Scar Treatment & Support

Many patients experience scar pain, stiffness and tightness post-surgery (mastectomy, lumpectomy, or reconstruction). We can help with assessment and personalised Cairns scar pain treatment to suit your body. One of our physiotherapists will assess how well your scar is moving on a superficial fascial layer and deeper fascia / muscle layer. They will also assess nerve mobility in the area and identify any movement restrictions that you have. Treatment will then focus on freeing up any restrictions, increasing your movement and mobility.

In addition, diaphragmatic breathing can facilitate lymph circulation and chest wall / scar mobility. Our physiotherapists can improve your rib mobility, connective tissue and scar mobility around your back, chest and ribs and release your diaphragm. This also helps to maintain improvement between physiotherapy sessions.

Cording & Fibrosis

Cancer surgery and radiotherapy can create different forms of fibrosis and scarring, and Axillary web syndrome (AWS) also known as cording, is a common condition following lymph node dissection. What is it? It presents as taut, cord-like bands of tissue that develop under the skin in the arm pit area, sometimes going down towards the elbow and hand, or into the chest. It can be painful and tight, resulting in reduced movement.

While there’s no guaranteed way to prevent cording, early physiotherapy can improve movement and reduce the risk of cording developing. Our team can provide supportive treatment for cording, with manual therapy and specific exercises.

Don’t let pain slow you down, our team are here to help with comprehensive breast cancer rehabilitation treatment Cairns.