Breast Cancer Physiotherapy Service

Our Breast Cancer Physiotherapy Service provides specialist assessment, treatment and rehabilitation for people affected by breast cancer and its treatment. We support patients at every stage of their cancer journey, helping them to manage symptoms, restore function, improve quality of life and return to their usual daily activities.

Our physiotherapists work closely with the wider breast care and oncology teams to deliver evidence-based, patient-centred care.

What We Treat

We assess and treat a wide range of conditions related to breast cancer and its treatment, including:

• Shoulder pain, stiffness and reduced range of movement following breast surgery.
• Reduced arm or shoulder function affecting everyday activities.
• Axillary Web Syndrome (cording).
• Scar tightness and soft tissue restrictions.
• Chest wall pain and tightness.
• Post-operative rehabilitation following breast-conserving surgery, mastectomy and reconstructive surgery.
• Persistent pain following breast cancer treatment.
• Musculoskeletal pain related to cancer treatment.
• Fatigue and reduced physical function.
• Exercise advice before, during and after cancer treatment.
• Advice and rehabilitation to support return to work, hobbies and physical activity.
• Assessment and management of patients at risk of, or experiencing, upper limb lymphoedema in conjunction with the lymphoedema service where appropriate.

Treatment is tailored to each individual and may include education, exercise prescription, manual therapy, rehabilitation programmes, self-management strategies and advice on returning to normal activities safely.

Radiotherapy Education Class

We provide a specialist radiotherapy education and exercise class for patients who are due to start breast or chest wall radiotherapy.

The class aims to prepare patients for treatment by providing:

• Information about what to expect during radiotherapy.
• Advice on maintaining shoulder movement throughout treatment.
• Exercises to help reduce stiffness and maintain function.
• Guidance on managing common side effects.
• An opportunity to ask questions before treatment begins.

Class details

When: Tuesdays at 11:00 am and 1:00 pm

Location: The Christie at Macclesfield

Patients who are scheduled to receive breast or chest wall radiotherapy are encouraged to attend before starting their treatment. Please ask your oncologist or therapeutic radiographer to refer you to this class.

Referrals

Referrals to the Breast Cancer Physiotherapy Service are accepted from healthcare professionals involved in the patient's care, including:

• Breast surgeons and breast care teams.
• Oncology consultants and clinical nurse specialists.
• Radiographers and radiotherapy teams.
• General Practitioners (GPs).
• Allied health professionals working within the patient's cancer pathway.

If you think you would benefit from physiotherapy following breast cancer treatment, please speak to a member of your breast care or oncology team, who can arrange a referral if appropriate.

Our Aim

Our goal is to help patients recover well following breast cancer treatment, maintain independence, manage treatment-related side effects and confidently return to the activities that matter most to them.

Useful Links

Exercises after breast cancer surgery | Breast Cancer Now

Lymphoedema | Breast Cancer Now | Breast Cancer Now

Radiotherapy for primary breast cancer | Breast Cancer Now | Breast Cancer NowRadiotherapy for primary breast cancer | Breast Cancer Now | Breast Cancer Now