By: Chelsey Vasquez, PT, DPT, PRPC
Many breast cancer survivors continue to experience shoulder pain, tightness, weakness, and limited mobility long after treatment ends. A new 2026 study published in the Journal of Cancer Survivorship found that a multimodal physical therapy approach may significantly improve pain, function, and quality of life for women dealing with persistent pain after breast cancer treatment.
The study compared traditional shoulder exercises with a more comprehensive physical therapy program that included scapular stabilization exercises, pain education, neurodynamic techniques, and dry needling. Researchers found that patients receiving multimodal physical therapy experienced greater improvements in pain reduction, shoulder function, and overall quality of life.
From a physical therapist’s perspective, these findings reinforce something we see every day in the clinic: recovery after cancer treatment is about more than just “stretching.” Breast cancer treatment can affect muscles, nerves, posture, and movement patterns, which often requires a personalized rehabilitation plan.
At Mend, we help patients in Boulder, Lafayette, Louisville, and Erie CO regain confidence in movement and return to daily activities with less pain. Treatment includes guided exercise, manual therapy such as soft tissue mobilization, dry needling and mobility work, posture correction, and exercise designed specifically for each patient’s needs.
If you’ve been dealing with ongoing shoulder pain, stiffness, or weakness after breast cancer treatment, physical therapy may help you move more comfortably and improve your long-term recovery. Early intervention can also help prevent compensatory movement patterns and chronic pain from developing over time.
To learn more about physical therapy services in Boulder and Lafayette, visit mendcolorado.com.
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