1. < Head & Neck Cancer

Myofascial Release Therapy for longterm effects of cancer treatment

Posted by Ellen2007 @nnurse, Nov 28, 2023

I have started Myofacial Release Therapy for long term side effects from surgery and radiation for head and neck cancer. Does anyone have thoughts to the pros and cons of treatment. Somewhere i thought i read a response in 2019 that said it is not safe for cancer patients but i cant find it. Thank you

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smittyfromcuse | @smittyfromcuse | Nov 29, 2023

I received this therapy from a highly qualified nurse who is certified to perform it on cancer patients for lymphedema. It has helped me tremendously. The technique is gentler than a traditional massage of this type. My target area is my neck around my neck dissection scar. After 8 weeks I saw good improvement and now I go once a month. I was also prescribed a compression garment I wear nightly. My advice is to seek out a licensed practitioner who specializes in cancer patients. My nurse has these credentials PT DPT CLT-LANA “The Lymphology Association of North America, LANA, is a non-profit corporation specializing in the certification of healthcare professionals who diagnose and/or treat lymphedema and related disorders”

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Ellen2007 | @nnurse | Nov 29, 2023
In reply to @smittyfromcuse "I received this therapy from a highly qualified nurse who is certified to perform it on..." + (show)
@smittyfromcuse

I received this therapy from a highly qualified nurse who is certified to perform it on cancer patients for lymphedema. It has helped me tremendously. The technique is gentler than a traditional massage of this type. My target area is my neck around my neck dissection scar. After 8 weeks I saw good improvement and now I go once a month. I was also prescribed a compression garment I wear nightly. My advice is to seek out a licensed practitioner who specializes in cancer patients. My nurse has these credentials PT DPT CLT-LANA “The Lymphology Association of North America, LANA, is a non-profit corporation specializing in the certification of healthcare professionals who diagnose and/or treat lymphedema and related disorders”

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Thank you so much, would you please share with me the garment manufacturer or the name of the garment?

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smittyfromcuse | @smittyfromcuse | Nov 29, 2023

Its called the JOBST JOBST JoViPak Chin Strap. I also have a pad insert. It is on page 12 of this PDF from the company's product catalog:
https://www.jobst-usa.com/fileadmin/z-brands/Jobst_USA/PDF/JOBST-JoViPak-Catalog-US.pdf

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Moderator
Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Dec 1, 2023

@ellen2007, I think this may be the other discussion you are referring to (not cancer specific):
- Myofascial Release Therapy (MFR) for treating compression and pain
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/myofascial-release-therapy-mfr-for-treating-compression-and-pain/
In addition to @smittyfromcuse, I believe @thielmann1 and @nancyguy used MFR after cancer treatment (radiation for breast cancer, I think).

Here's a study related to head and neck cancer:
- Myofascial Induction Therapy Improves the Sequelae of Medical Treatment in Head and Neck Cancer Survivors: A Single-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Randomized Cross-Over Study https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8584513/

Have you looked into finding a skilled myofascial release therapist near you?

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