Breast Cancer Physical Therapy

If you’re experiencing any side effects from breast cancer treatment, I’m here to help you find relief.

Breast cancer and its treatments including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and hormonal therapy can cause a range of challenging physical and emotional side effects. While some of these effects may ease over time, most are long-lasting and can have a significant impact on your quality of life, function, and well-being. 

It’s important to know that you don’t have to simply “live with” these side effects.

Breast Cancer Physical Therapy can make a real difference and is proven to play an important role in your recovery from breast cancer, from diagnosis to survivorship. The goal of physical therapy during and after breast cancer treatments is to minimize your treatment-related side effects, so that your overall quality of life and well-being can be improved. 

Together, we can minimize your treatment-related side effects and improve your quality of life.

Breast Cancer Physical Therapy Can help with …

Arm and/or chest lymphedema

Decreased upper extremity strength

Cancer-Related Fatigue

Postural dysfunctions

Side effects of chemotherapy

Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy

Brain Fog

Joint stiffness

Pain

Scar tissue restrictions

Chest tightness

Decreased shoulder, neck and spine movement

Axillary Web Syndrome (Cording)

Radiation Fibrosis Syndrome 

Post surgery swelling

Post Mastectomy Pain Syndrome 

If you are experiencing ANY of these symptoms, I can help!

I can help you prepare, both physically and mentally, for your upcoming surgery and treatments, so that you can optimize your recovery.

During your initial appointment, I will perform a comprehensive assessment to establish your baseline movement, flexibility, strength, and arm circumferential measurements. After identifying your needs, we will work together towards optimizing your overall health with the use of:

  • Hands-on physical therapy

  • Targeted individualized exercises

  • Relaxation techniques

  • Breathwork

  • Lymphedema Risk Reduction Principles

Prior to your surgery, I will also provide you with key exercises to help you feel and move better after surgery. In addition to optimizing your physical health, your mental health is also my priority. I will provide you with evidence-based education to help you better prepare for your upcoming treatments.

Pre-Operative Therapy

I can help you overcome the physical side-effects of your treatments, so that you can improve your mobility, strength, independence, and quality of life during, after, and beyond breast cancer treatments.

After getting to know you and performing a comprehensive physical therapy assessment, we will develop an individualized treatment plan to address your unique needs and goals. Using an integrative whole-body treatment approach, your one-on-one treatment sessions may include a combination of:

  • Scar mobilization/massage 

  • Soft tissue mobilization techniques 

  • Myofascial release techniques

  • Lymphatic drainage massage

  • Breathwork and relaxation techniques 

  • Therapeutic exercises 

  • Education on self-care practices 

Whether you are undergoing active treatment or you completed your treatments years ago, I can help minimize your pain, improve your scar mobility, restore your posture and increase your mobility, flexibility and strength!

Breast Cancer Treatment & Beyond

Patient Testimonials

  • “I was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer in 2016. In 2018, I had surgery and opted for a double mastectomy with no reconstruction. Post surgery, I was experiencing a lot of pain, tightness in my shoulders and chest, as well as numbness and spasms in my hand on the cancer side. I thought it was something I would have to learn to live with, because when I spoke to my surgeon about the side-effects there was no real advice or help.

    I researched, and through social media I discovered that I didn’t need to learn to live with these side-effects. I found Amanda and she listened to all my issues and we have since worked on all of them. My quality of life is much improved and my discomfort has decreased. My shoulders are much improved, chest tightness as well. I am no longer having the spasms in my hand and the numbness only happens occasionally. I will admit to not being the best with doing my homework (lol) and still have great results. I have learnt that I need to move, and stretch and be active or the issues slowly return.

    The best part is that Amanda listens, works on figuring out the problems, and is always there for you. So many people are not aware that physiotherapy post breast surgery can help your recovery. I wish I would have known all this before my surgery, so I could have prepared my body before, so I would have been set up for success and a speedy recovery after.”

    — Megan, 49

  • “After a double mastectomy with reconstruction for stage 2 breast cancer I was sent home from the hospital with no mention of exercise, physiotherapy or any of the side effects that I may experience. Thank goodness I found Amanda! She helped me through a very painful cord and scar tissue restrictions.

    There is a lot of work to be put in after surgery to get back to “normal”. With her help every step of the way, I was able to calm my worries, heal and learn how to identify any aches and pains that come along after breast surgery. I learned through Amanda about lymphedema and what to watch out for and how to get back to exercise safely with my worry about lymphedema.

    I tell everyone I know who is going through this journey, that rehabilitation is one of the most important parts of your physical healing. I’m 2 years post surgery and have regained 99% of my mobility and feel great.”

    — Caroline, 43

  • "When I was first diagnosed with breast cancer, I had no idea what kind of side effects I might have to deal with in the future, as a result of surgery and treatment. Given that multiple lymph nodes were removed during surgery, I was suddenly at risk for lymphedema and was dealing with limitations to my arm that were quite distressing. As someone who vowed to be more active going forward, it was a bit of a dilemma!

