By: Charu Chopra, PT, DPT and Drea Renteria, PTA
Challenging news: 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.
Good news: Survival rates and outcomes have significantly improved due to improved screening and early detection, increased awareness, and continually advancing treatment options.
Cancer is a life-altering journey that extends beyond diagnosis and treatment. Breast cancer, in particular, brings unique challenges that require comprehensive, specialized care. This is where breast rehab becomes essential—helping patients regain control of their bodies and lives post-treatment. Let’s explore how breast rehab supports recovery and addresses both physical and emotional challenges along the way.
Understanding Breast Rehab
Breast rehab is not merely a follow-up to surgery or chemotherapy—it’s a personalized recovery process designed to restore quality of life. Spooner breast oncology specialists work to reintroduce movement and functionality while guiding patients back to the activities they love.
Patients receive a combination of individualized exercise and manual therapy interventions to restore range of motion, decrease swelling, and reduce pain. Breast oncology specialists work closely with patients to ensure they move better, feel better, and regain the confidence to take control of their health and daily routines.
The Critical Role of “Prehab”
“Prehab” refers to rehabilitation before any surgery or treatment, such as mastectomies, chemotherapy, or radiation. Early evaluations allow specialists to establish physical baselines and design individualized programs tailored to patients’ goals.
Prehab provides more than just exercises—it helps resolve questions, educates patients about what to expect, and ensures they feel comfortable with their care team. This preparatory phase plays a key role in reducing stress and empowering patients to approach treatment with confidence.
Managing the Impact of Lymphedema
Lymphedema is a common side effect of breast cancer treatment, affecting 40% of patients. This condition, characterized by fluid retention, swelling, and soft tissue restrictions, can be debilitating without early intervention.
Physical therapy focuses on:
- Normalizing limb size
- Reducing the risk of infections
- Improving strength, motor control, and posture
- Educating patients about prevention and management strategies
Therapists may use techniques like manual lymphatic drainage (MLD), compression garments, and gentle strengthening exercises to prevent or reduce swelling. Early detection and treatment are crucial for maintaining mobility and preventing long-term complications.
The following tips can minimize lymphedema risks:
- Avoid blood pressure checks or needle sticks on the affected side,
- Maintain a healthy weight,
- Wear compression garments during flights or heavy activities. (Keep in mind driving to higher altitudes also has same effect, so bring for the long car rides as well!)
What to Expect from Breast Rehab Specialists
Specialists offer care that goes beyond pain management and swelling reduction. Their goal is to help patients resume daily activities like driving, cooking, and dressing. Here’s how they address common side effects:
Upper Extremity Weakness
- Goal: Regain strength to perform daily tasks.
- Treatment: Gentle, progressive functional exercises without overloading the lymphatic system.
Pain
- Goal: Identify and treat the underlying cause of pain.
- Treatment: Techniques like scar tissue mobilization, joint mobilization, and lymphedema management.
Soft Tissue Restrictions
Mobility may become limited, with tightness developing around areas affected by surgery or radiation.
- Goal: Prevent over-healing and improve mobility.
- Treatment: Gentle scar tissue mobilization and progressive stretching to restore functional movement.
Fatigue and Decreased Energy Levels
- Goal: Improve cardiovascular endurance and energy levels.
- Treatment: Endurance exercises with regular monitoring of vitals.
Cording
Tight, rope-like bands form under the skin when lymphatic vessels become inflamed or scarred, limiting arm movement and causing discomfort.
- Goal: Eliminate tissue restrictions and improve lymphatic movement.
- Treatment: Manual friction massage, stretching, and pump massage, which may release tension with a noticeable “pop.”
Education, Support, and Practical Tips
Education is a powerful tool in recovery, and preparation is key! Preparing the home is essential, but what do you need?
Ergonomic items are great tools for healing from surgery. Things like:
- Mastectomy pillows
- Drainage pouches
- and zip up tops allow for more comfort post-surgery.
Be patient and give yourself grace!
The key to recovery is patience and taking it one day at a time. Healing takes time, and that’s completely normal—there are resources and support available if you ask. Moving slowly and being kind to yourself is essential. With the help of a breast rehab specialist, patients can gradually regain strength, mobility, and confidence, reclaiming not just physical health but a sense of normalcy and joy. Through personalized care and steady guidance, breast oncology specialists empower patients so they can move better, heal better, and thrive.
Learn more about how Spooner’s Oncology Rehabilitation can help support you or a loved one with their recovery from breast cancer. If you would like see Charu or Drea at Spooner South Mountain, schedule an appointment today!