Amy Hartl, LMT, CMLDT
Oncology Massage & Manual Lymphatic Drainage for Breast Cancer
The only massage therapy practice in Western New York dedicated to making life after a breast cancer diagnosis easier at every phase of your experience, with someone who’s been there.
Pre- and Post-Surgical Care
Radiation Fibrosis / Scar Tissue Release
Post-Mastectomy Pain Syndrome Support
Chemotherapy Symptom Relief
Lymphedema Risk Reduction
Acute & Chronic Lymphedema Management
Anxiety Relief & Stress Reduction
Gift Certificates Available
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Gift Certificates Available
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Gift Certificates Available - Gift Certificates Available -
Not just any massage.
Through more than a decade of education, training, and experience working with people facing a variety of health challenges, I have learned that human touch and connection are some of the greatest healing tools available.
I have also learned that massage therapy is not only available to you during a health challenge like breast cancer, it is also extremely supportive and beneficial.
Whether you are newly diagnosed, in active treatment, or living in any type of survivorship, massage therapy and lymphatic drainage are powerful integrative care options.
Together my clients and I build a therapeutic relationship to address not only your physical concerns but to create an opportunity for you to heal mentally and emotionally as well.
Benefits of Massage & MLD for Navigating Breast Cancer
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Recently Diagnosed
Dealing with a breast cancer diagnosis is difficult to say the least.
Massage therapy can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, allow you to feel you connected to your body, and help you prepare for surgery and other treatments by loosening tight muscles and connective tissue.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage can also help to kick start the immune system and remove unwanted elements from your body before you begin your treatment protocols.
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In Treatment
During treatments like chemotherapy and radiation, massage therapy has been shown to reduce pain perception, nausea, fatigue, and side effects like neuropathy.
Whether you choose to come on your worst days or your best you can use massage as a support throughout treatment.
Seeking massage treatments pre- and post-surgically can help with scar tissue build up and manual lymphatic drainage encourages healing from incisions and wounds, and can reduce your risk of lymphedema.
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Survivorship & MBC
Surgeries and treatments for breast cancer have long lasting side effects and impacts.
A skilled oncology massage therapist can work with you to support ongoing healing needs as well as address the normal aches, pains, and stresses that come with being human.
Regardless of whether your reasons for seeking massage are directly related to your cancer diagnosis or not, there are modifications to ensure that every massage you receive is safe and effective and enhance your quality of life.
Not just any massage therapist.
I’ve been where you are.
I know what it’s like to live with a breast cancer experience and other health challenges.
I also know that massage and lymphatic therapies can make a difference to your comfort and well-being.
On behalf of myself and the thousands of people I’ve worked with over 12 years in this field, I’m honored and humbled that you are here.
“Amy is wonderful. I came in nervous and anxious, I haven’t really processed that I was diagnosed with breast cancer, and she made me feel so comfortable. I felt heard and understood. Then the massage was Divine. Radiation and scar tissue has caused my affected breast to feel very uncomfortable. If you feel this was as well, I highly recommend making an appointment with Amy.”
— Barbara
New Client Session: $125 | 75 mins
30 minute intake and discussion with 45 minutes of table time*. We spend time getting to know each other as well as talking through your health history and your current experience. We work on getting familiar with your body and starting your bodywork journey.
Oncology Massage/MLD Session Pricing
Standard Session: $125 | 75 mins
15 minute intake and discussion with 60 minutes of table time*. We will discuss how you are feeling, what has happened in your body and your life since your last visit, and craft a plan to meet as many of your needs and goals as possible during your session.
Recovery Package: $460 | 4 sessions
For specific, shorter term needs such as surgical recovery, symptom management during active treatment, or managing acute lymphedema.
*Terms and Conditions apply.
MBC Wellness Package: $345 | 3 sessions
Monthly well-being support for those living with metastatic breast cancer.
*Terms and Conditions apply.
*Allocation of intake vs. table time is approximate and can vary depending on an individual client’s needs. Should more conversation be needed it will lessen the time on the table and will not change the total amount of time for the session. I do my best to guide all clients to have as much time on the table as possible but, I will never sacrifice your need to discuss your circumstances or to get the information I need to work with you safely, in order to do so.