    Thankfully, I was introduced to Amanda and together we have worked on moving and exercising my arm in such a way as to alleviate pain and swelling, allow for better range of movement and last but not least, give me the confidence I need to continue my activities and to try new ones! Amanda’s approach is very proactive and I have benefitted greatly from her knowledge and openness. She goes above and beyond for her patients and it is obvious that our successes become her successes. We are very fortunate to have such a dedicated and ambitious young woman working towards making our lives after breast cancer better!"

    — Stephanie, 50

  • “After my bilateral mastectomy, I followed the post-surgery exercise program as suggested, hoping for a prompt and full recovery. Despite my efforts, the procedure left me with some numbness, tightness and discomfort in my shoulders, arms and chest area, which interfered with my range of motion and my day-to-day activities.

    I decided to consult Amanda. From my first visit, not only was I encouraged by the suggestion that my condition could be temporary and possibly improved, the tightness and pulling in my chest and arms got some much-needed relief. By communicating and working with Amanda, my recovery has been progressive. The treatments I receive during my appointments and the exercise plan I follow between visits have been successful in improving my condition. Regaining my physical abilities and returning to my daily activities without pain or discomfort, I now consider an achievable goal.

    Cancer challenges us emotionally, mentally and physically. Healing begins when we nurture all 3 components. By seeking specialized services that can support us in some of our needs, recovery can be facilitated and an overall sense of well-being attained.“

    — Louise, 54

  • “A few months after I was diagnosed with breast cancer, I developed lymphedema in my arm. I was frustrated and annoyed ... more limitations coming my way. I was constantly having to choose between doing activities with my family/friends and knowing that the very next day I would be on the couch in agony or staying home « safely » but feeling isolated from my loved ones. I was missing out on life!!!! I tried hard to balance both, but this was no long-term solution.

    I started seeing Amanda in hopes that she could give me a little relief when it came to my aching arm/shoulder and my many other side-effects. I was making regular appointments and saw an incredible improvement in my mobility and my pain management. She taught me about the importance of daily stretches, self-care, exercises tailored to my needs and complex lymphatic therapy.

    All of that was key to me finding that “new normal” life. I am now able to enjoy a lot of the activities I use to do prior to having cancer. What brings me comfort is knowing that I can do something about my condition and side-effects. I can help myself! I no longer have to suffer and feel limited on a daily basis. Thank you Amanda for all the knowledge you gave me!”

    — Natalia, 37

 Frequently Asked Questions

  • If you are experiencing any side-effects from your cancer treatments, then breast cancer rehabilitation can help! If you are still unsure as to whether or not cancer rehabilitation is right for you, do not hesitate to schedule a discovery call with me. I’d be happy to answer any of your questions!

  • Breast cancer rehabilitation helps those touched by breast cancer to maximize their physical, social and emotional well-being both during and after cancer treatments, through the use of a variety of rehabilitation interventions and exercise. It includes a wide range of hand-on therapies focused on minimizing or resolving the side effects associated with breast cancer and its treatment. The goal of cancer rehabilitation is to increase one’s function, independence, well-being and overall quality of life.

  • A common misconception is that breast cancer rehabilitation is the same as an exercise program.

    While exercise is an integral component of breast cancer rehabilitation, hands-on physical therapy interventions are equally as important when it comes to helping you to move and feel better during every stage of your breast cancer journey. So I always use a combination of therapeutic exercises and hands-on therapy during my sessions.

  • All physical therapists are trained to restore range of motion, flexibility, strength and reduce pain with the use of a variety of hands-on techniques. However typically orthopedic and sports physical therapists usually do not have a thorough understanding of breast cancer treatments and the array of potential physical side-effects that you may experience.

    A physical therapist specialized in breast cancer rehabilitation has extensive knowledge on cancer-related side effects and knows exactly how to help you safely manage and overcome those side-effects.

    In addition, when treating a patient who is actively undergoing cancer treatments, specific precautions need to be taken into consideration by the therapist when it comes to performing hands-on therapy and prescribing therapeutic exercises to ensure safety.

  • No, definitely not! Physical therapy plays a vital role during the entire continuum of cancer care. In fact, there is considerable evidence supporting the safety and efficacy of physical therapy during chemotherapy and radiation therapy. While the goals of therapy will vary depending on your stage of treatment, we will always individualize your physical therapy treatments.

  • It is never too late to consult in physical therapy! Even if you completed your treatments years ago, together we can still improve your side effects, daily function and quality of life.

  • No! Physical therapy is a direct access service - meaning you can be evaluated and treated by a physical therapist without a prescription or referral from your doctor.

    Keep in mind that some insurance plans require pre-authorization for follow up visits. If this is the case, after our initial consultation I will submit paperwork to your insurance company to get approval for more additional visits. If you're unsure about your insurance requirements, don’t hesitate to reach out to me, I’d be happy to help.

  • I am licensed in the state of New York and in the province of Quebec.