Breast cancer surgery—whether lumpectomy, mastectomy, or reconstruction—is a life-changing experience. However, one of the most common challenges women face afterward is restricted arm and shoulder mobility, pain, tightness, lymphatic issues, and scar tissue stiffness.
At My Pain Clinic Global, we specialise in post-breast-cancer physiotherapy, combining advanced rehabilitation techniques with Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) to improve healing, reduce complications, and restore confidence in movement.
Why Mobility Gets Affected After Surgery
Post-surgical side effects can include:
- Tightness around the chest, armpit, and shoulder
- Scar adhesions restricting arm movement
- Lymphedema (arm swelling)
- Nerve irritation or numbness
- Muscle imbalance due to protective posture
- Radiation-related tissue stiffness
Without proper rehabilitation, these can progress into long-term shoulder dysfunction.
The Role of Physiotherapy in Post-Breast Cancer Recovery
Physiotherapy is recommended by leading oncologists worldwide as an essential part of recovery.
Our approach at My Pain Clinic Global focuses on:
1. Gentle Early-Stage Mobility
- Passive and assisted arm raises
- Chest wall relaxation
- Posture correction
- Scapular (shoulder blade) activation
These prevent stiffness and support healthy tissue healing.
2. Scar Tissue Management
Scar tissue from surgery or radiation can become thick and restrictive.
We use:
- Soft tissue mobilisation
- Myofascial release
- Lymphatic drainage
- Stretching protocols
These help restore flexibility and reduce pulling sensations.
3. Strengthening & Posture Restoration
Women often develop rounded shoulders or guarded posture after surgery.
We work on:
- Gentle shoulder strengthening
- Upper back activation
- Core stability
- Safe return to daily activity
Strength is built gradually to avoid strain on healing tissues.
4. Lymphedema Prevention & Management
Our physiotherapists use:
- Manual lymph drainage
- Compression techniques
- Fluid-movement exercises
- Swelling-control routines
Early intervention significantly reduces long-term risk.
HBOT: A Powerful Accelerator in Breast Cancer Surgery Recovery
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is one of the most effective advanced technologies to enhance healing after breast cancer surgery, radiation, or reconstruction.
At My Pain Clinic Global, we emphasise HBOT because it delivers 200–300% more oxygen to healing tissues, leading to faster and better recovery.
How HBOT Helps After Breast Cancer Surgery
1. Accelerates Wound Healing
Surgical sites often have reduced blood flow. HBOT:
- Boosts tissue repair
- Improves oxygenation
- Supports collagen formation
- Enhances skin and muscle healing
This leads to smoother recovery and fewer wound complications.
2. Reduces Radiation-Induced Damage
Women who undergo radiation often experience:
- Hard, stiff tissues
- Skin dryness
- Poor circulation
- Long-lasting pain
HBOT has proven benefits in reversing radiation injury by:
- Softening tissues
- Improving blood vessel regeneration
- Enhancing skin hydration
- Reducing chronic pain
3. Softens Scar Tissue & Improves Mobility
HBOT decreases inflammation and supports fresh blood vessel formation around scars.
This leads to:
- More elastic scar tissue
- Reduced tightness in the chest and underarm
- Easier arm elevation and rotation
Patients often notice mobility improvements within a few sessions.
4. Reduces Arm Swelling (Lymphedema Support)
While physiotherapy is essential for lymph drainage, HBOT further boosts recovery by:
- Enhancing microcirculation
- Reducing inflammation
- Supporting immune function
Together, physiotherapy + HBOT improve arm comfort and prevent worsening swelling.
5. Pain Reduction & Nervous System Relief
HBOT helps calm irritated nerves and reduces post-surgical pain, improving:
- Shoulder movement
- Deep breathing
- Daily activity levels
- Overall quality of life
Integrated Rehab Program at My Pain Clinic Global
Our Breast Cancer Rehab Protocol includes:
- Post-surgery physiotherapy
- Shoulder & arm mobility restoration
n* Scar and soft tissue therapy - Lymphatic drainage
- Strengthening & posture correction
- Breathing therapy
- HBOT for faster healing and improved tissue quality
- Red Light Therapy (for scar softening & pain relief)
When to Start Physiotherapy After Breast Cancer Surgery
- In most cases: within 3–7 days (as advised by the surgeon)
- After drainage tubes are removed
- Earlier for breathing and posture guidance
- HBOT can start once wounds are stable and cleared by the treating doctor
Early movement ensures better long-term results.
Signs You Need Post-Surgery Physiotherapy
- Difficulty lifting the arm
- Pulling or tightness in the chest
- Pain around the shoulder or underarm
- Hardening of tissues after radiation
- Swelling of the arm or breast
- Poor posture or fatigue
- Trouble performing daily activities
Your Recovery, Your Confidence, Your Mobility
At My Pain Clinic Global (Bandra West, Mumbai)—the best advanced pain management and physiotherapy clinic in Mumbai, India—we support women recovering from breast cancer with a compassionate, evidence-based approach that restores mobility, reduces pain, and enhances healing through the power of advanced physiotherapy + HBOT.
