The Breast Physio
Specialist post-surgical physiotherapy, scar therapy & lymphatic drainage in Cheshire
Nice to meet you. I’m Annabel.
I qualified as a physiotherapist from the University of Salford in 2008. I’ve worked in the NHS for over 16 years, gaining a vast amount of experience in all fields of physiotherapy before settling into musculoskeletal physiotherapy over 10 years ago. This is when I developed a special interest in oncology physiotherapy, particularly breast cancer care and scar management. I have since gone on to complete a Masters module with The Royal Marsden School, and have become a Level 4 Cancer Rehab Specialist Instructor with the prestigious CanRehab Trust. I work for East Cheshire NHS Trust at The Christie @ Macclesfield, delivering radiotherapy exercise classes as well as 1-1 assessment & treatment for patients of East Cheshire.
Outside of work, I enjoy swimming, reformer Pilates, paddleboarding & running around after my two very energetic children. I live in central Wilmslow, with my clinic a few steps away from my home at the end of my garden (it's cosy, I promise!)
Qualifications
BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy
APPI Approved Acupuncture Therapist
Manual Lymphatic Drainage Therapist
Restore Scar Therapist
CanRehab Level 4 Specialist Instructor
APPI Pilates Matwork Instructor
Health and Care Professions Council Registered (Member number PH89465)
Member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP)
Member of The Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Oncology & Palliative Care (ACPOPC)
What I Treat
I use a combination of modalities that include soft tissue massage, myofascial release, lymphatic drainage, acupuncture, vacuum therapy/cupping (LymphaTouch®), kinesiotaping & exercise
scars
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joint pain & stiffness
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radiation fibrosis
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side effects of cancer treatment eg peripheral neuropathy
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rehab after breast reconstruction surgery
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menopausal symptoms
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cording
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scars 〰️ joint pain & stiffness 〰️ radiation fibrosis 〰️ side effects of cancer treatment eg peripheral neuropathy 〰️ rehab after breast reconstruction surgery 〰️ menopausal symptoms 〰️ cording 〰️
WHAT MY CLIENTS ARE SAYING
“I’ve seen Annabel 4 times in the past few months for scar massage following breast surgery. The appearance of my scar has dramatically improved and is no longer red, bumpy & painful. I can’t thank her enough for the care and attention she’s given me. ”
“Can’t recommend Annabel enough, visited for c-section scar therapy after an emergency section. After 2 visits I could see a huge difference with the scar visibility and feel I got some sensation back too. Annabel is so knowledgeable and lovely and puts you at ease right away. ”
FAQs
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This every much depends on the individual and what I feel is the best treatment option. For patients who come to me for scar management, I often use a variety of treatments during the sessions, from scar massage, connective tissue manual therapy, vacuum/cupping therapy (Lymphatouch) and kinesiotaping. Patients who have had surgery for the treatment of cancer often need the above, but also need exercise prescription, acupuncture and other treatments to help with the many side effects from their cancer treatment.
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Everyone is different, so it's hard to say without seeing you first. Most of my patients will have between 2-6 sessions. I will often teach you techniques that you can use at home to maximise the benefit of your sessions with me. If you’re having scar therapy, “it’s a marathon, not a sprint”, and whilst many clients see immediate results, many need to try at least 3 sessions of scar therapy to see results.
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Yes of course, it’s my speciality after all! No matter your stage, I offer treatments to help support you through your recovery.
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Scar therapy can start as soon as your wounds have healed and your scabs have gone. If you're having radiotherapy, I advise you not to have any manual therapy/massage to the radiation zone for 2 weeks after finishing your radiotherapy treatment. If you’re having c-section scar therapy, I suggest (as a minimum) 6 weeks post-partum, once you’ve had your GP / consultant review.
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I will need to access the area around your scar during treatment, so wear something comfortable and loose fitting. If you're having treatment to your breast/axilla/chest wall, you will need to remove your top half clothing, and possibly your bra if required. I will always respect your privacy and will ensure you're covered as well as possible so you remain comfortable during your treatment.
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No! I can help with any part of the body, whether you've had surgery for breast cancer, or whether you've had cosmetic surgery. If you've had surgery and want to improve the appearance of your scars, or reduce post-operative swelling, I can help :)
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No! I never charge extra for using the Lymphatouch :)
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I’m registered with WPA Health Insurance. My WPA provider number is 921363679.
Other insurers will often reimburse you for specialist physiotherapy, so it’s worth asking them if they will do this for you. I do require all appointments to be paid in full at the end of each session, with exception for patients who have pre-authorisation from WPA.