Post-Mastectomy Physiotherapy: What to Expect and How It Helps
Breast cancer is a journey that no woman should have to face alone. After undergoing a mastectomy, the path to recovery can be both physically and emotionally challenging. Post-mastectomy physiotherapy offers a vital support system during this crucial time, helping women regain strength, mobility, and confidence.
In this blog post, we’ll explore what post-mastectomy physiotherapy entails, what you can expect during your sessions, and how it can significantly aid in your recovery.
Understanding the Impact of Mastectomy
A mastectomy, whether partial or complete, is a life-saving procedure that removes breast tissue to treat or prevent breast cancer. However, it often leaves women with a range of physical challenges, including:
Limited shoulder and arm mobility: Scar tissue and surgical trauma can restrict movement.
Lymphoedema: The removal of lymph nodes may place us at risk lymphodema which is a buildup of lymphatic fluid and causes swelling in the arm.
Pain and discomfort: Tissues can take time to recover and scar tissue may cause persisting pain.
Fatigue: After an operation under general anaesthetic alongside cancer treatment can lead to fatigue.
These challenges can significantly impact your quality of life, making it difficult to perform everyday activities. This is where post-mastectomy physiotherapy comes into play.
What to Expect During Post-Mastectomy Physiotherapy
1. Initial Assessment
Your first physiotherapy session will involve a thorough assessment. The physiotherapist will review your medical history, understand your surgery details, and discuss your current symptoms and goals. This assessment helps create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
2. Gentle Exercises to Restore Mobility
Early in your recovery, your physiotherapist will guide you through gentle exercises to restore mobility in your shoulder and arm. These exercises are designed to gradually improve your range of motion without causing discomfort.
3. Scar Tissue Management
Scar tissue can limit mobility and cause pain. Physiotherapists use specialised techniques, such as massage and stretching, to reduce scar tissue build-up and promote healing. These methods help to soften the scar tissue, improve elasticity, and reduce any tightness you may feel.
4. Lymphedema Management
At Kin Physio, we are trained to help get you started on getle lymphatic massage. However, in the presence of lymphoedema we would always recommend a review with a lymphatic trained specialist.
5. Pain Management Techniques
Your physiotherapist will work with you to manage pain through various techniques, including manual therapy, gentle stretching, and possibly modalities such as cold therapy. These approaches aim to alleviate discomfort and promote relaxation.
6. Strength and Conditioning
As you progress, your physiotherapist will introduce exercises to strengthen your muscles and improve your overall conditioning. This stage is crucial for restoring function and ensuring you regain your ability to perform daily tasks without strain.
7. Emotional and Psychological Support
Recovering from a mastectomy is not just about physical healing; it’s also an emotional journey. Your physiotherapist is there to support you through this process, offering encouragement and helping you build confidence to help you feel more comfortable in your skin.
How Post-Mastectomy Physiotherapy Helps
1. Aids Recovery
Physiotherapy helps the healing process by addressing physical limitations early on. With guided exercises and treatments, we hope you’ll experience a quicker return to normal activities.
2. Improved Mobility and Strength
By targeting areas affected by surgery, physiotherapy helps restore mobility and rebuild strength, allowing you to move more freely and with less pain.
3. Lymphedema Prevention and Management
With early intervention, physiotherapy can help prevent or manage lymphedema, reducing the risk of long-term complications.
4. Pain Reduction
Through tailored treatments, physiotherapy helps alleviate pain, making your recovery more comfortable and less stressful.
5. Enhanced Quality of Life
By regaining mobility, strength, and confidence, you’ll find it easier to resume your daily routine, improving your overall quality of life.
Why Choose Our Women's Health Physiotherapy Services?
At Kin Physio, we understand the unique challenges women face after a mastectomy. Jessie is dedicated to providing compassionate, personalised care that addresses both your physical and emotional needs.
We offer a warm and supportive environment where you can focus on your recovery. Our goal is to help you not just recover, but thrive, empowering you to regain control over your health and well-being.
Ready to Begin Your Recovery Journey?
If you’re preparing for or recovering from a mastectomy, don’t face it alone. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn how our post-mastectomy physiotherapy services can help you heal, restore, and regain your strength.
Call us at (03) 5278 1121 or book online to take the first step towards your recovery.
