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Breast Cancer Recovery: How a Cancer Rehab Physio Can Help

13 October 2019•3 min read

Most of us know someone who has suffered from breast cancer as it is one of the most common forms of cancers in Australia.

With advanced medicine there are really great treatments with fantastic outcomes now.

People are more likely to diagnose and treat breast cancer early with screening processes which helps with quicker recovery times.

To help someone diagnosed with breast cancer treatment involves a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and or hormone therapy which have their own side effects

Side Effects From Chemotherapy And Radiation

Fatigue and tiredness
Flu-like symptoms
Muscle pains and aches
Mouth, gum, and throat sores
Gastrointestinal problems
Skin Changes
Weight Changes
Hair Loss
Deconditioning from surgery
Loss on movement and pain around surgical site

How May A Cancer Trained Physiotherapist Help Me?

It’s important that you get the support you deserve from close friends, family and your medical and allied health team.

Your cancer physiotherapist can help overcome specific conditions related to your breast cancer treatments and help manage side effects.

Some specific conditions include

AWS (cording)
Post op issues such as joint and muscles inflammation, range of motion limitations and pain
Scar thickening
CIPN (chemo induced peripheral neuropathy)
Muscle deconditioning
Shoulder bursitis
Compensatory injuries and postural pain
Rotator cuff dysfunction
Shoulder girdle pain
Pelvic floor dysfunction and weakness
Abdominal wall weakness
Fatigue conditions
Upper and Low back pain

What Will Physiotherapy Consultations Involve

Your sessions with the physio will involve a personalised approach with your goals in mind.

Whether this is getting back to work, returning to sport or just being able to dress yourself without pain around your cancer site.

Your physio will be able to help you overcome this with 1:1 sessions.

They will be able to help with

Regaining strength, flexibility, range of motion and confidence in their body
Improve fatigue, core strength and posture
Help ease pain and muscular tension
Teach you what exercises they can do to enhance your own recovery after surgery and prevent long term problems
Help increase energy levels during and after cancer treatments
Provide an individualized, safe training program to improve their general health and fitness and help them achieve personal health goals.

What To Expect On Your First Visit With Your Cancer Trained Physio?

In your first session, you can expect to be greeted by your friendly physio.

They will ask you some more questions about

The type of cancer you have
Current/ past treatments i.e. chemo or radiation
Side effects and medication
If you have had surgery
Your sleep pattern and fatigue
Your activity levels
If you are working and how this affects your work day
Any aches or pains caused by either surgery, your cancer or medications
Your goals that you want to work towards

After this your physio may do one or a combination of

Hands on treatment to get your pain levels down (i.e. massage and mobilisations)
Scar release and stretching movements to help post surgery
Advice on sleeping, managing fatigue, activity modifications
Education on managing side effects from cancer treatments
Specific exercises to help your condition including stretches for pain relief
Reformer or home pilates

It is never too early or late to start working with a cancer trained physio who will be able to help you return to doing the things you love.

oncology physiotherapist

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