Chest and Breast Health Physiotherapy in Saskatoon
Physiotherapy for breast cancer recovery, breast reconstruction and chest surgery.
Each year, about 32,000 women and 300 men in Canada are diagnosed with breast cancer, and many more have breast reconstruction, augmentation or gender-affirming chest surgery. Chest and breast health physiotherapy can help you rebuild strength, reduce pain and stiffness, ease tightness around your scar, and manage swelling and lymphedema.
Your care is with Tashelle Peigan, a Certified Lymphedema Therapist who welcomes people of all genders. She'll assess your movement, swelling and scars, then build a plan around your goals.
It may be right for you if you're dealing with:
Pain or tightness in your chest, breast or armpit.
Shoulder stiffness, or trouble reaching overhead, lifting or getting dressed.
Swelling in your arm, chest, breast, armpit or abdomen.
Tightness or restriction from wearing a binder or compression garment.
Stiffness, scar tightness or numbness after surgery or radiation.
An upcoming mastectomy, lumpectomy, reconstruction, augmentation, lymph node removal or biopsy, and you want to prepare.
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It’s physiotherapy focused on movement, strength and comfort in your chest, shoulders and arms. It can help with the effects of breast cancer treatment, chest or breast surgery, or reconstruction. Your plan starts with what you want to do more comfortably, like washing your hair, sleeping on your side or carrying groceries.
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People of all genders, including women, men, trans, non-binary and other 2SLGBTQ+ people. We’ll ask which words you use for your body and respect your preferences. If you’re planning gender-affirming chest surgery or recovering afterward, a Free Discovery Call can help you decide whether this service fits your needs.
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No. You can also ask about movement or recovery concerns related to chest or breast reconstruction. If you’re planning gender-affirming chest surgery or recovering afterward, a free Discovery Call can help establish whether this service fits your needs.
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Physiotherapy can help address stiffness, weakness and movement limits after surgery or radiation. Tashelle will consider your treatment history and any advice from your cancer care team. Your plan supports recovery and daily function alongside your medical care.
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Yes. An assessment before chest or breast reconstruction can help you understand your current movement and strength, discuss your goals and prepare for recovery. Your surgeon’s instructions will guide when and how you return to activity.
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You can still ask for an assessment. Long-standing swelling, tightness, numbness or movement changes may be worth reviewing. Tashelle can explain what physiotherapy may help with and when another healthcare professional should be involved.
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Lymphedema is swelling caused by a buildup of lymph fluid. It can happen after lymph nodes are removed or damaged during cancer treatment. Tashelle is a Certified Lymphedema Therapist. She can assess swelling and discuss care options based on the cause and your needs. New or changing swelling should also be discussed with your medical team.
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Numbness and tingling can have several causes, including nerve changes after surgery. Tashelle can assess how they affect you and discuss ways to support comfort and function. A full return of sensation cannot be promised.
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Your plan may include movement exercises, resistance training and hands-on treatment for muscles, joints or healed scars. Tashelle may also use joint mobilization when appropriate. These are options, not a checklist for every visit. Each technique is chosen for your health history, stage of recovery and consent.
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Treatment is adjusted to your comfort. Tashelle will explain each step before she starts, and you can ask her to slow down, adjust or stop at any time.
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Contact your doctor or cancer care team right away if your arm, chest or breast becomes red, warm and swollen, especially with a fever, or if swelling appears suddenly. See your doctor about any new lump or change in your breast, chest or armpit.
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That depends on your surgery or treatment, how long you’ve had symptoms and your goals. After your assessment, Tashelle will map out a plan with you and adjust it as your movement and comfort change.
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No referral is needed to book a physiotherapy assessment. Some benefit plans ask for one before they reimburse you, so check your coverage first.
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Your first visit is a 60-minute assessment for $180. Follow-up visits are 30-45 minutes for $90-$135. Many extended health plans cover physiotherapy, and direct billing is available with many insurers. Check your coverage before your visit.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Meet Tashelle Peigan
Tashelle earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and became board-certified in Pelvic and Women's Health Physical Therapy after completing residency training at Duke University. She's also a Certified Lymphedema Therapist.
She has worked with complex outpatient cases, and she's known for making personal health topics easier to talk about.
Tashelle grew up in Fort Qu'Appelle, Saskatchewan, and spent 10 years living in the United States before moving to Saskatoon. Outside the clinic, you might find her on a volleyball court. She played volleyball in college and now coaches in the community.
Physiotherapist | PT, DPT, WCS, CLT
Why Choose Chest and Breast Health Physiotherapy with Holistic Physiotherapy and Wellness?
Focused, inclusive chest and breast care at every stage.
Time to be heard. Tashelle takes time to understand what you’re really experiencing, what you've tried, and what you need from your care.
Hands-on care for scars and tight tissue. Tashelle is trained in techniques for scar tissue, fibrosis and cording that can limit how your chest and shoulder move.
Support before, during and long after treatment. Whether surgery is weeks away or years behind you, Tashelle's care adjusts as your needs change. She can stay with you through every stage, so you don't have to start over with someone new.
Works alongside your medical team. With your consent, Tashelle follows your surgeon’s and cancer care team’s guidance and coordinates with other practitioners at our clinic.
What to Expect During Your First Chest and Breast Health Physiotherapy Appointment
Before your visit
We’ll email you a short online questionnaire to fill out before you come in. If you can’t complete it ahead of time, please arrive 15 to 20 minutes early. Wear or bring a tank top or sports bra so Tashelle can see how your shoulder and chest move. Bring any surgical reports or activity restrictions from your medical team.
What to expect at your appointment
1. Assessment and conversation
Tashelle will ask about your symptoms, your surgery or treatment history and your goals for your care. Then, with your consent, she’ll check your movement, strength, swelling and any scar areas. She’ll explain each step first, and you choose what you’re comfortable having assessed.
2. Treatment
Tashelle will explain what she finds and start your treatment. This may include hands-on work for tight muscles and scars, gentle joint movement, exercises to rebuild strength and care for swelling. You can ask her to slow down, pause or stop at any time.
3. Guidance between visits
You'll leave with a simple home plan, which may include stretches for your shoulder, scar care, tips for managing swelling and comfortable sleeping positions. Tashelle will review your progress at each visit and adjust your plan as you go.
