Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the U.S., with more than 3.5 million survivors in 2019.
However, recent reports show that many survivors did not anticipate the discomfort that their lumpectomy and mastectomy scars would cause, and that they were not informed about surgical techniques like nipple-sparing and hidden-scar techniques.
For breast cancer survivors, not only does scarring cause emotional discomfort, but physical pain as well. While symptoms like tightness, aches, and sensitivity may be common and normal in breast cancer survivors, that does not mean they aren’t treatable.
Recovering from breast cancer is a journey; no woman should have to feel as though her pain is not manageable.
At Taylor PT & Wellness, we offer dry needling and manual therapy treatments that can help ease the pain of survivors and help them return to their lives and the things they love.
Dry needling
Post-surgical scar tissue can tighten over time, leading to discomfort and limited mobility in the torso, arm, and shoulder areas. Dry needling can help to relieve some of the discomfort and return mobility to the affected area.
Trigger point dry needling, also known as dry needling, is a process that involves inserting a thin, sterile needle into a tight muscle known as a trigger point to:
- Release tension or “knots”
- Improve circulation and healing
- Reset muscle activity and reduce pain signals
This may sound similar to acupuncture, but the two should not be confused. Dry needling is based on modern science, while acupuncture stems from traditional Chinese medicine and philosophy.
When the needle is inserted into the trigger points or scar tissue, it helps to lengthen the tissue and restore range of motion. While it’s common to feel soreness for a day or two after a session, relief begins immediately and can last up to a week.
Typically, those looking to get dry needling after surgery can do so about six weeks post-op. While some patients may find that dry needling alone provides relief from their surgical scars, it can also be done as part of a larger treatment plan. For women who have had lymph node removal or are at risk of lymphedema, we may select other manual therapy options. Your provider will discuss your options in detail during your first visit. Appointments are easy to schedule online and do not require a full therapy visit.
Manual therapy
For those who don’t do needles or want to do dry needling in tandem with other forms of treatment, Taylor PT also offers manual therapy.
Chronic musculoskeletal pain (CMP) affects over half of breast cancer survivors. CMP is ongoing or recurring pain in the bones, muscles, and joints that lasts longer than normal healing times; manual therapy is a non-invasive, hands-on form of physical therapy that can treat these symptoms.
Evidence shows that manual therapy is an effective way of treating CMP in the upper body of breast cancer survivors. At Taylor PT, we provide manual therapy through massage. While it may feel like a trip to a spa because of our comforting, calming environment, our massages go beyond relaxation and support whole-body healing.
Our team of massage therapists, trained specifically in women’s health, offers a range of services that can help with breast cancer recovery.
For example, Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a light technique specifically designed to reduce fluid buildup and treat lymphedema after breast cancer treatment, and deep tissue massages apply targeted pressure to release chronic muscle tension and restore movement.
However, we know that recovery isn’t just about healing the physical body but the mind as well, so we also offer relaxation massages to help relieve stress and calm the nervous system. You can book a massage as part of your treatment plan, or on its own. We also offer a Massage Membership program for monthly care at a discounted rate.
After receiving personalized care, most women report feeling more mobile and relaxed and less tense.
We put your recovery first.
Whether it’s dry needling or other manual therapy, one thing you can always expect from Taylor PT is for your health and wellness to be put front and center. If you or a loved one is undergoing cancer treatments, please connect with us to start your healing journey.
We’re Here to Help
We offer:
- Free Pelvic Floor Screens
- 1:1 visits with Expert Therapists
- Therapeutic Massage
- Trigger Point Dry Needling