Healing After Breast Cancer: The Power of Physical Therapy, Plant-Based Nutrition, and Inflammation Reduction.
- msjacobson75
- Oct 2
- 5 min read
By: Vickie Rainville, PT, DPT
Healing After Breast Cancer: The Power of Physical Therapy, Plant-Based Nutrition, and Inflammation Reduction.
By: Vickie Rainville, PT, DPT
Breast cancer is a life-altering diagnosis. Statistics show that 1 in 8 women in the US will be affected by this in their lifetime. Survivorship brings its own journey of healing—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. As survivors navigate recovery, three pillars can profoundly impact their quality of life: physical therapy, plant-based nutrition, and reducing inflammation. Together, they form a holistic approach to reclaiming strength, vitality, and well-being.
Physical Therapy: Rebuilding Strength and Mobility plus scarring and swelling.
After breast cancer treatment—especially surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy—many survivors experience pain, stiffness, scar issues and limited mobility in the chest, shoulders, and arms.
Physical therapy plays a vital role in:
Restoring range of motion: Gentle stretching and mobility exercises help reduce scar tissue adhesions and improve flexibility.
Managing swelling: Specialized techniques like manual therapy can reduce swelling and prevent lymphedema.
Improving posture and strength: Targeted exercises rebuild muscle tone and correct postural imbalances caused by surgery or inactivity.
Reducing fatigue: Regular movement boosts energy and combats the deconditioning effects of treatment.
Survivors are encouraged to work with oncology-trained physical therapists or follow guided routines designed for post-treatment recovery.
Plant-Based Nutrition: Fueling Recovery and Resilience
Nutrition is a cornerstone of healing yet, “fewer than 3 in 10 women know that diet plays a role in prevention.”1
This year at the American Medical Association’s annual meeting of their House of Delegates, they passed a resolution that directly endorsed “plant-based eating as part of a prevention-focused strategy.”1
“A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains could reduce your risk of death from breast cancer by 21%, according to a clinical review published in December 2021 in JCO Oncology Practice.”1
A plant-based diet—rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds—offers powerful benefits for breast cancer survivors.
Antioxidant support: Colorful produce provides vitamins A, C, and E, which help repair cells and support immune function.
Fiber for detoxification: Whole plant foods aid digestion and help eliminate toxins.
Phytonutrients: Compounds like sulforaphane (found in cruciferous vegetables) and flavonoids (in berries and greens) have anti-cancer properties.
Weight management: Maintaining a healthy weight is linked to lower recurrence risk.
Good nutrition during treatment can also help manage the side effects of treatment, prevent malnutrition and improve quality of life.
Avoiding processed foods, red meat, and excess sugar and alchohol is equally important. Instead, embrace meals centered around whole, minimally processed ingredients.
Reducing Inflammation: A Key to Long-Term Wellness
Chronic inflammation is increasingly recognized as a contributor to cancer progression and recurrence.
Fortunately, lifestyle and dietary choices can help calm this internal fire:
Anti-Inflammatory Foods to Embrace:
Leafy greens: Kale, spinach, arugula
Cruciferous vegetables: Broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts
Berries: Blueberries, raspberries, strawberries
Omega-3 sources: Flaxseeds, chia seeds, walnuts
Herbs and spices: Turmeric, ginger, garlic
Lifestyle Tips:
Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce the risk of breast cancer. It can also reduce the risk of developing lymphedema after surgery and radiation.
Stay active: Gentle movement like walking, yoga, or swimming reduces inflammation and boosts mood.
Sleep well: Quality sleep supports immune function and reduces stress hormones.
Practice mindfulness: Meditation and deep breathing help regulate the nervous system and reduce stress-induced inflammation.
A Holistic Path Forward
Recovery from breast cancer is not just about surviving—it’s about thriving. By integrating physical therapy, nourishing your body with plant-based foods, and adopting anti-inflammatory habits, you empower yourself to heal deeply and live vibrantly. The benefits of these lifestyle changes also reduce future breast cancer risk.
Whether you're newly in remission or years into survivorship, it's never too late to embrace these healing tools. Your body is resilient, and with the right support, it can flourish again.
I have been treating clients post Breast Cancer since 2010. If you have questions, concerns or would like to consult with me, call A Step Ahead Physical Therapy today at 770-998-6636.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Vickie Rainville has been practicing physical therapy since 2000 with a Master’s Degree in Physical Therapy from Sacred Heart University then received her Doctorate of Physical Therapy in 2010, also from Sacred Heart. Vickie also holds a Bachelor's degree in Athletic Training from Springfield College. Vickie's practice blends a unique combination of skills developed through her experiences as a physical therapist and an athletic trainer. In addition to practicing in outpatient, skilled nursing, and home health settings, she also brings many years of field and clinic experience in high school and collegiate athletics. Her clinical strengths include manual therapy, orthopedics, sports medicine, geriatrics, neurological care, women’s health, and post-breast cancer rehabilitation.
References:
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