Supporting the Breast Cancer Journey: How Physiotherapy, Massage, and Acupuncture Can Help
Discover how Integrative Physiotherapy & Wellness supports patients through every stage of their breast cancer journey with physiotherapy, massage therapy, and acupuncture, helping restore movement, reduce pain, manage lymphedema, and support overall well-being.
Navigating Recovery with Compassionate, Comprehensive Care
A breast cancer diagnosis can bring both physical and emotional challenges that continue long after treatment ends. At Integrative Physiotherapy & Wellness, our multidisciplinary team provides personalized care to help patients manage pain, restore mobility, and enhance quality of life throughout their treatment and beyond.
Our approach combines physiotherapy, registered massage therapy/lymphedema management (RMT), and TCM Acupuncture, addressing the body, mind, and overall recovery process.
Physiotherapy for Shoulder and Upper Quadrant Pain
After surgery or radiation, it’s common to experience shoulder stiffness, weakness, and restricted movement. Physiotherapy helps to:
Restore shoulder mobility and strength
Reduce scar tissue adhesions and improve posture
Manage nerve-related or myofascial pain
Support lymphatic drainage through guided exercises
Our physiotherapists provide gentle, evidence-based treatment plans to help patients regain comfort and confidence in their daily movements.
Massage Therapy for Lymphedema and Soft Tissue Health
Lymphedema, or fluid buildup caused by lymph node removal or radiation, can be effectively managed with manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) performed by a trained RMT.
This therapy promotes lymph flow, reduces swelling, and helps prevent complications. Our RMTs also focus on gentle soft tissue techniques to ease tightness and promote circulation, making recovery smoother and more comfortable.
Acupuncture for Stress, Fatigue, and Nervous System Support
The emotional toll of cancer treatment can leave patients feeling anxious, fatigued, or unable to rest. Acupuncture offers natural relief by calming the nervous system, balancing hormones, and improving energy flow. It can also help manage side effects like nausea, hot flashes, and sleep disturbances commonly experienced during chemotherapy or hormonal treatments.
Addressing Menopause and Bone Health Changes
Many individuals experience abrupt menopause following chemotherapy or hormone therapy, which can lead to bone loss and increased risk of osteoporosis.
At Integrative Physiotherapy & Wellness, we educate patients on maintaining bone density through movement therapy, nutrition guidance, and bone health screening (including REMS bone scans). Our physiotherapists help create safe, progressive exercise programs to build strength and protect long-term bone health.
We Support the Whole Person
At Integrative Physiotherapy & Wellness, our goal is to support the entire person, not just treat symptoms. We help patients navigate the ongoing effects of treatment with care, knowledge, and compassion, so they can regain strength and thrive in their recovery journey.
Call to Action
If you or a loved one is navigating recovery during or after breast cancer treatment, our team at Integrative Physiotherapy & Wellness is here to support you every step of the way.
From restoring movement and managing pain to improving bone health and emotional well-being, we provide compassionate, evidence-based care tailored to your needs.
Contact us today to book an appointment or learn more about how we can help you heal with confidence and balance.
Barrie, Ontario | IntegrativePhysio.ca
References
McNeely, M.L., et al. (2010). Exercise interventions for upper-limb dysfunction due to breast cancer treatment. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.
De Groef, A., et al. (2015). Physical therapy and exercise after breast cancer surgery: A systematic review. Breast Cancer Research and Treatment.
Ridner, S.H., et al. (2012). Manual lymphatic drainage for lymphedema following breast cancer treatment: A randomized controlled trial. Supportive Care in Cancer.
Moseley, A.L., et al. (2007). The effect of manual lymph drainage on breast cancer–related lymphedema: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Lymphology.
Garcia, M.K., et al. (2013). Systematic review of acupuncture in cancer care: A synthesis of the evidence. Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Chien, T.J., et al. (2014). Acupuncture in relieving chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy: A systematic review. Pain Medicine.
Hadji, P., et al. (2017). Bone health in breast cancer: Recommendations from an expert panel. Cancer Treatment Reviews.
Shapiro, C.L. & Van Poznak, C. (2011). Osteoporosis related to breast cancer treatment. Breast Cancer Research.
