How Physical Therapy Can Help Breast Cancer Survivors After A Mastectomy
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to honor those who have experienced a breast cancer diagnosis, raise awareness about the importance of early detection, and support ongoing research for a cure.
Breast cancer survivors are warriors and their journey doesn’t end with the last chemo session or the final surgery. In fact, many women find themselves facing new and unexpected challenges as they begin walking down the path of recovery. While most treatments for breast cancer will require intentional healing and rehabilitation, this article will focus on recovering from a mastectomy and how physical therapy can play an integral role in helping women physically and emotionally return to their bodies after such a major transition.
HEALING AFTER A MASTECTOMY AND THE BIOPSYCHOSOCIAL APPROACH
A mastectomy, in which all or nearly all of a person’s breast tissue is removed, is a major surgery that is incredibly demanding both physically and psychologically. As you can imagine, many patients entering survivorship after a mastectomy can feel a deep sense of protectiveness over the "injured" part of their body. While this emotional defense mechanism may be understandable given the circumstances, the physical results can be anything but desirable, often translating into poor posture, decreased mobility, and worse overall physical outcomes in the long run.
Our very own Empower Admin, Peyton, was diagnosed with breast cancer at just 29 years old and shares these words about her post-mastectomy experience:
“I remember feeling like I wanted to treat my chest like a baby even after it had ‘healed’ because that part of my body felt so deeply vulnerable. It wasn’t just a physical transition–it was also a process of becoming emotionally reacquainted with a piece of myself that felt and looked completely different. Physical therapy was an important part of my recovery and I’ve heard from so many other survivors that this was also true for them. At a point when you suddenly don’t know the landscape of your body anymore, a physical therapist is there to help you understand how to love, move, and be in your body again. That is incredibly powerful and something not often talked about in the medical setting.”
Because moving forward after a mastectomy involves restoring balance not only on a physical level but on the emotional and psychological levels as well, utilizing the biopsychosocial approach and weaving all of these aspects into the healing process is important as we recognize that the body, mind, and social environment all play a role in recovery.
Here are some holistic strategies to support your healing journey.
PRACTICE DIAPHRAGMATIC BREATHING
One powerful tool for calming the nervous system is diaphragmatic breathing. Deep, intentional breaths stimulate the vagus nerve, activating the parasympathetic nervous system, also known as the "rest and digest" response. This helps counteract stress and promotes a sense of relaxation, which can be crucial during recovery. Simply taking a few minutes each day to focus on deep belly breathing can help regulate your stress responses and support both physical and emotional healing.
BE AWARE OF YOUR POSTURE
Postural awareness is another key component of recovery. After surgery, it's natural to want to protect the healing area by hunching forward or cradling your arm. While this may offer temporary comfort, poor posture over time can lead to discomfort and even emotional effects. Standing tall with an open chest, often referred to as the "power stance," can help shift your mindset. By positioning yourself in a way that communicates confidence, you may start to feel more empowered and connected to your body during recovery.
BE KIND TO YOUR BODY
It may sound unconventional, but talking to your body with kindness and gratitude can positively impact your healing. Surgery can leave you feeling disconnected from your body, and it’s important to rebuild that relationship. Speaking lovingly to yourself—thanking your body for its resilience and healing capacity—can help foster a sense of self-compassion during this vulnerable time. Over time, this practice can shift your internal dialogue and promote emotional healing alongside physical recovery.
JOURNAL YOUR THOUGHTS
For many, journaling offers an outlet to process complex emotions that arise post-surgery. Whether it's grief, fear, anger, or even relief, writing down your thoughts can help you make sense of these emotions and track your progress. Setting aside a few minutes each day to journal can offer clarity and serve as a therapeutic release, helping you emotionally navigate this significant life event.
SURROUND YOURSELF WITH SUPPORT
Finally, it’s important to remember that you don't have to go through this alone. Talking to someone or joining a support group can provide the connection and understanding that is so crucial during recovery. Whether it’s friends, family, or a group of individuals who have gone through similar experiences, finding support can help you feel less isolated and more empowered. If you’re not ready for in-person meetings, online communities can also offer a safe space to share your story and gain insights from others.
RECEIVE PHYSICAL SUPPORT AND GUIDANCE
Combining both emotional and physical approaches to healing can significantly improve overall well-being, helping you regain your range of motion and reduce discomfort. Going to physical therapy can help to restore strength, mobility, body confidence and help you reconnect with your body in a positive way. These are some of the ways physical therapy can help after a mastectomy:
HOW PHYSICAL THERAPY CAN HELP AFTER A MASTECTOMY
REGAINING RANGE OF MOTION
One of the most common post-mastectomy issues is a limited range of motion in the shoulder and arm. It can feel like your arm just woke up from a long nap and isn’t ready to function normally yet. PT helps to gently coax your muscles and joints back into action, allowing you to do everything from brushing your hair to giving those big bear hugs again.
REDUCING PAIN AND SWELLING
Lymphedema, or swelling in the arm and chest area, can be a frustrating side effect of surgery. Physical therapists are trained in techniques that reduce swelling, improve circulation, and keep lymphedema in check.
REBUILDING STRENGTH SAFELY
While lifting weights at the gym or wrestling with your little ones might not be on your radar just yet, rebuilding strength post-surgery is important for daily activities. A physical therapist will guide you through gentle, safe exercises that help you regain muscle strength without feeling worried you might over do it.
SCAR TISSUE MASSAGE
Physical therapists specialize in manual therapy techniques which can help soften scar tissue, preventing it from becoming tight or restricting movement. Think of it as giving your scar a little TLC so it can heal happily and you can move freely.
ADDRESSING BLADDER, BOWEL, AND SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION
Many breast cancer survivors experience long term bladder, bowel and sexual dysfunction issues from cancer treatments. Hormone therapy, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery can lead to these issues among breast cancer survivors. Unfortunately the majority of healthcare providers do not initiate talking about these topics with cancer survivors and many people feel uncomfortable bringing it up to their medical providers, leaving many cancer survivors feeling lost and trying to deal with cancer-related bowel, bladder and sexual health issues on their own. The good news is -- pelvic floor physical therapists can provide the support, education and treatment on how to improve your pelvic health after cancer treatment.
SUMMARY
By working with a physical therapist, you can receive specialized care tailored to your post-surgery needs, setting you on a path to holistic recovery. Although the “physical” component may be a focus, as therapists, we recognize the journey to healing is just as much a physical and emotional battle.
The road to recovery after a mastectomy can be long, but with a physical therapist by your side, it’s one filled with support, encouragement, and steady progress. Remember, healing isn’t a race—it’s a journey, and we are here to walk with you every step of the way. Whether you’re a few weeks out from surgery or still considering your post-mastectomy care options, Empower Physical Therapy is here to help you feel strong, capable, and support you through whatever comes next.
