Participating in the National Breast Cancer Foundation’s 58 Squat challenge last month has given me cause to reflect on my experiences around cancer.
My mum was diagnosed with breast cancer and went through a rollercoaster of treatment and recovery. She is now a fit and active 77-year-old who has been in remission for 13 years. When I asked her to join me in the daily 58 squat challenge this March to raise money and awareness, she did not hesitate. Mum epitomizes what it means to have a good health span, not just a life span.
A diagnosis like cancer is a time for reflection about what has gone before, and a way for those people to project what they want from the rest of their lives. Having a health crisis is, in fact, a really good opportunity and motivator for change to ensure that the rest of your life is full of health.
I often see the sequelae of cancer treatment play out in my clinic. I see many men diagnosed with prostate cancer and have the privilege of working with them before surgery in preparation and afterwards. We have significant evidence to show that pre-surgical physiotherapy for the pelvic floor can reduce the common side effect of urinary leakage afterwards and reduce its duration. We also know that pelvic floor exercises are vital in regaining penile health and erectile function, which is also commonly affected after prostate surgery.
I also see women who have had gynaecological cancer and the grief and vulnerability that it brings in knowing that your reproductive years are over. Together with the symptoms of surgical or medical menopause that hit so suddenly that women find it incredibly difficult to adjust.
And, of course, this is like the breast cancer story. With 58 women diagnosed daily in Australia, there is a massive adjustment following treatment, whether it be surgery, chemotherapy or radiation. The sequelae can be many and long-lasting. It is pretty standard for me to see women quite far along their cancer journey. A woman’s focus early on is getting rid of the cancer and immediate post-op/chemo recovery. They have done all the things suggested; however, their quality of life is often impacted. They feel relief to have survived but often feel dismissed when talking with their care providers to raise seemingly trivial issues like diminished sexual functioning or pain with sex. Pre-existing conditions that were tolerable, like urinary leakage or constipation, have accelerated or changed. In these circumstances, quality healthcare is vital.
Pelvic health physiotherapy around cancer isn’t just about the pelvic floor. It is looking at the person as whole and addressing their goals. Ultimately, we want people to have an excellent quality of life. This may be in addressing fitness and weight or managing stress, sleep and fatigue along with treating other conditions which are limiting their recovery. At Evolve, we take the time to listen to the whole story.
I hope you find the following information about Breast Cancer recovery useful. I will post another, more in depth, blog surrounding prostate cancer and surgery in the future.
Breast Cancer Recovery: How Women’s Health Physiotherapy Can Help
Breast cancer treatment is a challenging journey that affects not just the breasts but the entire body, including mobility, strength, posture, and even sexual health. While surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation play crucial roles in eliminating cancer, they can also cause side effects that impact daily function and well-being. This is where women’s health physiotherapy becomes a key part of recovery—helping women regain movement, reduce pain, manage lymphedema, and improve quality of life after breast cancer treatment.
The Role of Women’s Health Physiotherapy in Breast Cancer Recovery
Physiotherapy plays an essential role in post-breast cancer care by addressing the physical and functional limitations that can arise from treatment. Women’s health physiotherapists specialize in areas such as post-surgical rehabilitation, lymphedema management, pelvic floor health, and overall well-being, ensuring that patients regain confidence and control over their bodies.
Common Challenges After Breast Cancer Treatment & How Physiotherapy Helps
a) Post-Surgical Recovery & Scar Management
Breast cancer surgery—whether it be a mastectomy, lumpectomy, or lymph node removal—can leave women with restricted shoulder movement, chest tightness, and scar adhesions. Without proper rehabilitation, these issues can persist, leading to long-term stiffness and pain.
How physiotherapy helps:
- Shoulder and upper limb mobility exercises to restore full movement
- Scar tissue massage and myofascial release to improve flexibility and prevent adhesions
- Posture correction techniques to reduce compensatory pain
b) Lymphedema Prevention & Management
Lymphedema is a common side effect when lymph nodes are removed or damaged during treatment. This leads to fluid buildup, causing swelling in the arms, chest, or breast area.
