October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness, share stories, and highlight the importance of early detection and comprehensive recovery care. For many women, treatment for breast cancer includes surgery such as a mastectomy (partial or total removal of breast tissue). While the surgery is life-saving, it can also bring physical and emotional challenges that require specialized support during recovery.
One important – yet often overlooked – part of the healing journey is physiotherapy.
Why Physiotherapy Matters After Mastectomy
After a mastectomy or breast reconstruction, patients often experience:
- Pain, tightness, or restricted movement in the shoulder, chest, and arm.
- Swelling or lymphedema due to lymph node removal or disruption of lymph flow.
- Scar tissue and postural changes, which can lead to discomfort or difficulty with daily activities.
- Emotional and body image challenges, which can affect confidence and overall well-being.
Physiotherapy plays a key role in addressing these issues early, promoting better recovery, restoring mobility, and improving quality of life.
How Physiotherapy Helps After Breast Surgery
A physiotherapist trained in post-surgical rehabilitation can guide patients through each stage of recovery, offering safe, personalized care.
Here’s how physiotherapy supports the healing process:
1. Pain and Scar Management
Gentle manual therapy techniques, scar mobilization, and stretching exercises help reduce tightness and discomfort. These techniques also promote healthy tissue healing and prevent long-term restrictions.
2. Restoring Shoulder and Arm Mobility
After surgery, limited shoulder movement is common. Physiotherapists design progressive exercise programs to improve range of motion, flexibility, and strength safely, helping patients return to daily activities like dressing, reaching, and lifting.
3. Lymphedema Prevention and Management
If lymph nodes were removed, physiotherapists teach lymph drainage exercises, proper positioning, and self-care strategies to manage or reduce swelling in the arm or chest area.
4. Posture and Core Stability
Changes in muscle balance and posture following surgery can cause discomfort or fatigue. Physiotherapists focus on gentle posture correction and core strengthening to support long-term comfort and confidence.
5. Emotional and Functional Recovery
Physiotherapy not only helps the body heal but also supports emotional resilience. Regaining movement and confidence in one’s body is an empowering part of recovery.
When to Start Physiotherapy
In many cases, physiotherapy can begin within days or weeks after surgery, depending on your surgeon’s recommendations. Early movement and education can prevent complications and make recovery smoother. Even months or years after surgery, physiotherapy can still help address lingering pain, tightness, or weakness.
Empower Your Recovery
This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, remember that recovery is not just about surviving, it’s about regaining strength, confidence, and independence.
If you or someone you love has undergone breast surgery, consider connecting with a registered physiotherapist who specializes in post-mastectomy care. Together, you can create a safe and personalized plan to support your healing journey.
At Palermo Plus Physiotherapy, our physiotherapists are experienced in supporting patients through every stage of breast cancer recovery, from post-surgical care to long-term rehabilitation. We’re here to help you move forward with strength and confidence.
Contact us!
Take the first step towards recovery by contacting us today to schedule your physiotherapy appointment!