Patients undergoing breast cancer surgery at The James Cook University Hospital are offered a specialist physiotherapy pre-op advice session as well as a post-op ‘Return to movement’ session.
Please discuss with your breast nurse about booking onto these sessions.
Pre-op session
The pre-op session will include breathing and circulation exercises to recover well from the anaesthetic as well as specific arm and shoulder movements.
During the session the physiotherapist will talk through a comprehensive booklet and demonstrate all the movements, as well as measure and document, your normal shoulder range of movement.
The physiotherapist will also discuss any limitations after surgery and indicate a time frame for returning to normal activities.
Post-op session
The post-op ‘Return to movement’ session is also run by our specialist physiotherapist and is recommended for you about four to six weeks post-op.
This session will include specific arm and shoulder movements and stretches to encourage full potential range of movement, as well as strengthening exercises.
This is very important after breast surgery to prepare you for possible radiotherapy and long term to help you return to normal activities and avoid a frozen shoulder.