Breast Cancer and Pelvic Floor Therapy: Empowering Survivors Through Healing
October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about breast cancer, promoting early detection, and supporting those who are battling or have survived the disease. While treatment is critical for survival, many women face ongoing challenges after recovery—challenges that can significantly affect their quality of life. One of the most overlooked areas impacted by breast cancer treatment is pelvic floor health.
Pelvic floor therapy plays a crucial role in helping breast cancer survivors manage the physical and emotional effects of their treatment. Below, we’ll explore why pelvic floor therapy is so important and how it can help women regain strength, confidence, and control over their bodies after breast cancer.
The Connection Between Breast Cancer and Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
Breast cancer treatment can involve surgery (such as a mastectomy or lumpectomy), radiation, chemotherapy, and hormonal therapies. Each of these can have a ripple effect on the body, impacting the pelvic floor in several ways:
- Surgical Impact: After a mastectomy or reconstructive surgery, there may be scar tissue and tightness in the chest, abdomen, or shoulder area. These changes can affect posture, core stability, and breathing patterns. When the body compensates for these changes, it can put strain on the pelvic floor, leading to issues like pelvic pain or incontinence.
- Radiation Therapy: Radiation can cause fibrosis (hardening of tissues) in the chest, which may extend down into the abdomen. This can reduce mobility and cause imbalances in the core muscles, again affecting the pelvic floor’s ability to function optimally.
- Hormonal Changes: Many breast cancer survivors are placed on hormone-suppressing therapies, such as tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors. These treatments often cause vaginal dryness, pelvic discomfort, and urinary symptoms due to a reduction in estrogen levels, which impacts the health of vaginal and pelvic tissues.
- Fatigue and Muscle Weakness: Chemotherapy and radiation can lead to extreme fatigue and generalized muscle weakness. This can make it difficult to stay active, further weakening the pelvic floor and core muscles, which can contribute to incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, or sexual dysfunction.
How Pelvic Floor Therapy Can Help Breast Cancer Survivors
Pelvic floor therapy offers a safe and holistic approach to managing the side effects of breast cancer treatment, empowering survivors to regain control of their bodies and improve their overall quality of life. Here are some of the key ways pelvic floor therapy can benefit breast cancer survivors:
- Pain Management: Techniques such as manual therapy, trigger point release, and soft tissue mobilization can help reduce scar tissue adhesions and alleviate muscle tightness in the pelvic area, abdomen, and chest.
- Restoring Core Stability and Posture: Pelvic floor therapists work to restore core strength and posture, focusing on the connection between the diaphragm, abdominal muscles, and pelvic floor. Strengthening these areas can help improve bladder control, reduce back and pelvic pain, and restore balance in the body.
- Addressing Vaginal Dryness and Discomfort: For women experiencing vaginal dryness and discomfort due to hormonal changes, pelvic floor therapy can include the education and teaching on the use of dilators, relaxation techniques, and education on proper lubrication, all of which can improve sexual health and comfort.
- Bladder and Bowel Function: Many breast cancer survivors struggle with urinary incontinence, frequent urination, or constipation. Pelvic floor therapy includes exercises and behavioral techniques that help improve bladder and bowel control.
- Exercise Prescription: Pelvic floor therapists create individualized exercise plans to gently strengthen but also help to relax the pelvic floor and core muscles. These exercises, such as glute bridges, squats, and modified planks, or various pelvic floor stretches, can be done at home and tailored to each woman’s comfort and ability.
The Importance of Holistic Care for Breast Cancer Survivors
Beyond the physical benefits, pelvic floor therapy provides breast cancer survivors with emotional support and validation. Survivors often feel disconnected from their bodies after treatment, and pelvic floor therapy offers a way to reconnect, rebuild, and regain a sense of control. The holistic approach addresses not just the physical symptoms but the emotional toll that breast cancer treatment can have.
Zealous Holistics is Here to Help
At Zealous Holistics, we understand the unique challenges that women who have survived breast cancer face. Our pelvic floor occupational therapy services are designed to support women through every stage of their recovery, helping them regain strength, confidence, and quality of life.
If you or someone you know is navigating life after breast cancer and struggling with pelvic floor issues, contact us to learn more about how we can help. We offer personalized evaluations and treatment plans that are tailored to each individual’s needs.
Together, we can help you on your journey to healing and wellness.