Physiotherapy for Breast Cancer Recovery: Support Every Step of the Way

With Katherine Lee, PT – Post-Graduate Certified in Breast Cancer Rehabilitation

Breast cancer is a life-changing diagnosis that brings both physical and emotional challenges. While surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and hormone therapy focus on treating the cancer, physiotherapy plays a vital role in helping you recover, restore movement, and reclaim your quality of life. At our clinic, Katherine Lee offers personalized, expert physiotherapy for breast cancer recovery. With post-graduate training in oncology rehabilitation, she provides compassionate, evidence-based care that supports you before, during, and after treatment.

Why Physiotherapy Matters After Breast Cancer

Breast cancer treatments can lead to:

• Shoulder and chest stiffness
• Pain and reduced mobility
• Scar tissue adhesions
• Swelling (lymphedema or seroma)
• Postural changes
• Fatigue, weakness, and bone density loss

Without targeted support, these side effects can limit function and affect your long-term health.

Physiotherapy can help you:

• Restore shoulder and upper body mobility
• Reduce pain and swelling
• Improve posture and breathing
• Rebuild strength and endurance
• Manage scar tissue and adhesions
• Prevent complications like frozen shoulder and lymphedema
• Regain confidence in movement and daily life

What Is Breast Cancer Physiotherapy?

Breast cancer physiotherapy is a specialized form of care focused on supporting individuals throughout their cancer journey. Treatment plans are customized to each person’s stage of recovery and specific needs.

What Does Treatment Include?

1. Range of Motion Exercises
   Gentle movements to restore flexibility in the shoulder, chest, and arms—especially after surgery or radiation.
2. Scar Management
   Manual therapy and massage to reduce adhesions and improve tissue mobility.
3. Lymphedema Management
   Education, compression garment fitting, and specialized exercises to manage or prevent swelling.
4. Strength and Conditioning
   Safe, progressive training to rebuild strength, combat cancer-related fatigue, and support bone density.
5. Posture and Breathing Techniques
   Improve alignment and lung function, especially after mastectomy or reconstruction surgery.
6. Pain Relief
   Techniques like manual therapy, dry needling, or TENS to reduce musculoskeletal and nerve pain.7. Education and Emotional Support
   Empowering you with tools to manage symptoms and take charge of your recovery.

Conditions We Commonly Address

• Axillary web syndrome (cording)
• Post-surgical stiffness and pain
• Lymphedema and seroma concerns
• Scar tissue tightness
• Fatigue and reduced endurance
• Bone density decline
• Postural dysfunction
• Anxiety or fear around movement

When Should You Start Physiotherapy?

There is no “wrong” time to begin physiotherapy—Katherine supports patients at all stages:

• Before Surgery (Prehabilitation)
  Learn exercises to prepare your body, set recovery goals, and take baseline measurements.
• During Treatment
  Stay active, manage fatigue, and maintain mobility to improve tolerance of ongoing care such as radiation or chemotherapy.
• After Treatment
  Rebuild your strength, restore range of motion, and confidently return to work, hobbies, and daily activities.

More Than Recovery — A Return to Living

Staying physically active during and after cancer care has been shown to:

• Reduce cancer-related fatigue
• Support bone and heart health
• Improve long-term survival outcomes
• Boost confidence and emotional well-being

Katherine’s approach is rooted in compassion and expertise—giving you a safe space to heal, grow stronger, and move forward.

Is Physiotherapy Right for You?

You may benefit from breast cancer physiotherapy if you’re experiencing:

✅ Arm or shoulder pain or stiffness
✅ Swelling or heaviness in the arm
✅ Fatigue or weakness
✅ Difficulty returning to work or daily tasks
✅ Anxiety about moving after surgery
✅ Numbness or scar sensitivity

Take a Powerful Step Forward

Recovery is about more than healing — it’s about returning to the life you love. Whether you’re newly diagnosed, in treatment, or a survivor looking to regain strength, physiotherapy can help you move forward with confidence.