If you have been diagnosed with breast cancer, please discuss with your specialist whether you may be affected by these complications:

• Post-surgical scarring and tightness due to lumpectomy with axillary dissection, mastectomy, or breast reconstruction
• Soft tissue contracture from radiation therapy
• Decreased movement or function of upper arm, shoulder, upper back and neck region
• Neuropathic pain from chemotherapy
• Lymphedema

There is always a risk of problems or complications after any operation. Most problems are minor but some can be serious. Treating them as soon as possible is important. Some of the common complications include:

• Feeling tired and weak
• Seroma (fluid collection around the wound site)
• Hematoma (blood collection around the wound site)
• Nerve pain
• Limited shoulder range of motion (shoulder stiffness)
• Arm weakness
• Lymphoedema (a swollen arm and hand)
• Cording (scar tissue in the armpit)

Physiotherapy is an effective rehabilitation method for those who are experiencing the complications after breast surgery (lumpectomy or modified radical mastectomy).

Post-Surgical Rehabilitation

After surgery, patients often experience pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion. Physiotherapy can help restore these physical functions through targeted exercises and mobility training. Physical activity and physiotherapy treatments has been proven to reduce the incidence of post-cancer musculoskeletal disorder.

Manage Lymphedema

Breast cancer treatment can disrupt the lymphatic system, leading to chronic swelling known as lymphedema, which is a common complication from breast cancer surgery. Physiotherapists skilled in lymphatic drainage techniques can help manage this condition and prevent its progression.

Pain Management

Physiotherapy techniques like manual therapy, stretching, and strengthening exercises can help manage cancer-related pain.

Improve Your Physical Strength & Mobility

Cancer treatments often result in fatigue, muscle weakness and muscle loss. Physiotherapy can help rebuild strength, enhance physical fitness, and facilitate a gradual return to regular activities.

• Medical history review and planning of cancer treatment pathway
• Shoulder and spinal range of motion
• Muscle strength of shoulder and arm
• Scar and skin condition
• Sensation of shoulder and arm
• Any signs of lymphedema

• Range of motion exercise for shoulder and related areas
• Graded strengthening exercise
• Core strengthening (for TRAM flap reconstruction)
• Joint, soft tissue and scar mobilisation
• Desensitisation technique for neuropathic pain
• Lymphatic management includes positional drainage, manual lymphatic drainage and educational advice
• Endurance exercise prescription plan and lifestyle advice
• Goal setting according to lifestyle needs

We design holistic rehabilitation programmes that address patients’ concerns, from the physical ability to pain management.

Once the wound is stable, shoulder and arm rehabilitation exercises are introduced under one-on-one supervised sessions to gradually restore range and muscle strength, scar tissue restrictions and cording in the arms is assessed and soft tissue release techniques are taught and administered. Scar tissue massage can benefit wound healing from axillary dissection (common in invasive breast cancer when the procedure accompanies a mastectomy), which may otherwise lead to shoulder tightness and discomfort. Patients will be reassessed regularly to ensure the progress of the treatment and detect any early signs of lymphedema (accumulation of lymph in soft tissue).

Breast cancer patients or post-cancer patients may start the programme anytime after their surgeon or medical specialist considers it safe to proceed. The treatment plan will be adjusted according to their individual condition, current treatment regimen, and advice from their specialist. As a norm, this treatment programme may be conducted for a duration of 4 to 6 weeks with the frequency of one or two visits per week, or up to a few months depending on individual progress.

If you are experiencing jaw pain or suspect you have a TMJ disorder, our dedicated physiotherapists are here to help you find relief. Take the first step towards a pain-free jaw and improved quality of life by booking an appointment with us today. You can conveniently book online through our website, contact us directly via phone or WhatsApp, or email us for more information.

If you have any questions, please contact us at appt@sportsandspinal.hk or +852 2530 0073

If you would like to learn more about physiotherapy and cancer rehabilitation, check out our articles below:

• Physiotherapy in Cancer Rehabilitation
• The Multi-Disciplinary Approach to Managing Breast Cancer