Breast Physiotherapy

Many people are unaware that at Bay Active Physiotherapy, we care for many women who require management of breast issues, including mastitis in breast-feeding women and post-operative treatment following cosmetic/plastic surgery.

The therapy that we provide results in reduced pain, faster recovery and improved surgical outcome. We work closely with surgeons to follow post-operative protocols and have developed our management strategies over the last 20 years.

Breast Augmentation

Following breast augmentation, there are a number of issues that may cause concern:

• Post-operative pain
• Post-operative swelling
• Breast asymmetry
• Capsular contracture

Treatment of these issues is usually a combination of lymphatic drainage, massage, therapeutic ultrasound and a home program of self-management and exercises.

Capsular contracture is often the biggest concern following breast augmentation and most believe that the only way to manage it is surgical intervention.

However, we often successfully resolve capsular contracture by mobilising the scar tissue, which results in a softer breast with improved shape and symmetry.

Breast Reduction / Mastopexy (Lift)

The most common complication following breast reduction and/ or lift is residual swelling which hardens and causes discomfort and asymmetry. Treatment for this hardening involves lymphatic drainage, massage and therapeutic ultrasound.

Mastectomy / Lumpectomy

Following mastectomy and lumpectomy, women often experience ongoing swelling, pain and reduced function, particularly arm mobility. These issues are often compounded by radiotherapy. Management includes lymphatic drainage, massage (often including scar release), mobilisation of the back and ribs and advice regarding management and exercise.

Mastitis

Mastitis is the inflammation of the breast in breast-feeding mothers, and is a common complication when breast feeding. Physiotherapy management includes lymphatic drainage, massage, therapeutic ultrasound and advice regarding feeding to prevent reoccurrence. We work closely with GPs to ensure that all infective mastitis is also medically treated with antibiotics.