Breast Exercise Workshop for the Ipswich area

Who can attend the workshop?

Available to anyone following breast cancer surgery.  

The general guide is any time from 6 weeks post surgery, unless you have had complications. It may be that your wound has not fully healed or you have been advised to wait longer by the Breast Care Team.

If you are going on to have a course of radiotherapy, or perhaps chemotherapy followed by radiotherapy, it is best to wait until you have finished all the treatment. Sometimes people experience skin soreness at the site of radiotherapy and, depending on how uncomfortable that feels, you might want to delay the start of the breast exercise class by a couple of weeks after you finish treatment. We also find attending the workshop after your treatment has been completed means you are less tired. Joining the workshop in person allows the instructor to give personalised guidance and feedback. In addition, you will meet others who have also had treatment for breast cancer which can be supportive and also a great resource in terms of shared experience and ideas. If you are choosing to go back to work and need to any take time off to go to the workshop, we are happy to provide you with a letter that says that this class is part of your continued treatment.

If you are unable to attend the workshop in person, you may find it useful to refer to recordings of exercises for breast cancer patients which are available elsewhere on our website at this link.

In addition to this exercise workshop, if you are having problems with, pain, tightness and reduced movement around the site of your surgery scar you can ask to be referred for free scar therapy. This is tailored massage which can help Breast Cancer patients improve pain and functional issues post treatment. Speak to your nurse specialist or contact the Ipswich Cancer Wellbeing and Information Centre for more information and a referral. Please follow this link to a presentation which gives further information.

What is the aim of the workshop ?

The aim of the workshop is to build up your upper body strength/ flexibility and to reduce the risk of developing Lymphoedema

NHS: Lymphoedema - causes

The exercises will also help with your balance and posture.

The workshop is fun and aimed at giving you further support from other people who may have been through similar breast cancer treatment. 

People often tell us that attending the workshop after all the treatment had finished helped them cope emotionally as well as physically. The workshop gave them confidence and some made lifelong friends from the group. 

What can you expect at the workshop?

The room is light and comfortable and private - just for the group. The workshop is provided by Exercise Therapy. Find out more about from the website:

Exercise Therapy - Cancer rehabilitation The exercises have been provided for breast cancer patients for a number of years. The workshop is fun and relaxed, at the same time ensuring that participants reach their full potential. Follow this link for a short video about the classes.

There is the opportunity of joining a follow on class after the 6 week class organised via Exercise Therapy. (There is a charge for the follow on classes)

Exercise after the classes

Recordings of a selection of exercises for breast cancer patients are available elsewhere on our website by following this link. These videos are an additional resource (except for people who are unable to attend in person) and are not intended to replace the face-to-face exercise workshop.

Are there any costs involved?

The workshop has been funded by a Local Charity Art for Cure

There is no cost to participants for the course.

You will be given equipment to use during the session but there is an opportunity to buy equipment for use at home if you wish to do so from Exercise Therapy – exercise online (see link).

Where is the workshop held?

Parking 

Parking is available: there is no charge.

Disabled access

Unfortunately there is no disabled access as there are a set of stairs into the studio. If this is an issue for you, please be aware of the classes in Felixstowe where disabled access is available, or click this link to view the pre-recorded exercise videos elswhere on our website.

Refreshments available?

Please bring your own water bottle.

Anything you need to bring with you?

Any fitness equipment will be provided.

Please wear loose fitting comfortable clothing, and trainers or comfortable flat shoes.

It is suggested you bring your own water bottle. You will be able to re-fill it.

To make a booking

To check dates for the workshop and make a booking, contact the Ipswich Cancer Wellbeing and Information Centre by phone 01473 715748 or in visit person. For more detailed information about the booking process please follow this link.