Rebuilding Strength and Confidence: Exercise and Rehabilitation After Breast Cancer
A New Chapter Begins After Treatment Ends
Surviving breast cancer is a battle—and just when you expect things to get easier, you’re often left with a new challenge: recovering your body, your energy, and your confidence.
Whether you’ve undergone surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, hormone treatment, or all of the above, your body may feel unfamiliar. You may experience weakness, fatigue, joint stiffness, or lymphoedema. But here’s the important truth:
Movement is medicine.
And with the right support, exercise can be one of the most empowering tools in your recovery.
Why Exercise Matters After Breast Cancer
Research consistently shows that tailored rehabilitation and physical activity after breast cancer improves:
• Muscle strength and endurance
• Range of motion (especially after surgery)
• Lymphatic flow and swelling control
• Bone health (especially post-menopause or on hormone therapy)
• Mental health and body image
• Long-term survival rates
The challenge? Knowing how to move safely, when to start, and how to avoid setbacks like injury or swelling flare-ups.
Common Challenges After Breast Cancer Treatment
Every woman’s journey is different—but these are some of the most common physical issues we help clients with:
• Shoulder stiffness and tightness (often post-mastectomy or radiation)
• Scar tissue restrictions
• Postural changes
• Reduced strength, especially on one side
• Chronic fatigue and low energy
• Balance and coordination changes
• Lymphoedema or risk of it developing
That’s why personalised rehabilitation is key—not just a generic ‘get fit’ plan, but a structured, progressive approach based on where you are now and what your body needs.
How Poseidon Performance Approaches Breast Cancer Rehabilitation
At Poseidon Performance, our approach is rooted in clinical expertise, empathy, and evidence-based training.
We focus on:
• Restoring safe mobility and function
• Rebuilding strength without risk of overloading or causing swelling
• Addressing asymmetries and scar restrictions
• Supporting mental wellbeing through achievable, confidence-boosting wins
• Educating you on how to manage and reduce your risk of lymphoedema
• Helping you return to your hobbies, passions, or just daily life—stronger than before
If you’re working with one of our rehab specialists, like Madaline—who brings years of experience in clinical rehab—we’ll also liaise with your consultant, physio or oncologist if needed.
Realistic. Progressive. Empowering.
This isn’t about pushing yourself to exhaustion or “getting your body back.”
It’s about working with your body—one that’s been through a lot—and guiding it towards resilience, strength, and renewed confidence.
We don’t use gimmicks or one-size-fits-all plans. We listen. We assess. And we train with purpose.
Can I Start While Still in Treatment?
Yes—with proper guidance. In fact, light movement during chemotherapy or radiotherapy can reduce fatigue, help manage side effects, and improve quality of life. It just needs to be carefully tailored to how you’re feeling that day, that week, that phase of treatment.
We can also guide a coach or therapist working locally with you if you’re not based near our studio.
Lymphoedema and Exercise: What You Need to Know
One of the biggest concerns for many breast cancer survivors is developing lymphoedema—swelling in the arm or chest due to disrupted lymph flow.
Here’s the good news:
• Exercise does not cause lymphoedema.
• When done properly, it actually reduces the risk and can help manage it if you already have symptoms.
• Wearing a compression sleeve during resistance training is recommended if you’re at risk or already managing swelling.
• Strength training is not only safe—it’s one of the best ways to restore function and confidence after surgery or radiation.
Final Word: You’re Not Broken. You’re Rebuilding.
Rehabilitation after breast cancer isn’t about bouncing back—it’s about moving forward with strength, knowledge, and support.
If you’re ready to start training again—or start for the first time—we’re here for you. Whether you need expert coaching, a tailored rehab plan, or someone to coordinate care alongside your medical team, Poseidon Performance is ready to support your next chapter.
📍 Based in Dartmouth?
Book a private consultation with our rehab team or learn more about our 1:1 support for breast cancer recovery.
🌍 Not local?
We also offer remote guidance and programming—so wherever you are, we can help you rebuild safely and confidently.
👉 Contact us or message us on Instagram @poseidon_rehab
