Reclaim Strength After Breast Cancer

Sam Moore
Oct 24
3 min read

Updated: Nov 15

The Power of Pilates and Oncology Exercise: Reclaiming Your Strength

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Ladies, this one’s for you.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and this year, I’m drawing on my own experience with bowel cancer to raise awareness about the powerful benefits of Oncology Exercise — specifically, Pilates — here at Firefly Pilates. Yes, Pilates for cancer patients is not only possible, it’s profoundly beneficial.

Through gentle, structured movement, I help women rebuild strength, confidence, mobility, and alignment after surgery and treatment — creating a clear, supportive roadmap for recovery. Because reclaiming your posture truly means reclaiming your power and your health.

Understanding the Post-Cancer Body

After breast cancer surgery and treatment, many women feel like strangers in their own bodies. Scar tissue, radiation fibrosis, pain, and fatigue can subtly — yet significantly — change how they move, breathe, and stand. Restoring range of motion and postural alignment isn’t about looking or feeling “normal” again. It’s about achieving true recovery, supporting long-term health, and even reducing the risk of recurrence.

As a specialist working with women post-surgery — whether after a lumpectomy, mastectomy, lymph node dissection, or reconstruction — I understand how the body often adapts protectively. Muscles tighten, the body guards or compensates, and movement patterns shift.

Common Physical Changes After Breast Cancer Treatment

Women may notice:

Rounded shoulders or forward head posture
Limited arm mobility or shoulder stiffness
Chest tightness or pulling across scars
Asymmetry when reaching, lifting, or exercising

Left unaddressed, these changes can lead to chronic pain, increased lymphedema risk, and reduced function. But there’s good news — targeted, mindful movement can reverse much of this.

The Magic of Pilates in Cancer Recovery

This is where Pilates for cancer patients shines. Improving posture and mobility after breast cancer treatment isn’t just about appearance — it’s functional medicine in motion. By restoring alignment, we can:

Improve lymphatic flow and circulation
Reduce shoulder and neck pain
Support better breathing mechanics
Enhance confidence and body image
Encourage sustainable activity and healthy weight maintenance — both linked to lower recurrence risk

Each movement is guided, gentle, and purposeful — helping women reconnect with their bodies and rebuild from the inside out.

Empowerment Through Movement

At Firefly Pilates, every session is about more than exercise — it’s about empowerment, education, and long-term wellbeing. I’m proud to be CETI-certified (in association with the American Cancer Society) to provide tailored, progressive Pilates programs for cancer recovery.

The Importance of Community Support

If this resonates with you — or someone you love — please like, share, and comment to help spread the message. Together, we can create a community of support and understanding. Remember, you are not alone on this journey.

Embracing Your Journey

As you embark on your recovery journey, remember that every step counts. Celebrate the small victories, whether it’s regaining mobility or simply feeling more at ease in your body. Each session at Firefly Pilates is designed to help you embrace your journey and find joy in movement again.

Conclusion: Reclaim Your Strength

In conclusion, Pilates offers a unique and effective way to support recovery after cancer treatment. It’s not just about physical movement; it’s about nurturing your spirit and reclaiming your strength. Let’s work together to empower you on this path to wellness.