Shoulder and everyday movement
Work towards relevant reaching, lifting and daily activity goals. Movement begins within your surgical restrictions and is reviewed as healing, comfort and medical advice change.
Cancer support
Breast cancer recovery
Support for movement, confidence and daily life across breast cancer treatment and recovery. Your surgery, treatment and symptoms shape the plan, with attention to shoulder function, arm concerns, fatigue and the activities you want to return to.
A personal goal.
A connected care plan.
A connected care plan.
The starting point
Work towards comfortable movement and valued activities with your oncology team’s guidance.
For people preparing for or recovering from breast cancer treatment, including those with continuing functional concerns in survivorship. Your surgeon or oncology team’s advice guides participation, particularly after reconstruction or when swelling, pain or other symptoms need assessment.
01 / Your goal
Make it personal.
02 / Your planKeep it connected.
03 / Your next stepReview it together.
What support can look like.
Your programme is shaped around your health, preferences and clinical needs.
Strength, energy and balance
An appropriate plan can combine gradual strength work, walking and balance practice. Your treatment phase, fatigue and any sensory or balance concerns guide how it is adapted.
Arm concerns and confidence
Discuss swelling, heaviness, discomfort and their effect on daily life. The team can coordinate appropriate assessment or specialist referral, alongside support for emotional wellbeing and returning to valued roles.
Your journey
Small steps.
A clear direction.
Assessment
Review the operation or treatment history, current restrictions and your goals. Discuss shoulder movement, arm symptoms, fatigue and daily function.
Your plan
Agree suitable activities and precautions with the relevant professionals, including any specialist assessment needed before exercise begins.
Practice
Build movement and activity gradually through guided work and an appropriate home routine, reporting changes in pain, swelling or tolerance.
Review
Compare relevant measures and daily goals over time. Share the review with your treating team and agree the next stage of support.
Make progress
personal.
The right measures help the team understand whether the plan is useful and what should happen next.
How measurement works01 / Review together
Shoulder movement and selected daily activities
02 / Review together
Strength, walking tolerance and the impact of fatigue
03 / Review together
Relevant arm symptoms and standardised measures when clinically indicated
Measures are chosen by the clinician. These are examples, not a standard test package.
A team that fits your needs
Connected professional support.
The centre confirms the professionals involved and their availability.
Working with your hospital
The right care, in the right place.
Preparation before surgery and recovery after discharge should follow the breast-care team’s advice. Reconstruction, wounds, drains and treatment effects can change what is appropriate. Your plan respects those restrictions and can continue into longer-term support for daily activity, confidence and wellbeing.
Our referral approachYour questions, answered.
How soon after surgery can I start?
Timing depends on your operation, healing and your surgeon’s instructions. Bring the discharge advice and any movement or lifting restrictions so the team can discuss an appropriate starting point.
Can I exercise if I have lymphoedema or am at risk?
Your oncology team or lymphoedema specialist can advise on a suitable plan. Exercise should be individualised, with attention to symptoms and any prescribed precautions; new swelling or heaviness needs review.
Can I seek support long after treatment has finished?
Yes, you can enquire about continuing functional concerns or everyday goals in survivorship. An assessment helps establish whether this pathway and the available support are appropriate for your needs.
Clinical perspective
Functional recovery support complements breast cancer treatment and follow-up. New swelling, redness, warmth or other concerning symptoms need medical review. The programme does not guarantee prevention of lymphoedema or cancer recurrence.
Further reading
Start a conversation
Start with your story.
Find your local centre and discuss what support may be right for you.