Recovery After Breast Surgery Takes More Than Time
A mastectomy changes your body in ways that go beyond the surgery itself. Scar tissue can form and tighten, pulling at surrounding tissue and limiting movement in your chest, shoulder, and arm. Some women notice cording, that strange taut line that runs down the inner arm. Others experience numbness, sensitivity, or a disconnected feeling in their chest, like the body is unfamiliar to them now.
Finding a massage therapist who understands the anatomy of post-surgical recovery, and who has specific training in this area, is not always easy. Many RMTs aren't trained in post-mastectomy work. And going to someone without that background, even with good intentions, can feel uncertain.
You deserve care from someone who knows exactly what they're working with.
What Post Mastectomy Massage Involves
Post mastectomy massage is gentle, targeted bodywork focused on the tissue, scar, and surrounding structures affected by breast surgery. Depending on where you are in your recovery, this may include scar tissue mobilization to reduce adhesions and restore suppleness, gentle lymphatic support to address swelling or fluid changes, and work on the chest, shoulder, and arm to ease the compensation patterns that often develop post-surgery.
Sessions are paced entirely by you. Communication throughout is a given, and nothing happens without your comfort and consent.
Kari Lund, RMT: Certified Mastectomy Guide on the West Shore
Kari Lund, RMT, graduated from West Coast College of Massage Therapy in Victoria in 2011 and holds a Level 1 Mastectomy Guide for Healthcare Professionals certification. This training is specifically designed for practitioners working with women who have undergone mastectomy or breast reconstruction, covering post-surgical anatomy, scar tissue treatment, lymphatic considerations, and the emotional dimensions of recovery.
To our knowledge, this level of specialized certification is rare among RMTs on the West Shore.
Van Isle Wellness is located at 2227 Sooke Rd, Unit 102, Colwood, about three minutes from Langford.
- Kari works with women at all stages of post-mastectomy recovery, from early post-surgical to years later
- Sessions are gentle, unhurried, and built around your comfort level and goals
- Direct billing available through Blue Cross, Canada Life, Sunlife, and Medavie (VAC/RCMP)
What to Expect at Your First Session
Step 1: Book Online
Step 2: Intake and Assessment
Step 3: Homecare and Ongoing Care
What Clients Notice Over a Series of Sessions
Post mastectomy massage is most effective as consistent care over time. Clients often report:
- Improved scar mobility and reduced tightness, as adhesions soften and the tissue becomes more supple
- Greater ease of movement in the shoulder and arm, including reduced cording sensation
- A sense of reconnection with their body, as gentle, skilled touch helps reclaim comfort and familiarity in the chest area
Frequently Asked Questions About Post Mastectomy Massage
This depends on your surgical team's guidance and how your healing is progressing. Kari can work with you at various stages of recovery and will adjust the session entirely to where you are. If you're unsure, check with your surgeon first, and feel free to reach out to the clinic with any questions.
No referral is needed to book. You can schedule directly online at any time.
Many extended health plans in BC cover registered massage therapy regardless of the reason for the session. Because Kari is a licensed RMT, her sessions are eligible for direct billing or reimbursement through most major providers.
Kari's training covers post-mastectomy recovery including reconstruction. She will tailor the session to your specific surgical history and current tissue state.
Not at all. Scar tissue can continue to be mobilized and improved years after surgery. Many clients come to Kari long after their initial recovery and still see meaningful change.
Specialized Care, Close to Home
Kari Lund is back from maternity leave and accepting new patients. Book your appointment online whenever you're ready.
