Physiotherapists launch Pilates sessions for patients recovering from breast cancer surgery

Breast cancer surgery patients at University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire (UHCW) NHS Trust are set to benefit from rehabilitative Pilates sessions pioneered by the Trust’s physiotherapists.  

Funded by the West Midlands Cancer Alliance and led by Lucy MacDonald, Lead Physiotherapist for Breast Cancer Rehabilitation, the sessions, comprising of a one-off education class followed by a four-week timetable of Pilates, are hosted in the Laurel Unit at the Hospital of St Cross in Rugby.  

Lucy said: “It’s great to be able to offer this service to patients and empower them with the tools to return to normal function after surgery. Exercise can be important in preventing recurrence of cancer and helping patients to tolerate treatment. 

“Unlike regular Pilates sessions that you can access through a gym, our sessions are set up with breast cancer patients in mind. All patients are assessed before coming into class, so we get to know them well and are aware of any issues or concerns they may have.” 

The education class is open to women immediately following surgery, providing them with the information they need to pace their return to normal life. The class also looks at more technical details, including scar management. 

Pilates classes are open to patients from six to eight weeks after surgery and focus on rehabilitation. In these sessions attendees learn to understand their body again and slowly step up their activity levels.  

The project’s funding also covers pre-screening with patients who are more likely to develop shoulder stiffness after surgery. 

Carol had her surgery just over 18 months ago and attended a pilot Pilates session with two other patients to feedback on how they found the activity and whether this would be useful for future patients. 

“It’s lovely to be in a group of people where you’ve all been through the same thing,” said Carol. 

“The session was really enjoyable, and I can see how the project will help future patients in their recovery. 

“Had this been available when I had my surgery I definitely would have taken part.” 

‘Prehab’ sessions are also offered to patients who are due to undergo surgery, encouraging them to stay fit and well ahead of their surgery date. 

The thinking behind the classes came from the PROSPER trial, which found that a structured exercise programme reduced pain and improved movement and quality of life outcomes in women following breast cancer surgery.  

Currently, funding has been allocated for the sessions to run for 18 months, with a period of evaluation to follow.