Study Information

Have you experienced pain or mobility issues following breast cancer surgery? If so, you may be eligible for a clinical trial.

Preliminary eligibility requirements:

• Women, 18 years of age or older

• Experiencing any type of pain or mobility issues in chest or shoulder region following any type of breast cancer surgery in the last 24 months.

Eligible women will complete questionnaires and range of motion measurements throughout the project and receive one of two different types of manual therapy twice a week for two months by licensed massage therapists. Participants will be compensated for their time.

Massage sessions will take place at The Gathering Place, both the Beachwood and Westlake locations will be available.

MetroHealth study staff along with The Gathering Place have gone through great lengths to make sure safety precautions are in place for COVID-19.  All of our screening and cleaning measures are part of the Ohio State Medical board specifications for massages during COVID-19.

Register for Information

For more information or to see if you qualify, please contact:

Elodie Nonguierma, MPH
216-778-8467
enonguierma@metrohealth.org

or

Darerian Schueller
216-778-7043
dschueller@metrohealth.org

Additional Project Information:

About 25-50% of women who undergo breast cancer surgery develop persistent chest wall pain and shoulder mobility limitations following surgery.

Myofascial massage, a treatment that provides deep tissue massage with focus on muscles as well as the connective tissue that surrounds muscles, bones, and ligaments, may be effective in reducing post-mastectomy pain and immobility.

Researchers at the Center for Health Equity Engagement Education and Research have been funded by the NIH to conduct a randomized controlled trial with about 200 women experiencing pain and mobility issues.

Participants in each group will receive 30 minutes of treatment twice weekly for two months. The treatment group will receive massage therapy while the control group will receive light touch therapy. Primary analyses will determine the impact of myofascial massage on pain and mobility limitations. Secondary analyses will examine the impact of myofascial massage on several outcomes, including range of motion, quality of life, sleep, and body image.

Study Flyer

The Gathering Place

For more information on the The Gathering Place click the image below.