After breast surgery like mastectomy, some people can develop difficulties with their shoulder movement. This can cause limitation with daily activities such as getting dressed and with exercise or work related tasks.
Physiotherapy see many clients with shoulder restriction post breast surgery and usea range of techniques and exercises to help patients.
Here are some of the most common physiotherapy treatments used for clients with shoulder dysfunction:
1. Manual Therapy
Manual therapy involves hands-on techniques to mobilize and stretch the soft tissues around the shoulder joint. The physiotherapist may use gentle massage, stretching, and joint mobilization to improve the range of motion and reduce pain.
2. Exercise Therapy
Exercise therapy involves a range of exercises designed to improve strength, range of motion, and stability in the shoulder joint. The physiotherapist may use exercises like shoulder shrugs, pendulum swings, and range of motion exercises to improve shoulder function.
3. Lymphatic Drainage
Lymphatic drainage is a gentle massage technique that stimulates the lymphatic system and promotes the drainage of excess fluids from the affected area. The physiotherapist may use lymphatic drainage techniques to reduce swelling and improve lymphatic flow in the axilla.
4. Scar Tissue Management
Breast cancer surgery may leave thick scars in the axilla, which can restrict shoulder movement. The physiotherapist may use scar tissue management techniques to re-orientate and loosen scar tissue and improve shoulder function.
Shoulder dysfunction after breast cancer surgery can have a significant impact on a patient’s quality of life. If you feel you have any shoulder issues post breast cancer that warrant attention, we recommend you speak to a local lymphoedema physiotherapist.