Breast Cancer Rehabilitation

the Body Clinic Services

Breast Cancer Rehabilitation

Personalised support before and after breast cancer treatment.

Breast cancer treatment can bring significant physical and emotional changes. Surgery, radiation, lymph node removal and reconstruction can affect movement, sensation, lymphatic function, scar tissue and confidence in your body.

Breast cancer rehabilitation provides personalised, evidence-informed support throughout your treatment and recovery—helping you understand the changes in your body, prepare for treatment, manage potential complications and regain confidence in movement and everyday life.

At The Body Clinic Gladstone, your care is tailored to where you are in your journey. Whether you’re preparing for surgery, recovering from treatment or managing longer-term changes, we work alongside you and your broader healthcare team to provide practical education, hands-on treatment and strategies that support your individual goals.

How Can We Support You?

Preparation can help you feel informed and confident going into treatment.

  • Pre-operative assessment and education
  • Understanding lymphoedema risk and prevention
  • Baseline assessment where appropriate
  • Education around movement and recovery
  • Preparing for changes following lymph node surgery
  • Understanding what to expect during early recovery

Supporting your body as it heals and you gradually return to movement.

  • Post-operative assessment and education
  • Support following lymph node surgery
  • Lymphoedema assessment and management
  • Swelling management
  • Scar tissue management
  • Axillary Web Syndrome (Cording) Management
  • Gentle movement and mobility strategies
  • Pain and movement recovery
  • Support following breast reconstruction

Recovery doesn’t necessarily end when treatment does.

We can support ongoing changes following breast cancer treatment, including:

  • Lymphoedema management
  • Compression therapy
  • Compression garment assessment and fitting
  • Scar tissue management
  • Fibrosis and tissue changes
  • Axillary Web Syndrome (Cording) Management
  • Changes in movement and mobility
  • Ongoing education and self-management
  • Support returning to exercise and everyday activities

What is Axillary Web Syndrome?

Axillary Web Syndrome (AWS), sometimes referred to as cording, can develop following lymph node surgery and may cause tightness or cord-like sensations extending from the armpit into the arm or chest. Assessment and appropriate rehabilitation can help improve movement, comfort and function.

Breast Reconstruction

Supporting your body through breast reconstruction

Breast reconstruction can involve significant changes to the tissues, scars, sensation and movement around the breast, chest and shoulder.

Our rehabilitation approach can include:

  • Pre- and post-operative education
  • Scar tissue assessment and management
  • Support with swelling and lymphatic changes
  • Movement and mobility
  • Tissue health
  • Education around recovery and self-management
  • Collaboration with your surgical and healthcare team

Compression Therapy & Garment Fitting

Compression therapy

Compression can be an important part of lymphoedema management for some people.

We can provide education around compression and assist with assessment, selection and fitting of appropriate compression garments as part of your individual management plan.

Your care, your team

Breast cancer rehabilitation works best when care is connected.

Where appropriate, we work collaboratively with your GP, breast surgeon, oncologist, physiotherapist, exercise physiologist, lymphoedema practitioner and other members of your healthcare team. Communication between professionals helps ensure your rehabilitation is appropriate to your treatment, recovery and individual goals.