Benefits of Breast Massage (and How To Get Started Today)

Breasts go through a lot. We shove them into bras, beg them to defy gravity, rely on them to feed infants and take them for annual mammograms.

To show your breasts some TLC — and reap extra health benefits — consider breast massage. It involves gently pressing on and moving the soft tissue of your breasts.

Breast surgical oncologist Margaret Thompson, MD, explains the benefits.

Benefits of breast massage

Breast massage can enhance your wellness like other forms of massage therapy. Dr. Thompson discusses the benefits of breast massage.

Helps find breast cancer

Breast massage and breast self-exams are very similar. Both allow you to feel bumps and lumps in your breast tissue.

“Breast massage can be a good opportunity to become familiar with how your breasts typically look and feel,” Dr. Thompson says. “We encourage it because it helps you know your breasts and what’s normal for you. If something concerning, like a breast lump, does develop, you’ll recognize it and get it checked sooner.”

Finding breast cancer early often means there are more treatment options and better outcomes. If you’re using breast massage to screen yourself for cancer, Dr. Thompson recommends doing it monthly, a week after your period, when you may not have breast tenderness.

Reduces pain from breastfeeding

Breastfeeding can sometimes be painful if your breasts become engorged, you develop clogged milk ducts or you have mastitis (inflamed breast tissue). But a light lymphatic breast massage may help. To do so, use gentle, soft movements versus firmer pressure.

In one study, people experiencing pain from lactation reported less pain immediately after massage. After 12 weeks of regular breast massage, 65% said the massaging was very helpful.

Helps treat lymphedema

Your lymphatic system helps protect you from infection and moves excess fluid through your body. But sometimes, that fluid can build up, causing lymphedema. People with breast cancer may develop lymphedema, typically after surgery or radiation therapy.

“Lymphatic massage helps move fluid through the lymphatic system and may reduce swelling,” Dr. Thompson explains.

Performing breast massage in addition to compression therapy — the typical treatment for lymphedema — may improve your symptoms rather than compression alone.

“But ask your surgeon or doctor before using massage for lymphatic drainage,” she emphasizes. “They’ll give you individualized instructions if it’s part of your treatment plan.”

Enhances the appearance of breasts

No conclusive evidence shows that breast massage improves or prevents sagging breasts. But breast massage, especially with oils, may help improve the appearance of breast skin.

“A gentle massage may help improve your skin’s elasticity,” Dr. Thompson says. “It may also help reduce the appearance of stretch marks.”

Eases pectoral (chest muscle) soreness

The muscles beneath your breasts are called pectoral muscles. They help move your shoulders and arms. But when you lift something heavy or do upper-body strength training, your pectoral muscles can get sore.

“Massaging your breasts can also relieve pain and tension in the pectoral muscles,” Dr. Thompson shares.

She adds that tense back muscles can strain your pectoral muscles, so if your upper back is sore as well, breast massage may help.

Relieves stress

Massaging anywhere on your body — including your breasts — helps relieve stress. It can also increase sexual intimacy.

“Massage and sexual intimacy both release oxytocin, our ‘feel-good’ hormone,” Dr. Thompson explains. “It can help relax your entire body.”

How to massage breasts

How you massage your breasts may change slightly depending on the reason for the massage. Dr. Thompson offers some general recommendations.

Find a comfortable massage method

To get the most benefit from a breast massage, find a convenient method that puts you at ease.

“Use the massage method you’re most comfortable with,” Dr. Thompson advises. “Some people prefer to massage their breasts in the shower so the soap on their fingers can glide easily over their skin. Others prefer to lie down or sit in front of a mirror. In those cases, use massage oil or another skin-safe lubricant.”

Use a pattern to massage your entire breast

Apply light pressure while walking your fingers across your breast or massaging in small circles. To ensure you massage your entire breast, Dr. Thompson recommends using a pattern like:

• Circular motion: Work around your breast from nipple to base.
• Lawn mower motion: Work back and forth in rows.
• Radial clock motion: Massage from the center of the “clock” (your nipple), out to 12 o’clock, then out to 1 o’clock, and so on until you’ve moved clockwise around your breast.

Take additional steps when needed

If you’re doing a breast massage for specific medical reasons, you may need to pay more attention to how you massage your breasts. Dr. Thompson offers tips for people doing breast massage to:

• Drain lymph nodes. Follow instructions from your healthcare provider and massage your underarm and upper arm area in addition to your breasts.
• Hand-express milk. Massage gently to express milk, using a light touch. At the end, position your hand like a “C” or “U” shape around your nipple. Gently squeeze your nipple to release milk.
• Screen for cancer. This breast self-exam starts with examining your breasts visually in the mirror to note any changes. Then, while massaging, feel for lumps in your nipple and underarm area.

Are there risks to breast massage?

Regular breast massage may keep your breasts healthier and increase the chances you’ll notice a breast lump or issue immediately.

“If you feel a lump, have nipple discharge or notice skin changes, see your healthcare professional,” Dr. Thompson advises. “If breast massage feels good, it’s generally safe to do as often as you’d like.”