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Breast Cancer Awareness Month: How Pelvic Floor Therapy, Lymphedema Care, and Cancer Rehab Support Recovery

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to honor survivors, support those in treatment, and spread education about life beyond cancer. While many people focus on medical treatment such as surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation, fewer are aware of the lasting physical challenges that follow—and how physical therapy plays a crucial role in long-term recovery.


At COPE PT, we specialize in pelvic floor therapy, lymphedema care, and cancer rehabilitation to help breast cancer survivors manage side effects, restore function, and regain confidence.


Cancer rehab COPE PT


Common Challenges After Breast Cancer Treatment

Breast cancer treatments save lives, but they may leave lasting side effects that impact daily living:

  • Axillary Webbing (Cording): After lymph node removal, scar tissue or tight cords can develop under the arm, causing pain and restricted arm movement.

  • Fibrosis and Tissue Tightness: Radiation therapy may cause thickening or stiffening of tissues, limiting flexibility and comfort.

  • Lymphedema: Swelling in the arm, breast, or chest due to lymph node damage or removal. This can lead to heaviness, discomfort, and risk of infection.

  • Limited Range of Motion (ROM): Shoulder and chest stiffness can make it hard to reach overhead, lift, or dress independently.

  • Pelvic Floor Dysfunction: Chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, and radiation can affect pelvic health—causing urinary leakage, pelvic pain, vaginal dryness, or painful intimacy.

These issues are common but not “normal”—and with the right care, they can be treated.


How Physical Therapy Helps Breast Cancer Survivors

1. Lymphedema Management

  • Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) to reduce swelling.

  • Compression garment fitting and education.

  • Exercise programs to promote circulation.

2. Axillary Webbing Release

  • Gentle manual therapy to break down scar tissue and cords.

  • Stretching and mobility programs for the shoulder and chest.

3. Addressing Fibrosis and Tissue Tightness

  • Hands-on techniques to soften radiation-induced tissue.

  • Scar massage to restore elasticity and reduce discomfort.

4. Restoring Range of Motion

  • Targeted strengthening and stretching exercises.

  • Functional training for daily tasks (reaching, lifting, dressing).

5. Pelvic Floor Therapy

  • Managing side effects of hormonal therapy such as dryness, urgency, or pain with intimacy.

  • Gentle pelvic floor exercises to restore bladder and bowel control.

  • Education on moisturizers, dilators, and breathing techniques.


The Whole-Body Approach at COPE PT

Cancer rehab goes beyond treating a single body part. Our integrated approach at COPE PT ensures survivors receive comprehensive care:

  • Pain and swelling reduction.

  • Improved posture and core stability.

  • Support for intimacy and pelvic health.

  • Guidance on safe exercise to rebuild strength.

We empower survivors not only to heal but to thrive with Pelvic Floor Therapy, Lymphedema Care, and Cancer Rehab Support Recovery services.


cancer rehab cope pt

Final Thoughts

Breast cancer recovery doesn’t end when treatment stops. With the right support, survivors can overcome challenges like lymphedema, axillary webbing, fibrosis, limited ROM, and pelvic floor issues.


At COPE PT, our team is honored to walk alongside breast cancer survivors during their healing journey—helping them move, feel, and live better.


For Pelvic Floor Therapy, Lymphedema Care, and Cancer Rehab Support Recovery -


👉 Schedule your cancer rehab or lymphedema evaluation today at COPE PT.

📍 Dallas: (817) 381-5110 | 📍 McKinney: (817) 381-5177🌐 www.copept.com






 
 
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