Physiotherapy during and after breast cancer
Breast cancer and its associated treatments are a difficult experience in a woman’s life. All patients affected by breast cancer can benefit from physiotherapy at various stages of the disease—around surgery, during, and after radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or hormone therapy. Since each case is different, after assessing your condition, we recommend the treatment best suited to your physical and psychological needs.
Goals of Physiotherapy:
- Prevent or treat venous and lymphatic complications (such as lymphedema)
- Promote healing (after cancer or breast reconstruction surgery) and reduce scar pain, which can lead to shoulder stiffness
- Relieve pain caused by axillary web syndrome ("cording")
- Correct post-operative defensive reflexes that lead to poor posture, and help adopt a healthier posture
- Improve shoulder mobility, which is essential for radiotherapy
- Reduce joint pain and stiffness, combat muscle loss and fatigue caused by chemotherapy side effects
- Provide overall strengthening to gradually return to normal life and resume daily and physical activities
- Enhance well-being through attentive listening and emotional support
Rehabilitation Methods:
- Manual lymphatic drainage to stimulate lymph circulation, reduce swelling in cases of upper limb lymphedema that may develop after breast cancer surgery, and treat reactive edema in irradiated areas caused by radiotherapy
- Scar treatment to promote better revascularization and help restore skin flexibility
- Specific chest massages and stretches to allow better placement of a breast implant. After reconstruction, gentle manual techniques are used to improve circulation
- Breathing exercises and manual techniques to release the diaphragm and support detoxification
- Pilates exercises to restore shoulder flexibility, release spinal tension, recover a strong and upright posture, improve coordination and concentration, counteract the effects of chemotherapy or radiotherapy, strengthen and build endurance in the arm, and care for your joints, muscles, and body overall—regaining total strength