How a women's health physio can help breast cancer patients

Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is the abnormal growth of the cells lining the breast lobules or ducts. These abnormal cells divide in an uncontrolled way and may eventually spread into other tissues. Though breast cancer can affect both men and women, it is uncommon in men. 1 in 7 women in the UK will develop breast cancer during their lifetime and around 150 people are diagnosed every day in the UK. However, studies suggest that if you make changes to your lifestyle, your risk of getting breast cancer could be reduced. Try this quiz to measure your risk and find out how to reduce it. Breast screening in the UK is available for women between the ages of 50 and 70. Regardless of your age, it is important to check your breasts monthly. If you notice any unusual changes or feel something is not right, it is important to seek medical help. Learn more about how to check your breasts from Coppafeel, a dedicated breast cancer charity.  

Treatment depends on the type of breast cancer you have, as well as your general health. Treatments may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and hormone therapy.

The vast majority of breast cancer sufferers will require some form of surgery. Many patients report pre-operative anxiety, which can affect post-operative recovery. Studies have shown that pre-operative sessions can reduce anxiety and improve recovery for patients with breast cancer. Pre-operatively, a specialist oncology Physiotherapist will provide you with education and advice regarding your surgery, healing times, precautions and complications, as well as provide you with an exercise program which you can start immediately post-operatively.

Following surgery and treatment for breast cancer, you may encounter a few complications which can be alleviated with specialist Physiotherapy. Therapy may include joint mobilisations, myofascial release, massage, stretches and mobility exercises, pilates/core strengthening and a functional rehabilitation program to get you back to your normal daily activities, exercise and sports.

At White Hart Clinic, our specialist oncology physiotherapist Fara can assist you with the following breast cancer post-operative complications:

  • Cording (side effects of having lymph nodes removed)
  • Scar Tissue
  • Joint and muscular pain and stiffness
  • General deconditioning following chemotherapy
  • Rehabilitation following surgery and reconstruction
  • Support you to continue to exercise before, during and following treatment

Please contact us if you have any further questions. 

 

Services...

Share

Connect with us

Client survey

  • 'The White Hart clinic is a haven of peace, support, kindness and cheerfulness'
  • 'It's calm and friendly yet really professional. I feel absolutely confident that I'm in expert hands'
  • 'I most like the range of people working there so you can have alternative ways of combating a problem. Secondly, the friendly and supportive approach'
  • 'If in pain you are fitted in as soon as possible, never too much waiting time.'
  • 'Reception staff are friendly and welcoming.'
  • 'The treatment is effective-you do not feel as if the treatment is prolonged unnecessarily.'
  • 'The staff are friendly and professional'
  • 'Very welcoming, cosy & small, relaxing atmosphere - of course most of all my therapist who has given me life changing results'
  • 'I feel the recommendations for the course of treatments and return visits are always very honest. They never take advantage'
  • 'It's like having the best clinic in Harley Street around the corner - when you're in pain that's exactly what you want. What a relief! What a comfort!'
  • 'High quality treatment, delivered in a personal way, but with great efficiency and all in a very convenient location!'
  • 'Packed full of friendliness and expertise'
  • 'Friendly and efficient place that helps repair me when things are not working properly!'
  • 'Friendly, professional and broad ranging'

Find us

Map

Richmond, Mortlake, Barnes, Putney.