Recovering from breast cancer surgery involves more than allowing the surgical wound to heal. As your body repairs itself, scar tissue naturally forms around the operated area.

Some people may experience tightness, sensitivity or restriction around the surgical area, or notice changes in how comfortably they can move their shoulder or arm during recovery.

After procedures such as a lumpectomy, mastectomy, lymph node surgery or breast reconstruction, changes around the chest, breast, underarm and surrounding tissues can affect how comfortable everyday movement feels.

Physiotherapy may form part of your recovery after breast cancer surgery. At Graceville Painslayers Physiotherapy in Graceville, Brisbane, physiotherapy management can be tailored to the individual following an assessment and considered alongside advice from your treating medical team.

What is scar tissue after breast cancer surgery?

Scar formation is a normal part of the body's healing response following surgery. New connective tissue develops as the surgical area heals.

While the visible scar is on the skin, changes following surgery can also involve tissues beneath and around the scar. Some people describe sensations such as:

Tightness or pulling around the breast, chest or underarm

Reduced shoulder or arm movement

Sensitivity around the scar

Stiffness through the chest or shoulder

Discomfort with reaching overhead or behind the back

A feeling that the skin or underlying tissues do not move as freely as before

The experience varies significantly from person to person. The type and location of surgery, additional cancer treatment, previous health and individual healing can all influence recovery.

How can physiotherapy help after breast cancer surgery?

Physiotherapy does not aim to "remove" a scar. Instead, physiotherapy after breast cancer surgery may focus on movement, function and symptoms that are relevant to the individual.

Scar and surrounding tissue assessment

A physiotherapist can assess the scar and surrounding tissues, as well as shoulder movement, strength and functional activities.

Depending on the assessment and stage of healing, treatment may include techniques directed towards the skin and surrounding soft tissues, where clinically appropriate.

Your physiotherapist can also discuss whether scar management may be appropriate for you and provide relevant advice based on your individual presentation.

Shoulder and arm mobility

Chest and underarm tightness can sometimes make reaching, dressing or other daily activities more difficult.

An individual exercise program may include gentle mobility exercises aimed at supporting comfortable, progressive movement of the shoulder and upper body.

Strength and return to activity

After surgery and cancer treatment, returning to your usual activities can be a gradual process.

Depending on your circumstances, physiotherapy may include strengthening and graded exercise matched to your current capacity and recovery goals.

This might focus on practical goals such as returning to work, household activities, exercise or other activities that are important to you.

When should I see a physiotherapist after breast cancer surgery?

There is no single timetable that is appropriate for everyone.

If you are experiencing persistent tightness, restricted shoulder movement, discomfort around your scar or difficulty returning to everyday activities following breast cancer surgery, a physiotherapy assessment may help determine what factors are contributing and whether physiotherapy is appropriate.

Importantly, scar treatment should only begin when it is safe for your particular stage of healing. If there is any concern about wound healing or complications following surgery, advice from your surgeon or treating medical team should be sought.

Common questions about physiotherapy after breast cancer surgery

Can physiotherapy get rid of breast surgery scar tissue?

Physiotherapy cannot erase a surgical scar. Where appropriate, management may instead focus on tissue mobility, comfortable movement and functional problems associated with the area.

Your physiotherapist can assess your individual presentation before recommending an approach.

Can I massage my scar myself?

Scar massage is not necessarily suitable immediately after surgery or for every person.

A physiotherapist can assess the area and, where clinically appropriate, discuss or demonstrate scar-management techniques. Depending on your surgery, healing and ongoing cancer treatment, advice from your treating medical team may also be appropriate before commencing scar massage.

What if my surgery was months or years ago?

If an older surgical scar is associated with ongoing tightness, restricted movement or functional difficulty, you can still discuss these concerns with a physiotherapist.

An assessment can help determine whether physiotherapy management is appropriate for your current symptoms and goals.

Should physiotherapy replace my breast cancer medical care?

No. Physiotherapy is not a treatment for breast cancer itself and does not replace the care provided by your surgeon, oncologist or other members of your healthcare team.

Instead, physiotherapy may form one component of rehabilitation following surgery and treatment.

Physiotherapy after breast cancer surgery in Graceville, Brisbane

Recovery after breast cancer surgery is personal. Two people undergoing similar procedures can have quite different symptoms, movement and rehabilitation needs.

For that reason, physiotherapy should be based on an individual assessment rather than a one-size-fits-all program.

If you are experiencing scar-related tightness, changes in shoulder movement or difficulty returning to everyday activities following breast cancer surgery, contact Graceville Painslayers Physiotherapy in Graceville on 07 3278 1186, Brisbane to discuss whether a physiotherapy assessment may be appropriate for you.