Surviving gives you life—rehab helps you truly live it. – Dr Julie Sarton
Guided by both expertise and lived experience, Dr. Julie Sarton and her team help breast cancer survivors rebuild strength, restore comfort, and reclaim their lives.
In 2024, I underwent treatment for invasive breast cancer after being diagnosed through a routine mammogram. What was originally thought to be pre-cancerous turned out to be Stage I invasive ductal carcinoma leading to a lumpectomy followed by radiation. After surgery, I struggled with significant breast pain at the surgical site, scar tissue restriction, swelling along my lateral chest wall, and shoulder pain—made worse by a frozen shoulder I had been recovering from on the same side.
Physical therapy was truly a Godsend in my recovery. Gentle scar mobilization, lymphatic drainage, and hands-on treatments reduced swelling and pain, while targeted exercises and myofascial release restored my mobility and strength. That care allowed me to return to daily life without constant discomfort.
What I learned through this journey is that life after breast cancer can be deeply impacted—fatigue, swelling, pain, limited mobility, scar restriction, and even sexual discomfort are all common challenges. Recovery is neither easy nor automatic, yet most patients are not given a roadmap once surgery, chemo, or radiation ends. Every survivor deserves more than that.
At Sarton Pelvic Healing, a HUGE part of our mission is to help breast cancer survivors not just survive, but truly thrive. We go after rebuilding strength, restoring mobility, protecting intimacy, and supporting long-term wellness. You don’t have to walk this journey alone—healing is possible, and we are here to help you find it.
Following breast surgery, radiation, or reconstruction, it’s common to experience changes that affect how your body moves and feels. Tissue dysfunction can limit mobility in the shoulder, chest, neck, and arm, leading to postural compensations, muscular tightness, nerve irritation, and even chronic pain. These challenges can make daily activities—like reaching overhead, carrying groceries, or exercising—difficult and frustrating.
Breast cancer rehabilitation focuses on restoring mobility, reducing pain, and rebuilding function. With the guidance of a skilled physical therapist, the healing process can be accelerated while preventing long-term complications such as frozen shoulder, lymphedema, or chronic weakness.
Post-surgical and post-radiation changes often lead to:
Together, these factors contribute to pain, movement limitations, and decreased quality of life if left unaddressed.
At Pelvic Healing, your evaluation is thorough and personalized. We look beyond basic range of motion to assess scar mobility, soft tissue restrictions, posture, and nerve involvement. By combining mobility testing with functional movement analysis, we identify how surgery and treatment have affected your daily life. This holistic approach ensures we address not just the surgical site, but the entire system—helping you recover strength, balance, and confidence.
Sarton PT Breast Cancer Program Overview:
Our program features individualized recovery plans that target both short-term relief and long-term restoration. Treatment may include:
Physical Therapy is standard of care after orthopedic surgery—it should be the same for breast surgery. Know you don’t have to walk this journey alone. Healing after cancer is possible, and we are here to help you find it.
Note: We offer treatment programs after gynecological cancers as well as after prostate, testicular and rectal cancers.
They were highly professional, very knowledgeable and educated me on my home program. They had positive attitudes as well and it was infectious! The entire staff changed my life and I am so grateful! I cannot endorse them enough!
You deserve answers and relief from your pelvic pain. Our experienced team is here to guide you in reclaiming your confidence and quality of life.
