Breast Cancer Physical and Occupational Therapy
Pre-hab, Post-hab, and Throughout Breast Cancer Treatment
At Thera Physical and Occupational Therapy, your breast cancer rehabilitation center in Midtown Manhattan, we provide comprehensive, individualized breast cancer physical therapy and occupational therapy for individuals undergoing or recovering from breast cancer treatment. Our care supports you through every stage—right after breast cancer diagnosis, before surgery (pre-hab), after surgery (post-hab), during active radiation or chemotherapy treatment, and more.
We believe in treating the whole person, not just the body, and offer tailored support that reduces pain while restoring comfort, mobility, confidence, and quality of life. We work to help prevent long-term complications
Who We Help
Our breast cancer physical rehabilitation program is dedicated to supporting you whether you're newly diagnosed, preparing for surgery, navigating treatment, or rebuilding life afterward. We guide individuals facing the physical and emotional challenges of breast cancer and treatment. If you're seeking a compassionate breast cancer rehabilitation center where healing is customized, gentle, and empowering, you’re in the right place—and we’re honored to walk this journey with you.
Sensation-Preserving Mastectomy
For reconstruction, we support TRAM flap recovery, DIEP flap recovery, latissimus dorsi flap recovery, and tissue expander, implant reconstruction and more
Our breast cancer rehabilitation program supports recovery from a full range of surgical procedures, including but not limited to:
Beyond surgery, we help patients recovering from chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy, and oophorectomy or ovarian suppression. We also specialize in recovery following axillary lymph node dissection, sentinel lymph node biopsy, and port placement or removal. For patients experiencing radiation-related swelling or axillary web syndrome and cording, our CLT-certified therapists provide targeted treatment to restore comfort and mobility."
Treatment-Related Recovery
What We Treat
Whether you're looking for help with a specific condition you're experiencing or want to understand what rehabilitation looks like after a particular procedure or treatment, find your starting point below.
Conditions & Side Effects We Treat
These are the post-treatment symptoms and complications our therapists address — regardless of which surgery or treatment caused them.
Procedures & Treatments We Rehabilitate
Find your specific surgery, systemic treatment, or related procedure below for information on what rehabilitation looks like at each stage of your care.
Don't see your procedure or condition? We support patients through every aspect of breast cancer treatment and recovery. Contact us — no referral required in New York State.
Book a Free ConsultationOur Breast Cancer Physical & Occupational Therapy Program
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We start with a detailed consultation and full-body assessment, including posture, shoulder mobility, flexibility, strength, scar tissue health, breathing mechanics, and lymphatic function. We provide compassionate education to empower you with understanding and confidence.
Patients recovering from breast reconstruction also benefit from structured exercise and mobility programs. See our guide to breast reconstruction recovery exercises and mobility timelines.
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Post-operative rehabilitation therapy following a mastectomy is focused on restoring arm and shoulder movement, addressing swelling, treating scar tissue, and supporting your recovery and return to everyday activities without pain or limitation. We address:
Arm and chest tightness
Cording (axillary web syndrome)
Decreased range of motion
Soft tissue restrictions
Breathing and posture imbalances
Prolonged or increased swelling
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Our skilled hands help gently reduce discomfort and improve scar tissue improve scar tissue flexibility through:
Myofascial release
Scar desensitization and softening for improved healing and mobility
Manual lymphatic drainage
Radiation fibrosis therapy
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Proper compression is key to managing swelling, supporting healing, and preventing complications after breast cancer treatment. We provide personalized compression garment assessments to ensure the best fit for your body and needs. Our therapists take precise measurements, recommend the most effective garment style, and guide you through wearing and care instructions.
Not sure how to choose between garment types or what to look for? Read our guide on choosing a compression garment in NYC and why professional fitting matters.
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This guided rehabilitative exercise program is designed to help breast cancer survivors gradually regain their strength, improve their quality of life, and reduce the risk of lymphedema.
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Nearly 20% of survivors are at risk of developing some form of lymphedema. Our Certified Lymphedema Therapists (CLT) provide:
Screening & risk assessment
Early intervention, education, and treatment to reduce your risk
Early prevention strategies
Individualized treatment plans that include breast cancer physical therapy, gentle drainage techniques, compression guidance, and long-term maintenance strategies.
Understanding the stages of lymphedema can help you recognize changes early. Read our overview of lymphedema stages and what each means for treatment, and learn how we track limb changes using discrepancy monitoring thresholds.
Also read our guide on recognizing early lymphedema signs after lumpectomy and when to seek care.
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We guide you through safe, progressive exercises to help:
Rebuild upper-body strength
Correct postural alignment
Increase energy after chemotherapy or radiation
Improve confidence in daily movement
Why Choose Thera Physical and Occupational Therapy as Your Breast Cancer Rehabilitation Center?
We understand that breast cancer affects the whole person—physically, emotionally, and mentally. That’s why our program combines evidence-based techniques with compassionate care to help you heal at your own pace.
Specialized, Gentle Care That Goes Beyond the Physical
At Thera Physical and Occupational Therapy, you’ll benefit from:
Experienced breast cancer physical and occupational therapists with certifications in oncology rehab, lymphedema management, and scar therapy
A peaceful setting designed for emotional and physical renewal
A highly personalized care plan built around your unique treatment timeline and recovery goals
Coordination with your medical team to ensure continuity and safety throughout your journey
Take the First Step Toward Whole-Person Recovery
At Thera Physical and Occupational Therapy, you’re more than a diagnosis. You’re a whole person with a life to return to, and we’re here to help you reclaim it. Explore our physical and occupational therapy services and let our expert team walk beside you with thoughtful, experienced care at every stage of your recovery.
Contact us today to schedule your consultation and begin your healing journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Breast rehabilitation addresses post-treatment weakness, discomfort, and restricted movement through a personalized therapy plan. Our approach may include targeted exercises to strengthen affected muscles, pain management techniques to ease discomfort, and gentle massage to improve circulation and reduce tension. By combining these therapies, we help restore mobility, rebuild muscle function, and enhance overall comfort during recovery.
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Timing depends on your doctor’s clearance. Many patients can start gentle movement and pain management techniques right away, progressing to manual soft tissue techniques and lymphatic massage, and strengthening as healing continues.
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Yes. Physical therapy and occupational therapy can strengthen postural muscles, reduce tension, and restore proper alignment, which is often affected by surgery, radiation, or prolonged recovery periods.
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No. New York State allows direct access for occupational therapy or physical therapy without a script for 10 visits or for one month. Our team can guide you through the process to ensure you get the care you need quickly.