Breast Cancer Rehabilitation with Physical Therapy

Recover from Breast Cancer STRONGER with Physical Therapy

Are you currently undergoing breast cancer treatment? Are you recently in remission? Are you now struggling to maintain your health, general wellness, or strength after having cancer? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. There’s something you can do to restore your stamina and we can help!

Why physical therapy?

There are a myriad of struggles associated with fighting and recovering from breast cancer. Each woman’s path toward recovery is different, yet they share one thing in common – each and every one struggles to maintain their strength, flexibility, and general health along the way. But you don’t have to struggle alone. Physical therapy, whether used during your treatments or after, can help maintain a stronger, more resilient, and healthy body.

As part of a multidisciplinary approach to caring for breast cancer patients, physical therapy has the main goal of improving quality of life and restoring participation in prior lifestyle, social, work, and recreational activity.  In fact, multiple research studies have concluded that physical therapy is a necessary step in getting breast cancer patients fully recovered and rehabilitated.

What is breast cancer rehabilitation? 

Breast cancer rehabilitation is a vital part of the recovery of a person who has suffered from breast cancer and has undergone various treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy.

But breast cancer rehabilitation is not just for those at the end of their treatments. Patients currently undergoing cancer treatment can also benefit from breast cancer rehab. In many cases, incorporating a safe exercise program into cancer patients’ routines can help them manage the intense effects of their treatments. From education, home exercise programs, pain management techniques, lymphedema care, and manual therapy techniques, physical therapists are uniquely qualified to assist patients throughout all phases of their diagnosis and treatment.

HealthQuest Physical Therapy offers comprehensive physical therapy services in an encouraging and caring environment. Our team will work closely with you, your family, and your healthcare providers to improve your quality of life and help you navigate life during and after cancer.

What conditions does breast cancer rehabilitation treat? 

Breast cancer rehabilitation can help treat a variety of issues caused by cancer treatments, though some of the most common reasons patients seek rehab include:

• Joint stiffness
• Muscle and joint pain
• General weakness and fatigue 
• Scar tissue restrictions
• Balance issues or difficulty walking
• Development of and medical supervision of an exercise program
• Lymphedema (persistent swelling in the arms, chest, or hands, that can occur after breast cancer surgery)

After you undergo breast cancer treatment, you may notice that you have significantly less energy and endurance. It might also feel more difficult or painful to move your body. Thankfully,  physical therapy can help. 

Are you treating your scars?

If your surgeon or medical professional didn’t tell you, treating your scars is massively important. Whether due to surgery or radiation, scar tissue needs to be addressed. The first thing the scalpel cuts into with any surgery is the skin and connective tissue or your fascial system. Fascia is a layer of tissue that lays over muscle bundles and even goes down to the cellular level. Once healing begins after surgery or radiation, scar tissue forms. Depending on how your particular body heals, the scar tissue may form excessively causing restrictions in the muscle, fascia, and skin. Left untreated, these restrictions can cause pain, stiffness, and difficulty moving the shoulder, neck, and even the jaw.

Manual therapies such as massage, myofascial release, cupping, and dry needling can be a helpful treatment tool following mastectomies, breast reduction, and augmentation. In addition to other physical therapy modalities, scar treatment can reduce pain and improve mobility.

What to expect at HealthQuest Physical Therapy

When you visit our clinic, our dedicated team will develop a personalized treatment plan that is perfectly aligned with your needs. Your plan will be designed based on your current pain, symptoms, and the specific issues you bring to us. Our knowledgeable team relies on a combination of treatment methods to help our patients rebuild the strength and functionality they need in order to lead healthy lives.

After a thorough evaluation to detect any impairments or pain sources, you may be prescribed manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, therapeutic modalities, cardiovascular conditioning, or strength and flexibility training. 

Gentle therapeutic exercise is generally one of the first choices for patients in breast cancer rehabilitation. Exercising under the guidance of an attentive PT is a safe way to get your body moving again after surgery, or after intense energy-depleting cancer treatments. 

Therapeutic exercise can also help you regain your range of motion and strength. At HealthQuest Physical Therapy, we understand how difficult and emotionally draining it can be to rebuild your “normal” life after cancer. Our number one priority is to support you during this transition and make sure you are equipped with all the resources you need to start regaining your strength. 

Start rehabilitation today!

In breast cancer rehabilitation, your team of therapists will help you combat the joint pain, limited mobility, and low-energy levels that often appear after cancer treatment. 

You do not have to navigate this difficult time of your life alone. If you’re ready to return to your desired routine and safely participate in all the activities you love again, contact HealthQuest Physical Therapy today.