Breast surgery, whether it’s a mastectomy, lymph node removal, or a lumpectomy, is a significant procedure that can have a profound impact on both physical and emotional well-being. One common complication after these surgeries is shoulder stiffness and reduced mobility. As a physiotherapist, I have worked extensively with patients recovering from breast surgery, helping them regain movement, strength, and confidence through a personalized physiotherapy approach. Physio input plays a crucial role in improving post-operative outcomes, preventing long-term complications, and facilitating a faster return to normal life.
Understanding Breast Surgery: Mastectomy, Lumpectomy, and Lymph Node Removal
A mastectomy is a surgical procedure in which one or both breasts are removed, typically as a treatment for breast cancer. This invasive surgery, while life-saving, often comes with side effects like pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion, particularly in the shoulder and upper body. The removal of lymph nodes, often part of breast cancer treatment, can also lead to issues such as lymphoedema—swelling caused by the build-up of lymph fluid.
A lumpectomy, which is a less invasive surgery where only the cancerous lump and a small amount of surrounding tissue are removed, can also result in similar post-surgical issues, though to a lesser extent. All of these surgeries share the common risk of affecting shoulder mobility and causing postural imbalances due to scar tissue formation and muscle tightness.
Shoulder Stiffness and Post-Surgery Complications
During the early years of my career as a physiotherapist, I was involved in treating many patients who experienced shoulder stiffness after breast surgery. Shoulder stiffness is a common side effect of breast surgery due to the disruption of the surrounding muscles, connective tissues, and nerves during the procedure. This stiffness can limit movement and affect daily activities, making even simple tasks like reaching or lifting the arm difficult.
Without timely physiotherapy intervention, patients are at a higher risk of developing frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis), chronic pain, and even neck problems due to compensatory postures. In fact, many women experience secondary complications, such as postural misalignment, because they tend to guard the affected area, avoiding full shoulder movement out of fear of pain or further injury.
The Role of Physiotherapy in Recovery
Physiotherapy is essential for patients recovering from breast surgery, as it helps reduce post-operative pain and restores normal range of motion in the shoulder, neck, and upper body. Here’s how physiotherapy can support your recovery:
- Massage Therapy: Soft tissue massage is effective for reducing scar tissue formation and improving lymphatic drainage, particularly after lymph node removal. Massage can also ease muscle tightness around the shoulder, neck, and upper back, relieving tension and discomfort.
- Shoulder and Neck Mobilization: Gentle, hands-on techniques are used to mobilize the shoulder joint and surrounding muscles, helping to gradually restore movement. This is crucial for preventing long-term complications such as frozen shoulder and neck stiffness.
- Postural Correction: After breast surgery, many patients tend to adopt protective postures that can lead to imbalances in the spine and shoulders. I work with patients to correct these postures, ensuring that they don’t develop further musculoskeletal problems down the line.
- Acupuncture: For some patients, acupuncture can be highly effective in managing post-operative pain, reducing inflammation, and releasing tight muscles. Acupuncture also helps to desensitize irritated nerves, which is often a contributing factor in post-surgical discomfort.
- Exercise Programs: One of the most important aspects of recovery is exercise. I design personalized exercise programs that focus on gradually improving shoulder mobility, strength, and flexibility. These exercises help maintain and regain movement in the affected areas while ensuring the muscles around the shoulder and neck continue to function optimally.
- General Advice for Day-to-Day Activities: Beyond exercises and treatments in the clinic, I provide patients with practical advice on how to manage everyday tasks, such as lifting, reaching, or dressing, to avoid further strain on the healing shoulder.
The Importance of Exercise After Breast Surgery
Exercise plays a crucial role in recovery, not only by helping to regain shoulder movement but also by improving overall well-being. After breast surgery, it’s essential to keep the muscles active to prevent them from becoming weak or tight. However, it’s equally important to approach exercise in a safe and controlled manner to avoid overexertion or injury.
As a physiotherapist, I work closely with my patients to find the right exercises for their specific needs, ensuring that each movement is safe and effective. The goal is to gradually increase physical activity levels while maintaining proper posture and technique. Over time, these exercises will help improve muscle strength, joint mobility, and circulation, all of which contribute to faster recovery and better overall function.
Lymphoedema Treatment: Managing Post-Surgical Swelling
In addition to treating shoulder stiffness, I have experience working with lymphoedema patients. Lymphoedema, which is the build-up of lymph fluid in tissues after lymph node removal, can cause significant swelling and discomfort. To manage this, I offer a connective tissue release service, which focuses on improving lymphatic drainage and reducing swelling in the affected areas. This treatment is crucial for maintaining proper circulation and preventing long-term issues related to lymphoedema.
Get the Support You Need for a Full Recovery
Physiotherapy is a critical part of the post-surgical journey, helping patients to regain mobility, reduce pain, and return to their daily lives as quickly as possible. My approach combines hands-on treatments, exercises, and practical advice to ensure the best possible outcomes for each patient. If you’ve recently undergone breast surgery or are preparing for a procedure, I can help support your recovery with a personalized treatment plan.
To learn more about how physiotherapy can assist in your recovery or to book a session, please contact me at 07813 912 313 or email tors@stoneystrettonphysiotherapy.co.uk. Let’s work together to help you regain your strength, mobility, and confidence.