**Packages are available by request depending on scheduling availability and do not include new client sessions. Additional terms and conditions apply to each package.
Cancer is expensive and there is no shame in the toll it takes on us, physically, mentally, emotionally, and financially. Many forms of integrative and supportive cancer care like oncology massage and manual lymphatic drainage are not readily available to all patients facing life with a cancer diagnosis.
As part of my efforts to create equity within my own practice, I add $5 from each full price client session fee to a Pay It Forward Fund. Additionally, I do not accept tips for my own benefit but collect them and any direct donations for those in the Buffalo community who need my work but may not be able to afford it in full on their own.
If you would like to support a woman going through cancer by funding oncology massage or manual lymphatic drainage sessions you can send the amount of your choice to me via VENMO with the message “Pay it Forward”. 100% of your gift will go directly toward a session for a client in need.
Pay it forward.
Make a donation:
Amy Hartl, LMT is a for-profit business so at this time donations are not tax deductible. However, I take care of all processing fees and the full amount of your gift will go directly towards an in-person session for a client who cannot afford the payment on their own.
FAQ’s
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My clients often have complex medical histories, needs, and goals. A thorough health history and intake is critical to ensuring that I am working to meet those goals and provide safe and effective care. I also find that through our discussion before each session I am able to offer resources and recommendations that may be beneficial outside of our time together. Lastly it is important to build relationships with my clients to care for you as a whole person and not just the problem you came in for.
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I do not partner with any insurance carriers and am not able to submit claims. If your insurance provider covers our work I can provide you with a receipt for each session or a summary letter itemizing our sessions. I AM ABLE TO ACCEPT MOST FSA/HSA debit cards if you have one available.
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Cancer is expensive and there is no shame in the toll it takes on us, physically, mentally, emotionally, and financially. I maintain a “Pay it Forward”fund that allows me to discount a portion of sessions for those who need this work but may not be in a position to pay out of pocket in full.
When available, I offer up to $50 off of new client and standard sessions, based on a client’s ability to pay.
If you would like to book a session at a discounted rate please select “tell me more” for the pricing question on your appointment request and I will do my best to meet your needs.
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While tipping is common in the massage therapy profession, I consider myself a healthcare professional. As such I set my prices to be fair and compensatory with my experience so I do not accept tips for my own benefit and no tip is expected. However, should you feel inspired to offer any additional gratuity that amount will be added to a separate fund that I draw from to help pay for clients facing a cancer diagnosis who need, but may not be able to afford, my work. You can read about and add to this fund through the Pay it Forward QR code.
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I do! You can buy a gift certificate for a full session (see pricing for details) or for any customized amount. I can provide both paper or digital certificates and can take payment over the phone or via invoice.
Gift certificates and pre-paid sessions are non-refundable and must be used within one year of purchase. If you’d like to purchase a gift certificate please use the form on the Contact page to drop me a request!
NOTE: Before buying a gift certificate for an in-person massage it is best to find out if the person will indeed like and use this gift. Not everyone is comfortable receiving hands-on bodywork especially during a challenging time like a cancer experience.
If you are unsure I suggest purchasing an “Ask Amy” consultation as a gift instead as these are easer to schedule and often more useful to someone newly diagnosed or in treatment.
501 Delaware Ave.
Buffalo, NY 14202
Now inside The Hiraeth House!
Downtown Buffalo. Historic Allentown. Easy Access from main highways and roads. Free parking out front. Close to Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo General, Breast Cancer Network of WNY, unique shops, restaurants, and so much more!
A Convenient Location
Natural light. Soft music. Heated table. Gentle Hands.
Clinical results don’t have to mean a clinical environment. You spend enough time in cold, sterile rooms. My private practice studio is a safe place for you to not only heal but to enjoy being in your body again. I hold space for you so that you can learn to hold space for yourself, allowing you to leave with less discomfort and pain and feeling more like yourself again.
A Comforting Studio
Current In-Person** Client Hours
By appointment only.
Monday 3pm–5pm*
Tuesday 11am - 5pm*
Wednesday 11am - 5pm*
*last appointment start time for the day
**virtual appointments are also available
Not able to come to me in person?
Want to take healing into your own hands no matter where you live?