Physiotherapy for Breast Cancer

Physiotherapy can help with the following symptoms related to breast cancer:

• Decreased skin elasticity (skin changes);
• Pain;
• Changes in sensitivity;
• Decreased strength;
• Decreased range of motion;
• Lymphatic complications (seroma / lymphorrhea, lymphocele, wall edema, breast edema, superficial lymphatic thrombosis, lymphedema).
• Fibrosis;
• Vascular changes;
• Treatment-induced nerve changes.

The techniques used in physiotherapyfor breast cancer are techniques that seek to:

• Reduce edema, such as massage, lymphatic drainage, compression bandages, elastic sleeves and pressure therapy;
• Increase the patient’s strength, range of motion and functionality through clinical exercise.
• Manual techniques such as massage or myofascial therapy to improve the condition of the surrounding soft tissues and scar.

Other treatment techniques can also be used, depending on the alterations of each patient, such as electrotherapy, acupuncture, myofascial techniques or even exercises and pelvic floor physiotherapy. The work of the pelvic floor muscles has a huge impact since sexual function is often affected after cancer.

Physiotherapy over time

Breast cancer survivors should see their oncologist regularly and be alert to any changes that may appear and which could be a warning sign of new pathologies. Among these are pathologies such as dysfunctions in range of motion, pain, fatigue, neuropathy, bone fragility and arthralgia, as well as cardiovascular and pulmonary function.

In these cases, the physiotherapist acts to prevent possible dysfunctions as well as to treat them, always carrying out a prior assessment and drawing up a personalized treatment and exercise plan.

Physiotherapy will help the patient to understand a little better what changes need to be made to their daily life in order to prevent or reduce the appearance of complications.

However, physiotherapy should not only be carried out post-surgery. Physiotherapy should accompany the patient from the moment the diagnosis is made, enhancing the entire treatment and reducing the possibility of complications.

A Physiotherapy has shown great improvements in the patient’s condition. objective:

• Improve symptoms related to the upper limbs, trunk and affected area, improving the mobility of the limb and the mobility of the surrounding tissues;
• Helps the healing process;
• Improve edema, preventing the possible formation of lymphedema and skin infections;
• Restore the motor function of the limb;
• Correct your posture;
• Improve the aesthetics and function of the scar / breast reconstruction;
• Facilitate social feedback;
• Facilitate occupational/vocational adaptation.

At the Michelle Bond Clinic, physiotherapy sessions focus on individualized and personalized treatment. They last around 1 hour.

In our service, in addition to technical quality, we value the completeness of care and the quality of the relationship between the patient and the team. Follow-up is carried out between sessions in order to obtain faster and longer-lasting results.

• 1 Physiotherapy Session (1 hour): 60€
• Package of 4 sessions: 220€

Health Insurance

• Future Healthcare: 15% off the list price
• ADSE Free Regime: Under this regime, ADSE beneficiaries are free to choose healthcare providers outside the ADSE network. This scheme works by initially bearing all the costs and then requesting reimbursement from ADSE, which will be allocated in accordance with the Price List and Rules of the Free Scheme in force. For more information on how to apply for reimbursement, see the ADSE website.

At the moment, we don’t work with other health insurances, but we do provide invoices and the necessary reports so that they can be reimbursed by the insurance company.

Degree in Physiotherapy from the School of Health Technology in Coimbra.

Specialization in Physiotherapy and Breast Cancer at Bwizer, Lisbon

Highly qualified. Believes in continuous training. Has various complementary training courses.

Always, to guarantee excellent results for your patients.