Breast Cancer Recovery
Breast cancer recovery physical therapy helps with the pain, stiffness, scar tightness and weakness that can follow a mastectomy, lumpectomy, lymph node surgery, radiation or chemotherapy. Elevate615 offers it in Franklin, TN, serving Cool Springs and Williamson County, with Elaine Weisberger, a PORi-certified oncology rehabilitation therapist, in one-on-one sessions that are gentle and shaped around where you are in recovery.
Pain, stiffness, cording and swelling after breast surgery
Many women assume lingering problems are just part of recovery. They are common, and a therapist can help you sort out what to do about them.
Shoulder, chest wall, neck or arm pain
Discomfort from scar tension or surgical changes. See also shoulder pain.
Stiffness and limited range of motion
Tightness in the shoulder or chest wall, and loss of shoulder range of motion.
Axillary web syndrome (cording)
Tight, painful “cords” under the arm, sometimes like a rope under the skin, that restrict movement.
Scar tissue restrictions
Pulling or tightness that can limit mobility in the chest and shoulder.
Swelling
Swelling can progress to lymphedema. We watch for it early and help you manage it, and we work with your surgeon and oncology team.
Nerve-related pain and fatigue
Neuropathic discomfort after treatment, and the weakness and energy loss that follow chemotherapy or radiation.
Why it helps to start early
With any other surgery you would not wait for a complication before getting care. The same idea applies after breast surgery, once your surgeon says you are ready.
Before the next phase of treatment
You do not want to enter radiation or chemotherapy with unresolved post-operative problems, which can build on each other and are harder to undo.
Spotting problems sooner
Early guidance helps you recognize issues before they become long-term limitations, and may help you avoid problems such as a frozen shoulder or persistent pain.
Practical tools right away
You learn safe movement and healing timelines, plus exercises you can use right away for posture, breathing and mobility.
What breast cancer physical therapy looks like with us
A plan built for you
Every recovery is different. We tailor the plan to your surgical history, current side effects, timeline and goals, not a protocol.
Gentle hands-on therapy
Gentle manual techniques for scar tissue, axillary cording and restoring mobility in the affected areas.
Exercise matched to your healing
Strength and flexibility work for your stage of healing, plus breathwork and stress regulation. Care also connects to broader women’s health and post-surgical rehab.
When to call your surgeon or oncology team first
Physical therapy works alongside your medical team. Contact them promptly, or go to the emergency room, if you notice:
- Sudden or rapidly increasing swelling in the arm, hand, breast or chest
- Redness, warmth, fever or drainage near an incision
- New or worsening pain that does not settle with rest
- New numbness, weakness or loss of use of the arm
- Sudden shortness of breath, chest pain or a swollen, painful calf (go to the emergency room)
Not sure whether something is normal healing? Ask your surgeon or oncology team first; we are glad to coordinate with them.
Your therapist, and what to expect from us
Elaine Weisberger has more than 30 years in orthopedic and sports physical therapy, including 15 years with Vanderbilt Orthopedic Institute, and is certified through PORi in oncology rehabilitation.
- Care from a therapist trained in the effects of oncology surgery, radiation and chemotherapy
- One-on-one sessions focused entirely on your recovery
- A supportive, private space where you can feel heard
- A Franklin clinic that serves Cool Springs and Williamson County
Questions about breast cancer physical therapy
Do I need a referral?
You do not need a physician referral to start physical therapy at Elevate615: Tennessee allows direct access. If longer care later needs a physician involved, we coordinate with them.
Is this only for people who had a mastectomy?
No. Care is for people recovering from a mastectomy, lumpectomy or axillary node resection, and for the effects of radiation and chemotherapy.
When should I start?
Early guidance is key, and it can be helpful to begin before the next phase of treatment. Healing also does not stop when treatment ends, so it is not too late later. Ask your surgeon when you can begin.
Read more from our breast cancer recovery therapist
Breast cancer recovery care in Franklin
Elaine Weisberger sees patients at our Franklin clinic in Cool Springs, serving Williamson County. Your surgeon and oncology team stay in the loop.
You do not need a physician referral to start physical therapy at Elevate615: Tennessee allows direct access. If longer care later needs a physician involved, we coordinate with them.
Meet the people who treat you on our team page.