About Amanda Grilli
Hi, I’m Amanda!
I’m an Oncology Physical Therapist, Certified Lymphedema Therapist, and Certified Cancer Coach, devoted to helping those affected by breast cancer to reclaim their strength, identity, and quality of life during, after, and beyond breast cancer.
Before becoming a Physical Therapist, I worked as a surgical coordinator at a breast cancer clinic in Montreal. It was during my time there that I witnessed the profound side effects associated with breast cancer and its treatments. I unfortunately saw individuals suffering from a loss of mobility, strength, and independence, all of which negatively impacted their well-being and daily function. Moved by their stories, I promptly returned to school to pursue another degree, a degree in Physical Therapy with a special focus in Breast Cancer Rehabilitation, to better serve and support those affected by breast cancer.
Today, with over 10 years of experience working in cancer care, I have an intimate knowledge of cancer treatments and the unique recovery process. As a Physical Therapist with expertise in Breast Cancer Rehabilitation, I use a whole-body treatment approach, combining specialized hands-on therapy, individualized therapeutic exercises, and education to help my patients overcome their cancer-related side effects and maximize their physical and emotional well-being during and after breast cancer.
As a Certified Lymphedema Therapist, I safely and effectively treat lymphedema using the gold standard management, Complete Decongestive Therapy. I also help those at risk of developing lymphedema to optimize their lymphatic health and reduce their risk of developing this chronic condition.
To further support the breast cancer community, I also became a Certified Cancer Coach. As a coach, I partner closely with those by affected breast cancer, by providing personalized guidance, knowledge, and tools to help them achieve their health and wellness goals beyond physical rehabilitation.
This work is not just my profession; it's my passion, and I'm truly grateful for the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of those affected by breast cancer.
Seeing my patients being able to get back to doing what they love is ultimately what drives my passion for the field, and pushes me to improve the quality of my patient care. The best part of my job is celebrating YOUR wins!
Beyond Patient Care
Over the years as a therapist, I’ve witnessed how challenging it can be for individuals affected by breast cancer to access essential cancer care, such as Breast Cancer Rehabilitation. Thus, I have also devoted my career to making Breast Cancer Rehabilitation more accessible, in hopes of ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to improve their quality of life during and after cancer treatments.
To address the geographical barrier to care within my hometown, from 2016 to 2019, I spearheaded and developed a multidisciplinary cancer rehabilitation program across 16 private Physical Therapy Practices in Montreal, Canada. To do so, I led the development of a comprehensive two-year cancer rehabilitation curriculum to train physical and occupational therapists in specialized cancer care.
In 2019, I was appointed to the executive board of the Oncology Division at the Canadian Physiotherapy Association (CPA) as Communications Lead. It is a role that allows me to advocate for the profession of physiotherapy within the continuum of cancer care and to further promote the importance of Breast Cancer Rehabilitation.
After recognizing a widespread lack of information around managing cancer treatment side effects, I launched my social media platforms in 2020. Over the years, I've encountered countless individuals who felt uninformed about managing their cancer-related side effects, often suffering in silence due to the misconception that nothing could be done for their challenges. By sharing evidence-based resources, education, and exercises on social media, I aim to empower the breast cancer community with knowledge and support.
Beyond direct patient care, I’m also a clinical instructor and guest speaker. I’ve developed and taught oncology continuing education courses for physical and occupational therapists, and I’ve given numerous workshops for the breast cancer community—equipping patients with the tools and knowledge to improve their recovery. Today, I also help fellow cancer rehabilitation therapists to grow their practices and treatment strategies, so we can collectively better serve the community.
Most recently, I founded Well Beyond Breast Cancer, one of the first 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations dedicated to improving the quality of life of the breast cancer community by expanding access to Breast Cancer Rehabilitation and Lymphedema Therapy. Our vision is simple: to ensure that everyone, regardless of race, age, educational background, and income, has access to essential breast cancer care.
Through our Financial Assistance Program, we strive to eliminate financial barriers to accessing Breast Cancer Rehabilitation, by funding appointments of Breast Cancer Rehabilitation for those who are uninsured and underinsured. To learn more about our organization or to get involved, please visit www.wellbeyondbreastcancer.org.
Interested in working together?
Schedule a FREE discovery call with me today to learn more.