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Navigating Breast Cancer with Physiotherapy: Enhancing Recovery and Quality of Life

It’s every woman’s nightmare. One day you’re ticking away at life, checking off life goals, finding yourself as a person. The next you’re entire life is flipped upside down. You’re all of a sudden a cancer patient. We hear about breast cancer all our lives. We all have someone close to us that went through the breast cancer journey, but we never thought it would be us.

According to Cancer Council Australia, breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer among Australian women, excluding non-melanoma skin cancers. It accounts for approximately 28% of all cancers in women, with around 17,000 new diagnoses each year. Statistically, one in eight women will face a breast cancer diagnosis by the age of 85.

While breast cancer can develop at any age, it is predominantly observed in women over 40. As if women over 40 don’t have enough on their plate!

Nearly 70% of cases are identified in women aged 40-69, and about 25% in women aged 70 and older. Though rare, breast cancer can also be diagnosed during pregnancy. So it pays to keep regularly self checking at all stages of life!

Additionally, around 150 men are diagnosed with breast cancer annually in Australia, most of whom are over 50. Man boobs go bad too!

Thankfully, the ongoing evolution in breast cancer management has significantly improved survival rates, due to advances in individualized treatments and earlier detection.

As more women (and men) survive breast cancer, there is an increasing focus on enhancing their overall quality of life through effective interventions.

As a physio, I play a crucial role in this rehabilitative journey, both during and after breast cancer treatment, by addressing a range of physical issues and contributing to holistic care. However most people don’t realize this or how effective it is to change their lives!

The management of breast cancer has seen remarkable progress, with improvements in individualized treatment plans and early detection contributing to better survival rates.

Today, breast cancer care involves an interprofessional team that includes oncologists, surgeons, radiation therapists, pathologists, and physiotherapists, among others.

Each professional contributes to a holistic treatment approach aimed at optimizing patient outcomes and quality of life.

What is a Physiotherapy’s Role in Breast Cancer Care

Physiotherapy is integral to both the treatment and rehabilitation phases of breast cancer care. From managing post-surgical recovery to addressing the long-term effects of cancer treatments, physiotherapists help patients navigate their journey with specialized interventions and support.

Below is 5 key roles we play in helping breast cancer sufferers and survivors in their life!

1. Post-Surgical Rehabilitation

Following breast cancer surgery, such as a mastectomy or lumpectomy, patients may experience a range of physical issues, including:

Decreased Upper Extremity Strength: Surgery can lead to weakness in the shoulder and arm, which physiotherapy can help address through targeted strengthening exercises.
Reduced Shoulder Mobility: Restricted movement is common after surgery. Physiotherapists use range-of-motion exercises to restore movement and prevent stiffness.
Scar Tightness and Pain: Scar tissue can limit mobility and cause discomfort. Techniques such as myofascial release and soft tissue mobilization are employed to improve tissue extensibility and alleviate pain.

2. Managing Lymphedema

Lymphedema, the swelling of the arm or chest area due to fluid buildup, is a common complication of breast cancer treatment. Effective management where a physiotherapist can help includes:

Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD): A specialized massage technique that helps reduce swelling by encouraging lymph fluid drainage.
Compression Therapy: The use of compression garments to help manage and prevent lymphedema.
Exercise: Gentle, regular exercise can promote fluid movement and reduce the risk of lymphedema.

3. Addressing Fatigue and Physical Activity

Cancer-related fatigue is a significant concern for many breast cancer survivors. Physiotherapists help combat this through:

Personalized Exercise Programs: Tailored aerobic and resistance training exercises to improve overall fitness, energy levels, and quality of life. Research supports the benefits of regular physical activity in enhancing physical functioning and reducing fatigue.
Behavioral Strategies: Techniques to help manage and conserve energy, ensuring that patients can engage in daily activities without overexertion.

4. Long-Term Management and Prevention

Long-term physiotherapy goals include:

Preventing Secondary Complications: Regular exercise and physical activity can help prevent secondary issues such as chronic pain and musculoskeletal disorders.
Promoting Healthy Lifestyle Choices: Encouraging ongoing physical activity, healthy nutrition, and weight management to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence and improve overall health.

Psychological and Emotional Support

The psychological impact of cancer treatment is profound. Physiotherapy provides:

Emotional Support: A therapeutic relationship that offers a space to discuss concerns and receive encouragement.
Motivational Strategies: Encouragement and goal-setting to help maintain a positive outlook and adhere to rehabilitation plans.

The Benefits of Physiotherapy in Breast Cancer Care

Physiotherapy offers numerous benefits to women undergoing and recovering from breast cancer treatment:

Improved Mobility and Strength: Tailored exercise programs help regain lost strength and flexibility, enhancing daily functioning.
Enhanced Quality of Life: Effective management of symptoms such as lymphedema and fatigue contributes to better overall well-being.

Support and Education: Physiotherapists provide valuable education on managing side effects, maintaining physical activity, and adopting healthy lifestyle choices.

