One massage session may ease shoulder pain after breast cancer
NCT ID NCT06679400
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study looked at whether a 30-minute myofascial massage can reduce shoulder stiffness and improve blood flow in breast cancer survivors who have myofascial pain. Twenty-one women who had completed breast cancer treatment 3 months to 2 years earlier received one massage session. Researchers used ultrasound to measure muscle stiffness and blood flow before and after the massage, and also surveyed participants about their satisfaction.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- myofascial massage
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could point toward a simple, drug-free way to ease shoulder pain and stiffness in breast cancer survivors.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very small, early study with only 21 participants and no control group, so results may not apply widely. The massage is a one-time session, so long-term benefits are unknown.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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21 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Dec 2024
- Finished
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Sep 2025
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 years and older
- Sex
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Female participants only
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
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Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Previous unilateral breast cancer diagnosis * Treatment for primary breast cancer was completed 3 months to 2 years prior to enrollment (defined as completion of all treatments except oral maintenance therapies) * Myofascial pain in upper quadrant of the chest * Ability to understand and willingness to sign a written informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * Chronic neuromuscular or orthopedic injury currently affecting upper extremity function that is unrelated to their cancer diagnosis * Currently undergoing physical therapy, occupational therapy or other treatment for side effects related to their cancer diagnosis or other injury to the upper extremity * History of fibromyalgia * Broken or bruised skin in the chest/shoulder area * Diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer * Currently receiving treatment for other forms of cancer
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48109, United States
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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