A breast cancer diagnosis can mean many things, including major surgery such as a mastectomy. While this procedure can be life-saving, it also brings several long-term challenges. One of these challenges is maintaining range of motion in the upper extremities, as well as strength and aerobic endurance. As physical therapists, we play a crucial role in addressing these issues and helping patients in their recovery.

When asked about my breast cancer journey and how I am doing, I often struggle to convey what it’s like in simple terms. However, I found an analogy that, while it may never fully help someone understand the lived experience, makes it relatable for people from all walks of life and backgrounds.

I describe the breast cancer journey as a book.

Do you have a forward head posture? Most people do to some degree. Did you know we can improve it?

Do you struggle with SI Joint pain or hip pain? You may need to strengthen your glute meds (aka side butt). These muscles essentially support your hips. They need to be strong.

Do you struggle with SI Joint pain or hip pain? You may need to strengthen your glute meds (aka side butt). These muscles essentially support your hips.

Struggle with flat feet? Did you know you can actually improve your arch support by exercising your feet?

Feet have muscles like any other part of our body, we can improve their function by strengthening them.

Having good strong arches is critical to good alignment for knees and hips. This will have positive changes on everything to your gait to your squats!

Want help strengthening your midback? Want to improve your forward posture? Try these kneeling rows.

Want help increasing your power on your golf or tennis swing? Or maybe you just need help getting your core to fire during lateral movements.

I love this exercise for all the above. It's a particular challenge kneeling because it's harder to cheat by using legs or back.

Adding lateral resistance to any exercise is a great way to add a challenge for your core.

Do you spend most of your day seated? Or maybe your hip flexors are always firing?

You likely need to work on stretching them out. This stretch is another great example of eccentrically loading a muscle to help "set" it in a more lengthened position.
This is much more affective than a passive stretch.

Are you sitting at a desk all day? Breastfeeding? Bending over to pick your kids up all the time? Chances are you have a tight chest which is pulling your shoulders forward.

This video will give you a simple and relaxing way to open up that chest and improve your posture. All you need is a corner :)

Have you discovered you tend to grip your glutes all day? Maybe you struggle to activate your glutes during exercises?