How physiotherapy helps:
- Manual lymphatic drainage therapy to reduce fluid retention
- Compression garment education to manage swelling effectively
- Gentle exercise programs to encourage proper lymphatic flow
c) Managing Pain & Stiffness
Breast cancer treatments can lead to chronic pain, nerve irritation, and muscle tightness. Radiation therapy, in particular, may cause fibrosis, leading to discomfort in the chest wall and shoulders.
How physiotherapy helps:
- Soft tissue release and stretching exercises to relieve muscle tension
- Guided relaxation techniques to manage nerve pain
- Strength training to rebuild endurance and reduce postural strain
d) Restoring Strength, Fitness & Reducing Fatigue
Cancer treatment can cause profound fatigue, weakness, and muscle loss, making it challenging to return to daily activities.
How physiotherapy helps:
- Supervised strength training programs to rebuild lost muscle
- Pilates and core stability exercises to improve posture and balance
- Gradual return-to-exercise programs to increase energy levels safely
Sexual Health & Changes Associated with Low Oestrogen States
Many women undergoing breast cancer treatment experience a chemically induced menopause due to chemotherapy, hormone-blocking medications (such as Tamoxifen or Aromatase Inhibitors), or ovarian suppression therapy. The resulting drop in oestrogen leads to significant changes in sexual health and pelvic function, including:
- Vaginal dryness, irritation, and pain (atrophic vaginitis)
- Painful intercourse (dyspareunia) due to tissue thinning and reduced lubrication
- Pelvic floor dysfunction, including muscle tightness or weakness
- Urinary symptoms, such as urgency, frequency, and incontinence
- Loss of libido and changes in sexual response
How women’s health physiotherapy helps:
- Pelvic floor physiotherapy to address muscle tightness or weakness contributing to discomfort
- Education on vaginal moisturizers & lubricants to enhance comfort during intimacy
- Gentle stretching & relaxation techniques for the pelvic floor muscles
- Bladder training strategies to address urinary issues
- Guidance on resuming sexual activity in a comfortable and supported way
By addressing these changes with a physiotherapy-led approach, women can regain confidence in their bodies and improve their sexual and pelvic health after treatment.
Mental & Emotional Well-being in Breast Cancer Recovery
Recovering from breast cancer is not just about the physical body; the emotional and psychological effects are just as significant. Many women struggle with body image changes, anxiety, and the fear of cancer recurrence. Physiotherapy offers a safe and supportive space to help women regain trust in their bodies and encourage movement without fear.
How physiotherapy helps:
- Mindful movement practices, such as yoga and breathwork, to reduce stress
- Education on safe exercise to rebuild confidence
- Personalized rehabilitation plans tailored to individual needs and concerns
Returning to Daily Life & Exercise
Many women are unsure when and how to return to normal activities after breast cancer treatment. A structured rehabilitation plan ensures a safe and gradual return to work, hobbies, and fitness routines.
Key steps in returning to daily life:
- Start with gentle mobility exercises to ease stiffness
- Progress to low-impact strength training to rebuild endurance
- Incorporate core strengthening & postural training to prevent back and shoulder issues
- Gradually increase cardiovascular activity to restore overall fitness
Final Thoughts: Empowering Women Through Physiotherapy
Women’s health physiotherapy plays a vital role in breast cancer recovery, addressing pain, mobility, strength, sexual health, and emotional well-being. By incorporating physiotherapy into post-treatment care, women can regain independence, improve their quality of life, and feel empowered in their healing journey.
If you or someone you know is recovering from cancer, a consultation with a women’s health physiotherapist can make a significant difference. The right guidance, support, and treatment plan can help you feel stronger, more confident, and in control of your body once again.
Would you like to book a physiotherapy consultation for your breast cancer recovery? Contact Evolve Physio & Pelvic Health at 08 9943 8095 to get started.
Coping with Mental Health Challenges During Breast Cancer Treatment – Rutherford Source. https://rutherfordsource.com/coping-with-mental-health-challenges-during-breast-cancer-treatment/
cancer hospitals andhra pradesh. https://www.mgcancerhospital.com/physical-and-rehabilitation-services/
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