Breast Cancer Physiotherapy Training

Lesson 1 • Staging, Diagnosis, and Imaging

Introduces TNM staging, diagnostic imaging modalities, and biopsy methods. Enables therapists to interpret oncology reports and align rehab goals with disease stage.

Lesson 2 • Breast Anatomy and Physiology Review

Covers breast tissue structure, lymphatic drainage, and neurovascular supply. Establishes anatomical baseline required for understanding surgical and treatment impacts.

Lesson 3 • Oncology Treatment Modalities Overview

Surveys surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, hormone therapy, and targeted agents. Provides the treatment context physiotherapists must understand to anticipate side effects.

Lesson 4 • Breast Cancer Biology and Classification

Explains tumor types, receptor status, and molecular subtypes. Connects cancer biology to prognosis and treatment selection relevant to rehab planning.

Lesson 1 • Musculoskeletal Assessment Post-Surgery

Evaluates shoulder range of motion, strength, posture, and scar tissue after breast surgery. Identifies impairments directly linked to surgical approach and reconstruction type.

Lesson 2 • Functional and Quality-of-Life Outcome Measures

Selects and administers breast cancer-specific functional and quality-of-life questionnaires. Establishes measurable baselines for tracking rehabilitation progress over time.

Lesson 3 • Lymphedema Screening and Assessment

Applies validated tools to detect early and established lymphedema in the arm and trunk. Connects screening findings to risk stratification and intervention urgency.

Lesson 4 • Fatigue, Pain, and Sensory Assessment

Quantifies cancer-related fatigue, neuropathic pain, and sensory changes using validated scales. Links assessment findings to treatment side effects and rehab prioritization.

Lesson 1 • Early Mobility and Range-of-Motion Exercises

Introduces progressive shoulder mobility exercises initiated within days of surgery. Builds patient confidence and prevents contracture while adhering to surgical timelines.

Lesson 2 • Strengthening and Functional Restoration

Progresses patients from mobility to strength and functional task performance post-surgery. Prepares patients for adjuvant treatment demands and return to daily activities.

Lesson 3 • Scar Management Techniques

Applies manual and self-management techniques to optimize scar mobility and reduce adhesions. Directly addresses a primary driver of long-term shoulder dysfunction after breast surgery.

Lesson 4 • Wound Healing and Surgical Precautions

Reviews tissue healing phases and surgery-specific precautions for mastectomy and reconstruction. Ensures therapists apply appropriate exercise intensity without compromising healing.

Lesson 1 • Compression Therapy and Bandaging

Covers multilayer bandaging, compression garment selection, and fitting for lymphedema management. Ensures therapists can apply and prescribe compression across all treatment phases.

Lesson 2 • Lymphatic System and Lymphedema Pathophysiology

Explains normal lymphatic transport and the mechanisms by which cancer treatment disrupts it. Provides the physiological rationale for all lymphedema prevention and treatment strategies.

Lesson 3 • Complete Decongestive Therapy Protocol

Integrates MLD, compression, exercise, and skin care into the two-phase CDT protocol. Prepares therapists to deliver and transition patients through intensive and maintenance phases.

Lesson 4 • Risk Reduction and Prevention Strategies

Translates evidence-based risk factors into actionable patient education and clinical protocols. Establishes prevention as the highest-priority intervention in lymphedema care.

Lesson 1 • Radiation-Induced Tissue Changes

Identifies fibrosis, brachial plexopathy, and rib fragility resulting from radiation therapy. Guides therapists in adapting exercise and manual therapy to irradiated tissue constraints.

Lesson 2 • Bone Health and Osteoporosis Management

Addresses bone density loss caused by hormone therapy and chemotherapy-induced menopause. Prescribes weight-bearing and resistance exercise to preserve skeletal integrity.

Lesson 3 • Cancer-Related Fatigue Interventions

Applies aerobic and resistance exercise prescriptions proven to reduce cancer-related fatigue. Connects fatigue management to improved treatment tolerance and quality of life.

Lesson 4 • Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy

Addresses sensory, motor, and balance deficits caused by neurotoxic chemotherapy agents. Provides exercise and sensory retraining strategies to reduce fall risk and functional loss.

Lesson 1 • Evidence Base for Exercise in Breast Cancer

Summarizes research linking exercise to reduced recurrence, improved survival, and symptom control. Establishes the scientific rationale that underpins all exercise prescription decisions.

Lesson 2 • Exercise During Active Treatment

Adapts exercise prescription to the physiological demands and side effects of active treatment. Maintains function and reduces fatigue without exceeding safe tolerance thresholds.

Lesson 3 • Pre-Treatment Exercise Prehabilitation

Designs prehabilitation programs to optimize physical capacity before surgery or systemic treatment. Reduces post-treatment deconditioning and accelerates recovery through proactive conditioning.

Lesson 4 • Resistance Training Program Design

Constructs progressive resistance programs addressing upper body, core, and lower body deficits. Counters muscle loss, bone density decline, and functional impairment from treatment.

Lesson 1 • Psychological Impact of Breast Cancer Diagnosis

Examines anxiety, depression, body image disturbance, and fear of recurrence in breast cancer patients. Contextualizes emotional responses within the physiotherapy encounter to improve therapeutic alliance.

Lesson 2 • Therapeutic Communication Strategies

Develops patient-centered communication skills for sensitive oncology conversations. Strengthens the therapeutic relationship and improves patient engagement with rehabilitation goals.

Lesson 3 • Screening for Psychological Distress

Applies validated distress screening tools within physiotherapy practice to identify patients needing support. Enables timely referral without overstepping the physiotherapist's professional scope.

Lesson 4 • Sexual Health and Intimacy Concerns

Addresses treatment-related sexual dysfunction, menopausal symptoms, and intimacy concerns. Equips therapists to raise these topics professionally and refer to appropriate specialists.

Lesson 1 • Recurrence, Secondary Cancers, and Late Effects

Prepares therapists to recognize signs of recurrence and manage late treatment effects years post-therapy. Ensures ongoing vigilance and appropriate escalation within survivorship follow-up.

Lesson 2 • Program Development and Quality Improvement

Guides therapists in designing, implementing, and evaluating breast cancer rehabilitation programs. Builds capacity to lead service improvement and contribute to institutional oncology care quality.

Lesson 3 • Complex Case Management and Clinical Reasoning

Applies advanced clinical reasoning to patients with multiple concurrent impairments and comorbidities. Develops prioritization frameworks for managing complex, evolving rehabilitation presentations.

Lesson 4 • Metastatic Breast Cancer Rehabilitation

Adapts rehabilitation goals and techniques for patients with metastatic or advanced disease. Balances function, comfort, and safety when curative intent is no longer the primary aim.