Tips For Breast Cancer Recovery

Recovering from breast cancer has many stages and as your body moves through the healing process, it is important to have proper support and understanding of what your body needs. In this conversation with AnaOno founder, Dana Donofree, I share share my approach to helping women navigate various steps of the healing process while providing some tips below.

Be Your Own Advocate

Physical Therapy is an integral part of the healing process while recovering from cancer. It is so important to consider your needs and to have an understanding of what your own body is going through during this process.

I’ve learned from many of my patients that they had no idea physical therapy was an option in the recovery process. Some doctors feel they don’t want to overwhelm their patients with another treatment , however this work really supports healing by allowing you to find a deeper connection with your body and listening in on how you’re feeling on a day-to -day basis.

Find a Physical Therapist that specializes in Breast Cancer Recovery

Anyone working with women with Breast Cancer will require advanced knowledge of the anatomy, tissue, and range of motion involved in mastectomy surgery. There are also emotional aspects of the healing process and working with someone with an empathetic awareness of how to support women going through this process is paramount to a successful healing process.

Physical Therapy can be helpful years after breast cancer treatment/surgery

It is not uncommon for tightness or body signals (pain, numbness and tingling, etc..) to show up years later due to postural strain , unprocessed information, muscle imbalance. Physical therapy can help give you an understanding of what your body is saying and help you navigate through and address what your body needs.

How Do Virtual Sessions Work?

Virtual sessions can be empowering. They really give an opportunity for you to take quiet time in your own space and explore a what is happening in your own body with movement, breath and strengthening. It is remarkable how it has creates an experience where you can really get underneath your own restriction by actively listening and feeling and being in your own body. The tools offered help you become more sustainable when physical treatment isn’t available.