Workshops for self-massages and stretching to prevent pain after breast cancer surgery

Prevention of Sequelae Pain After Breast Cancer Surgery by Daily Self Massages and Self Stretching of Serratus Anterior Muscle, Pectoralis Major Muscle, Infraspinatus Muscle and Latissimus Dorsi Muscle: Impact of Learning Workshops Performed by a Multidisciplinary Team.

Not applicable Interventional Center Eugene Marquis · NCT03651973

This study is testing if workshops that teach self-massages and stretching can help women with breast cancer surgery avoid chronic pain and recover better.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment144 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexFemale
SponsorCenter Eugene Marquis Academic / other
Locations1 site (Rennes)
Trial IDNCT03651973 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effectiveness of self-massages and self-stretching workshops in preventing chronic pain following breast cancer surgery. A total of 144 women with localized breast cancer will be randomized into two groups: one receiving standard follow-up care and the other participating in workshops designed to teach self-massage and stretching techniques. Both groups will undergo assessments of pain, quality of life, shoulder range of motion, and upper limb strength at four consultations. The goal is to determine if the workshops can significantly reduce pain and improve recovery outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are women over 18 with localized breast cancer requiring surgery, excluding those with a history of chronic pain or shoulder issues.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of chronic pain, shoulder pain, or severe medical conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce chronic pain and improve quality of life for women recovering from breast cancer surgery.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of self-massages and stretching workshops is novel, similar interventions have shown promise in managing post-surgical pain in other contexts.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Woman
* Local development of breast cancer, every stages except stage IV
* Indication of surgery whatever surgery type except breast reconstruction
* More than18 years
* Life expectancy \> 12 months assessed by surgeon or pain specialist
* Informed and written consent
* Affiliated to a social security system

Exclusion Criteria:

* History of chronic pain
* History of shoulder pain
* Any illness or severe disease, medical or psychiatric, that could prevent the patient to follow study procedures or to give her informed consent, according investigators,
* History of breast surgery
* Pregnant or lactating woman
* Protected adult or deprived of her liberty

Where this trial is running

Rennes

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Breast CancerSurgerySelf massages and self stretchingWorkshops for self massages and stretching learning
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.