The Importance of a Comprehensive Approach

Breast cancer care requires a coordinated approach involving multiple healthcare professionals. Our physiotherapists are crucial members of this team, working to address the physical challenges faced by breast cancer patients and survivors. By incorporating physiotherapy into the treatment plan, patients can experience improved outcomes, both physically and emotionally.

Conclusion

Navigating breast cancer treatment and recovery can feel like an overwhelming journey, one that flips your world upside down and leaves you grappling with uncertainty.

But you don’t have to face this alone.

As a physiotherapist dedicated to supporting breast cancer patients, I understand the unique challenges you’re experiencing—challenges that can leave you feeling isolated and uncertain about the path ahead.

My mission is to empower you through this journey, helping you regain not just your physical strength but also your confidence and sense of self. Together, we can create a tailored plan that addresses your specific needs, transforming your recovery experience into one of resilience and hope.

Remember, each step you take is a testament to your strength. If you or someone you love is navigating the complexities of breast cancer, I urge you to take action. Reach out to me today. Together, we can forge a path toward recovery that enhances your quality of life and restores your vitality. Let’s work together to turn this challenging chapter into a story of triumph and empowerment—you deserve nothing less!

Brenda Samosa

05:52 07 Nov 24

I had a really bad shoulder and had been seeing a different physio for 3 months (from a different place) I got told Tyson was good. After just a few sessions the movement was coming back. I’m 66 and was worried I would have to stop surfing. But with a lot of help from Tyson I’m back in the waves ( thank you so so much)

Cyana Ferguson

08:16 30 Oct 24

Steve Harris

22:33 15 Oct 24

Great team, all friendly, super helpful and first class clinical advice and a big shout out to my Physio Noah with my shoulder issue

Andrea Bell

05:33 19 Sep 24

These guys are the best in the biz 🎉

Ryan Brockett

04:20 18 Sep 24

Shout out to Max from fighting fit physio. He helped me out massively straight after shoulder surgery and back into work and sports in no time. Couldn’t recommend anyone better!

Scotty

08:31 31 Jul 24

Five star service from Max & the team!
Professional & very thorough, you know that patient outcomes are of the highest priority.
I highly recommend this business.

Riley Wilson

08:27 14 Jul 24

Be AWARE they’ll immediately try to commit you to multiple follow up sessions after your initial consultation. This happened to me and then I later found out that as it just so happens, they have a cancellation policy that says you have to pay 100% of the consultation fee for cancelling. They failed to tell me this when they were pushy in committing me to 6 sessions after my consult, so that was a really nice little surprise.

I was already uncomfortable with how pushy they were in having me commit to so many sessions, so when I heard about the policy I just cancelled all together. So, I can’t speak further to the quality of their service throughout therapy phase. FYI this was also a few months ago now, it’s possible (though unlikely) they may have changed the policy. Just ask the question.

Megan Shelley

06:51 03 May 24

Fighting Fit Physiotherapy is hands down the best physio I've encountered. Having tried multiple physios for various injuries, I always find myself coming back to them. Their expertise consistently exceeds expectations, helping me get back to my sport faster than I thought possible. Their personalized approach and attention to detail make all the difference. I could not recommend a better or more exceptional physio team!

Gina Matthews

08:41 24 Mar 23

Can't recommend this place high enough. I was in so much pain with my knee an had been for months through advise an exercises I'm now looking forward to returning to gym an back riding my horses in endurance thank you so much

Courtney Halse

01:36 29 Nov 22

Kyle was knowledgeable, personable and professional. He saw me through my second pregnancy and continued to work with me until 6 months post partum on issues with my back. Would recommend anyone to go and see him.

Also shout out to Georgia on the front desk. She makes you feel welcome and brings a sense of warmth to the place!

Alli Davenport

08:07 04 Nov 22

After hip replacement surgery in February I wanted toget back into weight training legs, I started with Mitch 18 weeks ago and after a lot of hard work and sweat I am able to safely train again, I cannot thank Mitch enough for his support,encouragement and knowledge. The staff are friendly and helpful and I always looked forward to my session's

Robert Parkinson

10:50 15 Aug 22

This is the second time I have been treated by the team at FFP.
As a health professional myself I have been impressed with the level of care I have received from all members of the team.
The personalised treatment and rehabilitation programs have produced excellent results and I have completed both programs pain free and feeling stronger than before my injuries.
During the program there was constant communication and follow up and they were very accommodating with my work schedule.
All in all it was a very holistic experience and I would highly recommend the service.

Kiri Canavan

07:30 08 Jun 22

Tyson was amazing! We came up with an 8 week plan at my first consultation with weekly check ins and updates to exercises. 8 weeks later, I am pain free and able to train harder than ever. Highly recommend and the staff are all fantastic and super accomodating!

Navigating Breast Cancer with Physiotherapy: Enhancing Recovery and Quality of Life