Breast Cancer Surgery Recovery & Lymphedema Care

Recovery after breast cancer surgery can affect comfort, mobility, and confidence.

At Ilaaj Physical Therapy & Oncology Rehab in Tarzana, CA, we provide one-on-one, gentle and skilled care to reduce pain, restore movement, and support lymphatic health after mastectomy, lumpectomy, axillary dissection, and reconstruction.

Common Concerns We Treat

  • Chest, underarm, or shoulder pain/tightness

  • Limited arm elevation or reaching

  • Scar tightness and radiation-related tissue fibrosis

  • Axillary Web Syndrome (“cording”)

  • Early lymphedema signs (heaviness, fullness, mild swelling)

  • Posture changes and fatigue

Axillary web syndrome (cording) mobility treatment for post-surgical recovery

Who we help recover:

Patients who have undergone:

  • Post-mastectomy or lumpectomy

  • Sentinel node or axillary dissection

  • Reconstruction (implant or flap)

  • Radiation therapy to the breast/chest wall or axilla

  • Early signs of swelling or heaviness in the arm, breast, or chest wall

Our Treatment Approach (individualized)

  • Gentle manual therapy for scar mobility and soft-tissue restrictions

  • Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) to support lymphatic flow and reduce swelling

  • Targeted stretching & mobility for chest, shoulder, and thoracic spine

  • Graded strengthening to restore function safely

  • Breathing & posture strategies to reduce strain and improve comfort

  • Lymphedema prevention education (self-care, early signs, when to seek help)

  • Compression guidance (when appropriate): garment selection, fit, and wear schedule

Gentle manual therapy for chest wall mobility after breast surgery at Ilaaj Physical Therapy in Tarzana

Axillary Web Syndrome (Cording)

Cording is very common post breast surgery and is caused during the healing phase in recovery as new fascial tissue and collagen fibers are being laid down. It can limit shoulder movement and cause sharp, pulling pain after surgery. We use gentle tissue techniques, progressive stretching, and movement retraining to restore reach and reduce discomfort—typically improving within a short series of visits.

Lymphedema Prevention & Early Management

Changes in lymphatic flow after surgery or radiation can cause heaviness, swelling, or tightness in the breast, chest wall, or arm. Early care can help reduce symptoms and protect long-term mobility and comfort. We provide risk assessment, education on early warning signs, and MLD when appropriate. If swelling is present, we individualize care using elements of Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) and advise on compression options that fit your lifestyle.

Looking for general information about lymphedema?

See our Lymphedema Management and Complete Decongestive Therapy page.

What to Expect at Your First Visit

  1. Discussion & Assessment: surgical history, current symptoms, goals

  2. Movement screen: shoulder/chest mobility, posture, and functional tasks

  3. Tissue & lymphatic check: scar mobility, radiation fibrosis, early edema signs

  4. Initial treatment: gentle manual techniques + a simple home plan

  5. Clear plan: visit frequency, milestones, and how we’ll measure progress

Results You Can Expect

  • Easier reaching, lifting, and daily activities

  • Reduced tightness and discomfort

  • Softer, more mobile scar and chest wall tissue

  • Improved posture and confidence moving your arm

  • Better understanding of lymphedema prevention and self-care

 FAQs

  • Many patients begin gentle, non-stressful care once cleared by their surgeon (usually 2-4 weeks post operatively). We tailor treatment to your healing stage and usually once any drains have been removed and incisions sites have healed appropriately with no signs of infection.

  • Yes. We adjust for skin sensitivity and fatigue, using gentle techniques and practical home care to support comfort and mobility.

  • Not everyone does. We’ll assess your risk and symptoms, then guide you on if/when compression is appropriate and how to get the right fit.

  • Yes! It can be helpful to start rehab before surgery (PREHAB) in order to establish baseline measurements of shoulder mobility, chest/arm girth measurements so we have objective measures to work off of post operatively, and also helps to reduce anxiety prior to surgery because you are well informed of post operative healing expectations and how to support your recovery after surgery.