeone out there I have a client asking for breast massage I am a male therapist her bor problem is she has implants (Silicone) over 20 years ago would it be safe for her.?

 

[NeedASurgery]

Hi Lionheart

Implants should not make any difference as breast massage is not deep as you are mainly concerned with getting the fluids moving to flush them out, and don't forget the intercostals whilst you are at it

 

[mountainbabe]

Hi thanks very much for your replies to my query on Breast Massage at discussion with other therapist at college no dission was made as yet some for some againts I was the only male in this disscussion will tell you the ocome in due course all the best be very lucky out there Lionheart,

 

[Morgan]

[&:] Hi Lionheart again sorry about spelling and leaving words out but am not very good with computer but will get there one day

 

[highperactive]

No problem Lionheart, I knew exactly what you meant!

I've heard of ladies who've had breast reconstruction wanting to have breast massage. As you say Paul, I think it's mainly to do with getting any accumulated fluids moving. I know a therapist who gives such treatment to a lady with recon. I've had recon myself and I can see the value of having massage although personally I haven't felt the need so far.

So good luck to you guys, it sounds like you're doing brilliant work!

 

[Lemony]

As none of the colleges I know teach breast massage, where do you learn?

Although I could practise on my partner, she'd probably fall off the table in hysterics.

Is there any extra insurance you'd need to take out, as you would probably be exposed to more risk!

rgds

TC

[&:]

 

[sledge250672]

Hi TC

Breast massage is very simple to do and no you do not need any extra insurance cover as long as you explain yourself and get informed consent, please be prepared to stop the moment someone shows any signs of distress during the application.

Take a look at the first link I put up and print of the PDF file, that will give you an insight into the area, then see if your partner will allow you to experiment on her as you need to put the head knowledge into practical hands on skills which should be done with care, consideration and a detached professional manner leaning more to a clinical approach than anything else, if you are not comfortable doing it then the people you do it on will not be comfortable receiving it.

So try that and come back with your questions ok