Reclaiming Function and Confidence
Breast cancer surgery is a significant physical and emotional experience. The post-operative journey often brings challenges like pain, limited mobility, fatigue, and changes in body image.
That’s where occupational therapy (OT) plays a vital role, not just in recovery, but also in restoring independence, comfort, and confidence in daily life. I was drawn to the specialty of breast cancer rehabilitation as a young professional looking to support others during their oncology journey. I felt much reward in the nurturing interventions I was able to provide. Little did I know that I would one day become part of the community of breast cancer survivors.
During my own recovery, I took comfort in thinking about the many people who sought my care. I gathered strength from patients with whom I had deeply connected and was inspired the resilience they demonstrated while undergoing numerous challenges. As an OT, my personal experience as an oncology patient has made me even more understanding of the trials and tribulations of treatment.
When I returned to work after surgery, I was asked numerous times how I could continue to work in breast cancer rehab. I would say: how could I not continue? My goal to help survivors is that much stronger. Being a survivor has made me even more committed to my practice.
Why Occupational Therapy Matters After Surgery
Occupational therapy focuses on helping individuals do the things they need and want to do in their daily lives. OTs are known to focus on the mundane or routine activities that make life meaningful. After breast cancer surgery, that might mean something as simple as getting dressed without pain, lifting a child, reaching a shelf, or returning to work or fitness.
It is no joke that OTs become very happy to hear about those little accomplishments. Hearing: “I was able to wash my back in the shower today,” warms any OT’s heart.
Here’s how OT helps after breast cancer treatment:
Restoring Upper Body Mobility
Surgery, radiation, and/or reconstruction can significantly impact the shoulder, chest, and arm. OT helps you:
- Regain shoulder, arm and torso range of motion
- Improve tissue pliability
- Reduce pain and improve comfort
- Reduce postural imbalances caused by guarding or scarring
Recovery can be enhanced by working with a professional specially trained in the challenges people face after lumpectomy or mastectomy with or without reconstructive surgery. People with advanced training in breast cancer rehab often have earned CLT-LANA credentialing.
Scar Tissue Management and Soft Tissue Mobility
Post-surgical scarring or other post-op complications, such as cording, can restrict movement, cause discomfort, and affect tissue glide. Techniques to remobilize tissues include:
- Scar mobilization and desensitization
- Myofascial release
- Instrument-assisted mobilization such as cupping or dry needling
- Gentle stretching and functional movement retraining
These hands-on therapies help restore comfort and range of motion while reducing pain to make daily tasks easier to perform and help you feel that you can move more naturally. Improved mobility can help you get a better night’s sleep to allow for more energy to do the things you want to do. Feeling looser in your body can allow for letting go. This can be like the feeling experienced with a deep sigh.
Managing Lymphedema Risk and Symptoms
Lymphedema is swelling and an inflammatory reaction that occurs when lymph fluid builds up in soft tissue as a possible side effect of breast cancer treatment. It is notable that not all people treated for breast cancer have the same level of risk. But it is common for people to have confusion with differing instructions given by practitioners or conflicting guidelines found from online sources or social media.
If you explore the publications tab in the upper right corner of the heading bar on this blog, you can more about breast cancer-related lymphedema risk factors and recommendations in the publication titled: “Evidence-based recommendations regarding risk reduction practices for people at risk of or with breast cancer-related lymphedema: consensus from an expert panel”. This was a 2024 publication that I had the privilege of co-authoring with an incredible group of leaders in the field. The open-access publication is available at the link below.
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12032-024-02510-6
It is important to understand your individual risk and OT plays an integral role in helping you learn. Post-operative monitoring, education and manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) can provide:
- Early identification, education and exercise program development to reduce risk
- Hands-on treatment to manage swelling
- Guidance on compression garments and skin care
By understanding how to self-monitor for change, you can proactively prevent long-term complications. OT can help you understand your risks and the avenues to take should symptoms arise. As a lymphedema specialist for more than 25 years, Katherine has co-authored other professional publications regarding breast cancer-related lymphedema. If you are interested in reading more, visit her website for links to titles of publications. Additionally, she is actively involved with LANA, the non-profit certification body for credentialing practitioners who have advanced specialty training in lymphedema management and breast cancer rehabilitation.
Strengthening to Restore Function
When you are ready, it is important to rebuild lost strength to allow you to resume normal activities. Strength training may be achieved with:
- Resistive exercise routines using dumbbells or resistance bands
- Exercises that use the weight of the body
- Progressively, cautiously and mindfully increasing the level of challenge
What do you enjoy? The OT plan of care is personalized to your unique needs in consideration of your values, roles, habits and interests. It is important to have a program that you can do regularly and feel a sense of accomplishment as you make improvements. Do you have a goal to achieve? OT can help you bridge the gap between healing and living with confidence.
Supporting Emotional Well-being and Body Image
Healing from breast cancer is not just physical—it’s deeply emotional. Many people experience anxiety, grief, or changes in self-identity. Occupational therapists address this by:
- Offering strategies for coping with body image changes
- Helping clients adapt their routines in empowering ways
- Supporting the return to meaningful activities that bring joy and self-worth
Having someone listen to your concerns and hold space for your emotions can be a way to heal the self and allow you to adjust to the new normal as a survivor. OTs are notoriously interested in getting to know you as a person and listening to your concerns. In my practice, I have been known to say: “The complaint department is always open here and my room has seen a lot of tears. You do not need to apologize for your feelings. This is a safe space.”
Whole-Person Healing Starts Here
Occupational therapy is not just about exercises or hands-on mobilization. We focus on a partnership to help you reclaim your life during or after your oncology journey. The road is not straight and contains many bumps. Yet, OT is a powerful part of the recovery process with a focus on your function, comfort, and quality of life.
If you or someone you love is preparing for or recovering from breast cancer surgery, consider reaching out to an occupational therapist who specializes in post-op breast cancer recovery, manual lymphatic drainage and upper extremity rehabilitation. Credentials to look for are CLT-LANA, signifying the highest level of specialty certification available to healthcare practitioners. Healing isn’t just about surviving—it’s about living in the moment with a sense of wellbeing.
If you need Breast Cancer Rehab in Evanston, IL (on Chicago’s NorthShore) click the link below for my website.
Empowering recovery, restoring strength—occupational therapy helps you reclaim your life and confidence
If you do not live in Evanston, IL and need a CLT-LANA, click the link below for the LANA website where you can search for a local practitioner.
Flourish Recovery & Wellness 