After the life-saving treatments of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation for breast cancer, many patients are told they are “good to go.” Yet, survivors may have pain, reduced shoulder mobility, questions on returning to exercise and sport, arm swelling, and fatigue. Physical therapists with special training in breast cancer recovery are so helpful in long-term wellness and recovery.
Breast cancer affects not just your physical health but also your emotional and psychological well-being. Treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation are lifesaving. While those interventions are crucial for eradicating cancer, they can lead to various side effects and limit your ability to do the things you love. Surgery, chemo, and radiation can result in pain, decreased mobility, fatigue, and emotional distress. These interventions can also result in less common, but debilitating things, like axillary web syndrome, frozen shoulder, lymphedema, or nerve pain. These less common, but debilitating consequences, can occur right after treatment… or even a decade after. Often your surgeon and oncologist say you are “discharged,” but you may be left with these unintended consequences that limit your quality of life. Thankfully, there are specially trained physical therapists who understand cancer, the various treatments, and rehabilitation!
Understanding the Impact of Breast Cancer Treatment
Surgical Interventions
Surgery for breast cancer, whether it’s a lumpectomy, mastectomy, or axillary lymph node dissection, can result in physical limitations. Patients may experience:
Pain and discomfort: Surgical sites can be sensitive, leading to discomfort that may hinder movement.
Reduced mobility: The range of motion in the shoulder and upper body may be diminished post-surgery.
Swelling and lymphedema: Removal or radiation of lymph nodes can lead to fluid buildup which can cause a sensation of heaviness or swelling in the affected arm, axillary region, or chest.
Axillary Web Syndrome: This can occur after surgery for breast cancer and is frequently described as a cord that develops underneath your armpit and can travel down into the arm. This can create pain and restrict your shoulder range of motion, particularly overhead mobility.
Chemotherapy and Radiation
While chemotherapy and radiation are effective in targeting cancer cells, they can also bring about additional challenges, including:
Fatigue: Many patients experience chemotherapy-induced fatigue, which can affect daily activities.
Changes in strength: Muscle weakness and loss of endurance are common side effects.
Psychosocial impacts: The emotional toll of cancer treatment can also exacerbate physical symptoms.
Radiation can result in fibrosis or hardening of the tissues. The effects of radiation continue for 1-2 years after treatment is complete, which can limit chest wall and shoulder mobility.
Neuropathy: frustrating and painful nerve pain or numbness can occur after chemo or radiation in some survivors
Given these challenges, physical therapy emerges as a critical component in the overall treatment plan for breast cancer patients.
Benefits of Physical Therapy for Breast Cancer Patients
Pain Management
Physical therapists utilize specific techniques such as manual therapy, massage, and stretching exercises to help alleviate pain. Hands-on techniques can enhance comfort and improve mobility, enabling patients to engage more fully in their daily lives.
Restoration of Mobility
Post-surgical rehabilitation often focuses on restoring the range of motion in the shoulder and upper body. Physical therapists provide exercises tailored to the individual’s needs, helping to regain strength and flexibility. This is especially important for preventing complications like frozen shoulder, which can emerge after surgery.
Lymphedema Management
Lymphedema, a common side effect of breast cancer treatment affecting approximately 20% of those with axillary node dissection, can significantly impact a patient’s quality of life. Physical therapists who specialize in lymphedema management can educate patients on self-care techniques, tailor garment wear and perform manual lymphatic drainage to help reduce swelling and improve function.
Strengthening and Conditioning
As patients progress through the recovery process, physical therapy can help them rebuild their strength and endurance. Customized exercise programs can facilitate improved fitness levels, enhance overall well-being, and reduce cancer-related fatigue. Old advice after surgery was to not use your arm in a taxing way including avoiding weight lifting. However, newer research shows the benefits of strengthening your upper body– even after breast cancer treatment. Our therapists customize your strengthening training in a progressive way to avoid the risk of lymphatic overload.
Psychological Support
Physical therapy is not just about physical rehabilitation; it also addresses emotional well-being. Engaging in physical activity has been shown to alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression. Patients often report feeling more empowered and positive as they reclaim control over their bodies through movement.
Developing a Personalized Physical Therapy Plan
If you or a loved one is navigating a breast cancer journey, consider integrating physical therapy into your recovery process. Here’s how to get started:
Come see us!
We perform an initial assessment to evaluate your physical abilities, limitations, and individual needs. This assessment will lay the groundwork for your personalized treatment plan.
Set Goals: Work together to set attainable goals. This could include improving range of motion, reducing pain, enhancing overall strength, and eventually returning to the activities you love like pickleball, lifting kiddos, golf, tennis, weight lifting and carrying groceries.
Stay Consistent: Consistency is key to seeing improvement. Attend your sessions regularly, and follow through with any home exercise programs your therapist prescribes.
Communicate: Keep an open line of communication with your physical therapist about what is or isn’t working for you. Adjustments can be made to ensure you’re getting the most out of your sessions.
Not just surviving, but THRIVING is what we are all about at RVA Holistic PT. Returning to picking up kids and grandkids, swinging a tennis racket or golf club, and lifting weights are not only doable but completely our goal for you.
In conclusion, physical therapy offers a holistic approach to recovering from breast cancer, addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of healing. By engaging in a structured rehabilitation program, patients can regain their strength, mobility, and confidence following treatment. As always, it's crucial to consult healthcare professionals for the best-individualized care plans to ensure that each patient has access to the resources they need for recovery and well-being.
If you’re a breast cancer survivor or currently undergoing treatment, consider reaching out to a physical therapist who specializes in oncology rehabilitation. Your journey to recovery is unique, and with the right support, you can reclaim your life and thrive.
Dieli-Conwright, C. M., & Orozco, B. Z. (2015). Exercise after breast cancer treatment: current perspectives. Breast Cancer: Targets and Therapy, 7, 353–362. https://doi.org/10.2147/BCTT.S82039
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