Post-Cancer Support at Philadelphia Lymph & Bodywork: How We Fit Into Your Healing Plan
Breast cancer changes more than tissue. It affects energy, identity, relationships, and day-to-day rhythms. Recovery isn’t linear and anxiety about recurrence is real. At Philadelphia Lymph & Bodywork, our role is supportive: we provide oncology-informed massage and manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) when appropriate, and we coordinate with your clinical team and rehabilitation plan.
Scope & safety: We don’t diagnose, treat, or prescribe. We work within your care plan and ask for medical clearance when needed. If you’re unsure whether bodywork is appropriate right now, start by speaking with your oncology or rehab team.
How PLB Supports You (At a Glance)
Oncology-informed massage to provide comfort and relaxation, adjusted to your treatment stage (sometimes very light, sometimes purely palliative).
Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) to support lymph flow and comfort when appropriate (e.g., post-op swelling or as advised by your team).
Coordination with oncology, PT/OT, and lymphedema therapists so bodywork aligns with your plan.
Session pacing that respects fatigue, skin sensitivity, ports, drains, scars, and emotional bandwidth on any given day.
Trauma-informed communication, we follow your lead, and it’s always okay to pause or change course mid-session.
When Our Services May Be Appropriate
Everyone’s path is different. In many cases, clients see us:
During active treatment, if and only if your clinician agrees and the goal is comfort (e.g., gentle, supportive touch; sometimes Reiki-only days).
Post-operatively / during rehab, when your team indicates that MLD or gentle massage may help with heaviness, protective postures, or movement fear.
Long-term survivorship, when stress, sleep changes, or lingering sensitivity benefit from regular, low-demand care.
We will ask about the timing of surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, ports, drains, skin reactions, infection risk, and any rehab notes—so we can match the right approach to this moment in your healing.
What “Oncology-Informed” Care Means at PLB
“Oncology-informed” doesn’t mean technical procedures or medical advice. It means we adjust pressure, positioning, duration, and focus based on what your body has been through and what it needs today.
Examples of adjustments we commonly make:
Pressure & duration: From feather-light to brief, “down-regulating” sessions when energy is low.
Positioning: Cushioning for scars, ports, and sensitive tissue; side lying support to minimize strain.
Boundaries: Clear consent at every step; you decide what feels okay.
Coordination: We’re happy to align with your OT/PT or lymphedema provider’s guidance.
Tone wise, think comfort over intensity and nervous-system calm over “fixing.”
Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD): Where It Fits
Manual lymphatic drainage is a gentle, rhythmic technique aimed at supporting lymph flow. It’s often considered after your team confirms it’s appropriate for you—especially if you experience heaviness, puffiness, or post-operative fullness. MLD massage with Biomat can feel especially soothing, but the decision and timing remain part of your clinical plan.
If you’re at risk for or living with lymphedema, your medical team may share education and monitoring guidance (for example, many survivorship resources emphasize awareness and referral for management as needed).
Biomat as a Comfort Add-On
Our Biomat provides far infrared warmth that many clients describe as “a calm blanket for the nervous system.” We use it as a comfort add-on—not as treatment for disease. If heat is contraindicated for you (or simply doesn’t feel good), we skip it. The goal is ease, not intensity.
Your First Visit: What to Expect
A quiet intake. We listen — treatment stage, energy level, skin changes, ports, drains, sleep, anxiety, and what you want today.
Coordination check. If you’re in active care or rehab, we keep our work within your team’s guidance and your comfort.
Right-sized session. Some days that’s oncology-informed massage, other days MLD, and sometimes Reiki-only. Shorter sessions are common and absolutely valid.
After-care that’s doable. Simple options like rest, hydration, or gentle movement you’ve already cleared with your clinicians. No complicated home programs from us.
We meet you where you are. If you’re overwhelmed or anxious, we go slower. If you feel hopeful and ready, we build from there—always inside your care plan.
Partnering with Unite for HER
We are a Unite for HER provider. If you have a Wellness Passport, you can apply those benefits here at PLB for approved services like massage, MLD, and Reiki.
If you’re new to Unite for HER, you can explore or apply for the Wellness Programs directly through their site.
Next Steps
Considering supportive bodywork during or after treatment? A short, gentle session may help you down-shift and feel more at home in your body. Schedule your session
or call us with questions—we’re here to help (and to go at your pace).
