Breast Cancer Post-Operative Rehabilitation

Recovery after breast cancer surgery involves more than the surgical site healing. Procedures such as lumpectomy, mastectomy, reconstruction, and lymph node surgery can affect shoulder movement, scar tissue, sensation, and the lymphatic system - and radiotherapy or other treatments can add to this. Physiotherapy at Goji Physio in Lentor, Singapore supports your recovery by helping to restore shoulder mobility and strength, manage scar and cording, reduce the risk of and manage swelling, and rebuild confidence and function - always working alongside your oncology and surgical team.

What can affect recovery after breast cancer surgery?

Common challenges physiotherapy can help with include:

• Reduced shoulder movement and strength on the treated side
• Scar tissue tightness and changes in the chest, axilla (armpit), or reconstruction site
• Axillary web syndrome (cording): tight, cord-like structures under the arm that limit movement
• Lymphoedema risk or early swelling following lymph node surgery or radiotherapy
• Postural changes, deconditioning, and fatigue through treatment
• Reduced confidence in moving and using the arm

Everyone’s recovery is different, depending on the surgery, treatment, and individual factors - so rehabilitation is tailored to you and your stage.

What does a session at Goji involve?

Your physiotherapist will discuss your surgery, treatment plan, and any precautions from your surgical or oncology team, then assess the affected areas. This may include:

• Shoulder and arm assessment: range of movement, strength, and function
• Scar and tissue assessment: checking scar mobility and any cording
• Swelling and lymphatic check: monitoring for and managing early signs of swelling
• Function and goals: how symptoms affect daily activities and what you want to return to

You will leave with an explanation of your presentation and a gentle, staged rehabilitation plan appropriate to your recovery.

How is post-operative rehabilitation approached?

Rehabilitation is progressive and respects your surgeon’s and oncology team’s guidance. It may include gentle range-of-movement and gradually progressed strengthening exercises, scar and cording management, education on lymphoedema risk and skin care, and support with posture, and returning to activity. The pace is matched to your healing and any ongoing treatment, with the aim of restoring movement, function, and confidence.

Frequently asked questions

When can I start rehabilitation after surgery?

This depends on your procedure and your surgical team’s guidance. Some gentle movement often begins early within specific limits, while strengthening is introduced later. Your physiotherapist will align with your surgeon’s protocol.

What is cording, and can it be helped?

Axillary web syndrome (“cording”) is a tight, cord-like tissue under the arm that can limit shoulder movement after surgery. Physiotherapy techniques and exercises can help ease it and restore range.

Will physiotherapy reduce my risk of lymphoedema?

Physiotherapy supports lymphoedema risk reduction through education, movement, skin care, and early monitoring, and helps manage swelling if it develops. It is an important part of care, coordinated with your medical team.

Can I exercise during ongoing cancer treatment?

Appropriate, guided exercise is often beneficial during and after treatment, but it should be tailored to you and your treatment plan. Your physiotherapist will work within your oncology team’s guidance.

Is it too late to start if my surgery was a while ago?

Often not. Shoulder stiffness, scar tightness, cording, or swelling can frequently be helped even some time after surgery. An assessment can clarify what may still improve.