Breast Cancer Rehabilitation in Newcastle
Specialist physiotherapy to support your recovery before, during and after breast cancer treatment.
Breast cancer treatment can have a significant impact on your body, from surgery and radiotherapy to chemotherapy and hormonal treatments.
You may experience pain, stiffness, reduced shoulder movement, changes to your posture, scar tightness, swelling or changes in how you move and exercise. Some effects may appear during treatment, while others can develop months or even years later.
At Embody Physiotherapy and Lymphatic Care, I provide specialist breast cancer rehabilitation from my private clinic in Newcastle Great Park. My aim is to help you recover movement, strength and confidence, and support you to return to the activities that are important to you.
How can Physiotherapy Help?
Breast cancer rehabilitation can help with a range of physical effects following surgery and other
- Shoulder stiffness and reduced arm movement
- Shoulder, chest wall or arm pain
- Chest wall tightness or discomfort
- Changes in breathing pattern
- Scar tightness
- Cording (axillary Web Syndrome)
- Changes in posture and movement
- Reduced strength and fitness
- Returning to work and everyday activities
- Returning to exercise
- Swelling or Lymphoedema
Scar therapy and lymphoedema management can also form an important part of your rehabilitation where appropriate.
When should I see a Physiotherapist?
There is no single point in your breast cancer journey when physiotherapy is most appropriate. The right time will depend on your treatment, symptoms and individual circumstances.
Before surgery – prehabilitation
If you are preparing for breast cancer surgery and already have shoulder, neck or arm problems, physiotherapy before surgery may be helpful.
Prehabilitation can help you understand your body, address existing movement problems and prepare you for your recovery.
After surgery – post-operative rehabilitation
Once your surgical team has advised that you can begin rehabilitation, physiotherapy can help you regain movement and function following surgery.
Your physiotherapist can assess your shoulder and arm movement, pain, scar tissue and any swelling, and provide appropriate exercises to support your recovery.
Cording (axillary web syndrome) can also develop following surgery and may benefit from physiotherapy assessment and treatment.
During chemotherapy or radiotherapy
Some people benefit from physiotherapy during cancer treatment, while others prefer to wait until treatment has finished. Your treatment plan can be adapted according to how you are feeling and the treatment you are receiving. Physiotherapy may help you maintain movement and function and manage physical symptoms throughout your treatment journey.
After radiotherapy
Radiotherapy can cause changes to the skin and underlying tissues, and some effects may develop gradually. Physiotherapy may help with stiffness, tightness, scar tissue, changes in movement and function following radiotherapy.
Months or years after treatment
It is never too late to seek help.
If you continue to experience stiffness, pain, tightness, swelling, scar problems or difficulty returning to activities after your breast cancer treatment, physiotherapy may still be beneficial.
Some changes following cancer treatment can develop or become more noticeable over time, so you don't have to simply accept ongoing symptoms as something you have to live with.
What happens at an appointment?
Your initial appointment will last up to 60 minutes.
We will begin with a detailed conversation about your breast cancer journey and the treatment you have received so far. This may include:
- Your surgery and other cancer treatments
- Any current symptoms or concerns
- Your previous medical history
- Current medications
- Your activity levels and lifestyle
- How your symptoms are affecting your everyday life
- Your goals for rehabilitation
This allows me to develop a treatment plan that is appropriate for you and your stage of recovery.
Your physical assessment
Depending on your symptoms and treatment history, your assessment may include:
- Shoulder and neck movement
- Upper back and rib cage movement
- Pain and areas of discomfort
- Scar tissue and skin changes
- Swelling
- Strength
- Posture and movement
- Function and activity
- Skin health
- Breathing pattern
Your assessment will be adapted to your individual circumstances. You will always be given an explanation of what is being assessed and why.
Treatment may include
- Exercise therapy
- Strength and conditioning
- Stretching and mobility exercises
- Scar therapy
- Manual therapy
- Myofascial techniques
- Postural advice
- Breathing exercises
- Education and self-management advice
- Advice about skin care and suitable products
- Guidance on returning to work, exercise and everyday activities
Lymphoedema management
Lymphoedema can develop following breast cancer treatment and may affect the arm, breast or chest wall.
Where appropriate, lymphoedema management may include:
- Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD)
- Multi-layer lymphoedema bandaging
- Compression garment advice
- Limb and swelling measurements
- Education and self-management strategies
For more information about lymphoedema treatment at Embody, visit the Lymphoedema Treatment page.
Why choose Embody?
At Embody Physiotherapy and Lymphatic Care, your rehabilitation is approached holistically.
Rather than simply focusing on your shoulder movement, I will consider how your surgery and cancer treatment have affected your movement, strength, scars, skin, lymphatic system, breathing and ability to carry out the activities that are important to you.
I have specialist training in breast cancer rehabilitation, lymphoedema management and oncology scar therapy, allowing these different aspects of your recovery to be considered together where appropriate. With over 20 years of physiotherapy experience, I provide individualised one-to-one care in a calm, private environment where you can take the time you need to discuss your concerns and recovery.
Frequently asked questions
How soon after breast cancer surgery can I have physiotherapy?
The appropriate time to start physiotherapy depends on your surgery, recovery and advice from your surgical team.
Once you have been advised that it is appropriate to begin rehabilitation, physiotherapy can help you gradually restore shoulder and arm movement, strength and function.
Can physiotherapy help with cording after breast cancer surgery?
Yes. Cording, also known as axillary web syndrome, can occur following breast cancer surgery and may cause tightness and restricted movement through the arm, chest or armpit.
A physiotherapy assessment can help identify the problem and appropriate treatment and exercises can be provided to support your recovery.
Can physiotherapy help after radiotherapy?
Yes. Radiotherapy can cause changes to the skin and underlying tissues, which may affect movement, comfort and tissue flexibility.
Physiotherapy may help with stiffness, tightness, scar tissue, movement and returning to normal activities.
Can physiotherapy help with breast cancer scars?
Yes. Scar tissue can sometimes become tight, sensitive or restricted following breast cancer surgery or radiotherapy.
Specialist scar therapy can help improve scar mobility and the movement of the surrounding tissues where appropriate.
You can find out more about Scar Therapy at Embody.
Can physiotherapy help with lymphoedema after breast cancer?
Yes. Lymphoedema can occur following breast cancer treatment and may affect the arm, breast or chest wall.
Assessment and treatment may include manual lymphatic drainage, compression, multi-layer bandaging, limb volume measurements and self-management advice.
For more information, visit the Lymphoedema Treatment page.
Can I exercise after breast cancer treatment?
Yes. Exercise can be an important part of recovery following breast cancer treatment.
Your physiotherapy programme will be tailored to your current fitness, treatment history, symptoms and goals, helping you gradually and safely return to the activities you enjoy.
Is it too late to have physiotherapy if my treatment finished a long time ago?
No. It is never too late to seek help
If you are still experiencing pain, stiffness, restricted movement, scar tightness, swelling or difficulty returning to activities months or years after treatment, an assessment can help identify what may be contributing to your symptoms and whether physiotherapy could help.
Specialist Physiotherapy for Breast Cancer Recovery
Supporting you through your recovery
Whether you are preparing for breast cancer surgery, recovering from treatment or dealing with symptoms months or years later, you don't have to navigate the physical effects alone.
Book an appointment or get in touch if you'd like to discuss whether breast cancer rehabilitation at Embody in Newcastle could help you.