Pilates for Breast Cancer Recovery
Supporting the Body After Chest Wall Surgery
Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide—and for those who undergo surgical interventions such as mastectomy, lumpectomy, or reconstruction, recovery extends far beyond the operating room. Pilates, when appropriately tailored, may offer an evidence-informed approach to rebuilding strength, improving mobility, and restoring confidence during post-surgical healing and beyond.
Movement as Medicine
Following chest wall surgery, many individuals experience reduced shoulder mobility, postural imbalances, pain, and emotional discomfort. Pilates, with its focus on alignment, breath, and controlled movement, offers a pathway toward restoring physical function and overall well-being.
A 2010 study published in the Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies found that breast cancer survivors who participated in Pilates-based rehabilitation experienced significant improvements in shoulder range of motion, posture, and quality of life compared to those who did not engage in structured exercise programs.
Why Pilates?
Unlike high-impact or generalized fitness programs, Pilates can be adapted for post-surgical healing. Some of the key benefits include:
Gentle restoration of mobility in the shoulders, chest, and thoracic spine
Support for lymphatic drainage through breath and movement
Improved posture and core stability after changes in body alignment
Pain reduction through mindful movement
Enhanced body awareness, which can be emotionally supportive during recovery
As always, these benefits are most safely achieved when instructors have training in post-rehabilitative Pilates and are equipped with knowledge about the specific precautions related to breast cancer recovery.
Teaching with Compassion and Confidence
For Pilates professionals, working with breast cancer survivors—especially those recovering from chest wall surgery—requires sensitivity, anatomical knowledge, and often collaboration with a medical team.
The PMA encourages all instructors to pursue continuing education in this area. Teaching post-rehabilitation clients is not only an opportunity to make a profound difference—it also expands your professional scope and deepens your connection to the transformative power of Pilates.
Resources for Further Learning
For instructors looking to support clients recovering from breast cancer, consider seeking training in post-rehabilitation Pilates, oncology-informed movement practices, or workshops designed specifically for working with special populations.
Organizations such as the American Cancer Society, Breast Cancer Rehab & Wellness, and PMA-accredited continuing education providers offer valuable tools for deepening your knowledge.
Final Thoughts
Pilates isn’t just for building strong cores—it’s for rebuilding lives. For those recovering from breast cancer surgery, movement can become a profound source of empowerment, healing, and return to self.
At the PMA, we honor the role that Pilates professionals play in supporting clients through every stage of life—and every phase of recovery.
Sources
Keays, K. S., Harris, S. R., Lucyshyn, J. M., & MacIntyre, D. L. (2010). Effects of Pilates exercises on shoulder range of motion, pain, mood, and upper extremity function in women living with breast cancer: A pilot study. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 14(3), 287–294. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbmt.2009.06.002
