Role of Physiotherapy in Breast Cancer Recovery

After breast cancer surgery, you may develop a stiff shoulder or arm. Exercising will be an important part of your treatment and recovery, to improve range of motion and strength, decrease pain and stiffness, and improve function and overall well-being.

A booklet is given after surgery, with pictures and descriptions of exercises to perform, to aid in recovery. Working with a Physiotherapist can further help you get back to your pre-surgery mobility and function, and help to prevent and reduce other problems, such as cording. Working together as a team, your Physiotherapist will help you adapt to these exercises, but also create an individualized program specific to your limitations and pain.

A systematic review by Groef et al., 2015 determined that Physiotherapy and active exercise help to decrease pain and increase range of motion after breast cancer surgery.

A Physiotherapist will work with you to create an individualized exercise program, to help decrease pain, improve mobility and function, reduce any swelling, muscle tension and scar tissue formation, and improve quality of life through all stages of treatment. Together, a wellness program will be created to help reduce the risk of lymphedema, and a gradual return to exercise, work and activity.

Physiotherapy treatment options post-breast cancer surgery:

• Shoulder and arm pain

• Decreased mobility

• Decreased strength

• Scarring

• Postural changes

• Decreased grip strength

• Axillary web syndrome (cording)

Our Physiotherapist, Jessica, has taken a course on Breast Cancer Rehabilitation, which focused on manual therapy treatment, education and exercises for patients pre- and post-operative.

To book an appointment with Jessica, click here.