Physiotherapy after mastectomy
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Physiotherapy after mastectomy is a specialized form of therapy provided to women (and less commonly men) following surgical breast removal. Its goal is to restore mobility, reduce pain, prevent complications, and improve quality of life after the procedure.
Why is physiotherapy after mastectomy so important?
It helps to:
prevent arm lymphedema
restore full shoulder mobility
reduce pain and tension
improve well-being and overall quality of life
return to daily activities and work
prepare the body for possible breast reconstruction
What does physiotherapy after mastectomy involve?
1. Preventing lymphatic edema
After lymph node removal, lymph flow may be disrupted, leading to swelling of the arm.
Physiotherapy includes:
lymphatic drainage
gentle techniques supporting lymph flow
education on prevention (avoiding overload, cuts, and compression)
anti-swelling kinesiotaping
exercises stimulating the lymphatic system
2. Restoring shoulder and chest mobility
After mastectomy, patients often experience:
limited arm movement
shoulder girdle stiffness
difficulty lifting the arm
Therapy includes:
range-of-motion exercises (mobilizing the shoulder and scapula)
stretching tight tissues
gradual muscle strengthening
manual techniques improving skin and scar flexibility
3. Scar treatment
A mastectomy scar may be painful, stiff, or contracted.
The physiotherapist:
performs scar mobilization and massage
increases tissue elasticity
prevents adhesions
teaches proper self-care of the scar
4. Learning proper posture
After surgery, patients often tend to lean forward or hold the arm protectively.
Physiotherapy helps to:
improve posture
strengthen back muscles
prevent shoulder and spine pain
5. Pain and tension therapy
Techniques used include:
manual therapy
deep tissue massage
breathing exercises to reduce tension
gentle rib and chest mobilization
6. Breathing exercises
They support lymphatic function, reduce pain, and improve chest mobility.