Physiotherapy in Breast Cancer

It is often thought that physiotherapy should only be part of the cancer process after surgery, in order to recover mobility and limb function. But is that really true?

Scientific evidence has consistently shown that:

Starting physiotherapy straight after diagnosis, and not only after surgery, will prepare the patient for the challenges of cancer treatment. In other words, physiotherapy will prepare the tissues for surgery, minimising its impact. In addition, it will promote mobility and muscle strength, to ease the whole process.

Benefits of physiotherapy in oncology:

1. Prevention and Treatment of Lymphoedema
   Lymphoedema is a common condition after surgery and radiotherapy for breast cancer. Some of the techniques used to improve lymphoedema are manual lymphatic drainage and the application of compression methods such as multi-layer bandages, as they reduce fluid accumulation and consequently relieve the associated symptoms.

2. Recovery of range of movement and muscle strength
   Surgical procedures such as mastectomy, breast-conserving surgery or breast reconstruction itself can lead to limited shoulder and arm mobility. Physiotherapy will overcome this difficulty through early mobilisation and progressive exercises that contribute to functional recovery and improved quality of life.

3. Pain Reduction
   Techniques such as manual therapy, myofascial release and specific exercises help control post-operative pain and promote general wellbeing, reducing muscle tension and discomfort caused by cancer treatment.

4. Physical Exercise and Reduced Risk of Recurrence
   Recent research suggests that supervised exercise improves cardiovascular function, reduces cancer-related fatigue and may help reduce the risk of recurrence of the disease. Aerobic and resistance activities are recommended, adapted to each patient’s individual condition. At Tecnifisio, we use adapted Clinical Pilates, which we call Onco-Pilates.

5. Mental Health and Wellbeing
   In addition to the physical benefits, physiotherapy also has a positive impact on patients’ mental health, owing to the benefits of physical activity (reducing anxiety and depression and improving self-esteem), but also to the support and availability that the physiotherapist provides.

Onco-Pilates: a Holistic Approach to Wellbeing

At Tecnifisio, the patient undergoes an assessment with a physiotherapist specialised in Oncology, where a treatment plan adapted to short- or long-term needs is established. The patient is normally already undergoing oncology physiotherapy, so Onco-Pilates is added to the treatment as a rehabilitation tool.

Onco-Pilates is an approach that combines the benefits of Pilates with physical exercise. This modality is highly versatile, adapting to different levels of physical fitness. It also prepares the patient for the possibility of moving to a Clinical Pilates group or even taking part in more intense physical activities in the future.

Onco-Pilates sessions can be carried out individually or in groups, offering a personalised approach supported by professionals specialised in oncology.