The information on this website is not intended for diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your physician for health concerns.

Skip to main content

Breast Cancer Rehabilitation

Comprehensive rehabilitation after breast cancer treatment.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Fizik Tedavi ve Rehabilitasyon department. Book Appointment →

What is Breast Cancer Rehabilitation?

After surgery (mastectomy, lumpectomy, axillary lymph-node dissection), radiotherapy and chemotherapy used in breast cancer, patients experience a variety of physical and psychosocial problems.

The most common issues are shoulder restriction, scar tissue, axillary web syndrome (cording), lymphedema, chemotherapy-induced neuropathy, fatigue, muscle atrophy, bone loss, and depression-anxiety.

Rehabilitation should start in the early postoperative period, progress in stages and run in parallel with oncologic therapy. A multidisciplinary collaboration with the psychologist, oncologist and dietitian is important.

Symptoms

Shoulder restriction
Arm lymphedema
Pain in the arm and shoulder
Axillary cording syndrome
Chemotherapy-induced neuropathy
Fatigue syndrome
Muscle weakness

Risk Factors

Axillary lymph-node dissection
Radiotherapy
Obesity
Postoperative infection
Air travel and heavy lifting
Diabetes
Advanced age

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • When postoperative shoulder stiffness begins
  • When swelling of the arm is noticed
  • If restricted motion persists
  • If fatigue interferes with daily life
  • If symptoms of neuropathy develop

Treatment Methods

01
Early shoulder mobilization exercises
02
Scar mobilization and massage
03
Lymphedema-prevention education and compression
04
Aerobic and strengthening exercises
05
Treatment of axillary web syndrome
06
Psychosocial support and quality-of-life care

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Fizik Tedavi ve Rehabilitasyon department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Fizik Tedavi ve Rehabilitasyon Department

Let us help you

You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

Related Health Topics

Other articles from the same department you may want to explore.

Physical Therapy for Low Back Pain

Fizik Tedavi ve Rehabilitasyon

Physical therapy for low back pain reduces pain and supports long-term recovery using a comprehensive approach that combines electrotherapy, manual therapy, therapeutic exercise and patient education.

Rehabilitation for Neck Pain

Fizik Tedavi ve Rehabilitasyon

Rehabilitation for neck pain is a multidimensional program including cervical mobilization, strengthening exercises and posture education that reduces pain and prevents recurrence.

Knee Rehabilitation

Fizik Tedavi ve Rehabilitasyon

Knee rehabilitation is a structured exercise and physiotherapy programme used after arthroscopy, replacement or ligament surgery, or in conservative management, to restore full knee function.

Shoulder Rehabilitation

Fizik Tedavi ve Rehabilitasyon

Shoulder rehabilitation is the staged exercise and manual-therapy programme that restores motion and strength after rotator cuff repair, frozen shoulder, shoulder arthroplasty or subacromial impingement.

Post-Stroke Rehabilitation

Fizik Tedavi ve Rehabilitasyon

Post-stroke rehabilitation is a multidisciplinary process aimed at regaining motor function, speech, swallowing and daily living activities to the highest possible level in patients who have had a stroke.

Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation

Fizik Tedavi ve Rehabilitasyon

Spinal cord injury rehabilitation is a long-term process targeting the highest possible functional level for patients with paralysis, sensory loss, and autonomic dysfunction caused by spinal cord damage.

Fibromyalgia

Fizik Tedavi ve Rehabilitasyon

Fibromyalgia is a central sensitization syndrome characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, sleep disturbance, and cognitive dysfunction. Multimodal management with aerobic exercise, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and targeted pharmacotherapy improves function and quality of life.

Myofascial Pain Syndrome

Fizik Tedavi ve Rehabilitasyon

Myofascial pain syndrome is a common regional pain disorder characterized by hyperirritable spots in taut skeletal muscle bands (trigger points) producing referred pain patterns. Treatment targets trigger point inactivation and restoration of normal muscle length and function.

Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.