October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time dedicated to honoring survivors, supporting those currently in treatment, and spreading education about prevention and recovery. While much of the conversation focuses on early detection and oncology care, there’s an important piece of the recovery process that often goes overlooked: pelvic health.
The Overlooked Connection Between Breast Cancer and Pelvic Health
Many individuals undergoing treatment for breast cancer experience side effects that extend well beyond the breast or chest wall. Hormonal changes from chemotherapy, radiation, or medications like Tamoxifen or Aromatase inhibitors can lead to pelvic floor dysfunction, including:
- Vaginal dryness or pain
- Pelvic or lower abdominal discomfort
- Urinary urgency, leakage, or incomplete emptying
- Constipation
- Pain with intimacy
These changes are often linked to estrogen suppression, scar tissue, or changes in muscle tone — all areas pelvic physical therapists are trained to treat.
How Pelvic Physical Therapy Supports Recovery
A pelvic physical therapist can help address both the physical and emotional impacts of breast cancer recovery. Treatment may include:
- Gentle manual therapy to improve mobility, reduce scar tissue tightness, and restore comfort.
- Pelvic floor retraining to improve bladder, bowel, and sexual function.
- Education and self-care strategies to help manage symptoms like dryness, pain, or weakness.
- Exercise prescription focused on posture, core, and breathing to restore confidence and control.
These interventions are designed to help individuals reconnect with their bodies, regain strength, and feel comfortable again in their own skin.
Beyond the Pelvic Floor: Whole-Body Healing
Breast cancer recovery is more than physical healing — it’s emotional, intimate, and deeply personal. Pelvic physical therapy offers a safe and compassionate space to talk about sensitive symptoms and receive individualized care that honors the whole person, not just the diagnosis.
This October, Let’s Expand the Conversation
As we wear pink ribbons and raise awareness this month, let’s also shine a light on the importance of pelvic health in the cancer recovery journey. Whether you are newly diagnosed, in treatment, or years into survivorship, know that support is available — and pelvic physical therapy can play a meaningful role in your healing process.
If you or someone you know is recovering from breast cancer and experiencing pelvic, bladder, or sexual health changes, consider reaching out to us here at Fitzgerald PT. You don’t have to navigate these changes alone!
~Submitted by Dr. Miranda Duffany, our Pelvic Health Physical Therapy specialist here at Fitzgerald PT. Learn more about her expertise and approach to care now.
