Breast cancer Rehabilitation Frequently asked questions:
For general FAQs about our practice, see here.
How do you help?
We work with you to restore the strength, stamina, range of motion, and flexibility that’s lost during cancer treatment or surgery, so you can return to the activities you love. Our goal is movement that feels free and even joyful. We're also focused on helping you prevent debilitating side effects like the swelling and pain of lymphedema that can take a patient by surprise and is more difficult to manage once they appear.
What services do you offer?
We offer comprehensive breast cancer rehabilitation services. We’re well trained in mobilizing soft tissue and scar tissue; manual lymph drainage, self-fluid clearance training, and lymphedema prevention; as well as strength training to help you return to your prior level of function. Our approach is proactive, addressing the discomfort, cording, pain, neuropathies, fatigue, and other musculoskeletal issues that can arise from breast cancer surgery, chemotherapy or radiation. We designed our PT practice to be with you at each step in your cancer rehabilitation, and then as a bridge back to regular daily activity, athletics, and exercise.
When should I come see you?
We encourage you to schedule a first appointment prior to your surgery, if surgery is part of your treatment plan. At this pre-hab appointment, we’ll establish good baseline measurements of your strength, ROM (range of motion), and flexibility. We’ll also provide you exercises to do prior to surgery and in the first few weeks home and review physical signs and symptoms to which you should pay attention. Being prepared for what to expect will help you cope with what may be unfamiliar or scary.
If you have already had your surgery we can see you as soon as you are able. Often 2-4 weeks post surgery is typical. If you are not having surgery we can help you with the other potential side effects from your treatment. We start where you are and tailor all services to what you specifically need.
How often will I need to see you, and for how long?
That depends. We’re able to see you outside of the limits dictated by an insurance care plan. This gives us more flexibility to customize a treatment plan that works best for your needs. We know that PT is one more appointment on top of a full slate of doctor’s visits. Our goal is to develop a course of rehabilitation treatment that’s highly effective, efficient and supportive, so that you always feel that you are making progress. We will treat at a frequency and duration that you are comfortable with and will be effective. We will end care when you are ready. We’re also available on a consultative basis when appropriate.
What is a session like?
Sessions are 50-55 minutes, and we work together 1:1 for the entire session. Sessions include manual work such as soft tissue and scar tissue mobilization, lymphatic drainage, and range of motion. When the time is right we add in some flexibility, strength and stabilization training to help you regain your function. Many clients say the soft tissue mobilization releases tension and restrictions in the way a good massage can. The difference is that we then get you up and moving, taking advantage of the freedom and flexibility we’ve created.
I’ve never heard of Physical therapy for breast cancer. Why do I need it?
Some painful cancer treatment side effects like lymphedema, limited shoulder range of motion, neuropathy, muscle weakness, and fatigue can be prevented or dramatically lessened with timely rehabilitation. We’re focused on your quality of life and want you to feel confident in your movement.
When will I be able to return to MY regular exercise and activities?
It depends where you are in your cancer treatment journey. Our goal is to get you back to the things you love, whether that is Pilates, yoga, tennis, swimming, walking, or even confidently picking up your children, grandchildren or pets. Our Wellness Membership offers a range of classes that can serve as a bridge back to your regular fitness routine.
Do you update my doctor/care team?
Yes! We are big believers in this. We have relationships with several Bay Area oncologists and breast surgeons and are able to communicate with your care team to support your recovery. Your medical team is focused on treating your cancer, and we’re here to help you maintain and regain your prior level of function.
Last time I had Physical Therapy, i worked mostly with my PT’s aide. Do i see you or someone else?
We’ve designed our independent practice so that we can work with you 1:1 for the full session. We find that this allows us to make the most progress in the shortest amount of time possible. We get to know you better as we’re spending more quality time together. There will be consistent education and continuity of care from pre-hab through your return to regular activity.
I’m only getting chemo and radiation (no surgery). Do I need to see you?
Chemotherapy and radiation can also lead to weakness, adhesions, and pain that can be helped by rehabilitation-short answer: Yes!
Wow. it looks like you thought of everything.
Cancer has enough of its own uncertainty and ability to blindside. Our goal is to lessen that uncertainty wherever we can. We believe in patient education so you feel prepared for each step. We want you to feel informed, empowered, at ease, and resilient as you move through your rehabilitation treatment and regain your function and your quality of life.