For many breast cancer warriors, healing does not end when treatment does. After surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation, the body and mind continue adjusting, and recovery often involves managing side effects such as pain, fatigue, stiffness, or nerve sensitivity.
At Valor Spine & Joints Rehab, we believe that healing is not just about treatment; it is about helping the body find balance again. Holistic care approaches such as acupuncture and chiropractic therapy are becoming increasingly recognized for their role in supporting survivors through gentle, restorative care.
This article explores what current research says about how these therapies may help breast cancer warriors and survivors reclaim comfort and confidence on their healing journey.
Acupuncture: Restoring Balance and Easing Pain
Acupuncture, an ancient practice rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, involves the gentle insertion of fine needles at specific points on the body. For breast cancer survivors, it is gaining recognition as a safe and effective complementary therapy to help manage common post-treatment challenges.
What Studies Show:
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A 2021 review in Frontiers in Oncology found that acupuncture can improve pain, fatigue, hot flashes, and sleep disturbances in breast cancer survivors.
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Research funded by the National Cancer Institute (2018) showed that acupuncture significantly reduced aromatase inhibitor-related joint pain, a common side effect for women taking medication to prevent recurrence.
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According to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, acupuncture has also shown promise in reducing chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN), a painful tingling or numbness that affects many survivors.
Why It Helps:
Acupuncture stimulates the body’s natural healing responses by improving circulation, reducing inflammation, and supporting nervous system regulation. It is gentle, non-invasive, and designed to complement medical cancer care, not replace it.
Supporting Nerve Health and Mobility
Beyond pain and fatigue, some survivors face lingering challenges such as stiffness after surgery or nerve discomfort. Emerging research suggests acupuncture may also benefit these areas.
A 2020 study in Integrative Medicine Research found that acupuncture can be performed safely three to six months after breast surgery without increasing lymphedema risk. With guidance from a qualified provider, it can be a meaningful part of a long-term wellness plan.
Chiropractic Care: Restoring Movement and Comfort
Chiropractic care focuses on alignment, mobility, and the body’s natural ability to heal. For cancer survivors, including those recovering from breast cancer, gentle, tailored chiropractic adjustments may support better posture, joint function, and overall comfort.
What Research Suggests:
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A review published in Integrative Cancer Therapies (Green et al., 2020) highlighted the perceived benefits of chiropractic care among cancer patients, including pain relief, improved mobility, and better energy levels.
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A case study in the Journal of Medical Cases (Hart et al., 2019) reported improved heart-rate variability, a marker of nervous system balance, in a breast cancer survivor after receiving gentle chiropractic care.
Why It Helps:
Chiropractic adjustments are adapted to each person’s comfort and needs. For breast cancer survivors, this may include soft-tissue work, gentle mobilization, and posture-focused therapy to relieve tension in areas affected by surgery or radiation.
Healing Is Personal
Every recovery journey is unique. While acupuncture and chiropractic care are not replacements for medical cancer treatment, they can be powerful allies in restoring energy, easing discomfort, and helping survivors reconnect with their bodies in a positive and nurturing way.
At Valor Spine & Joints Rehab, we are honored to support survivors in this stage of recovery, focusing on movement, comfort, and wellness that lasts.
A Note of Gratitude
To every breast cancer warrior and survivor:
Your courage, strength, and resilience inspire us every day.
Healing takes many forms, sometimes gentle, sometimes strong, but always rooted in hope.
References
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Chien, T.J., et al. (2021). Effects of Acupuncture on Cancer-Related Symptoms in Breast Cancer Survivors. Frontiers in Oncology. Link
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National Cancer Institute. (2018). Acupuncture Reduces Aromatase Inhibitor–Related Joint Pain. Link
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Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Acupuncture for Neuropathy, Cancer Pain, Anxiety, and More. Link
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Integrative Medicine Research Journal (2020). Safety of Acupuncture Post-Breast Surgery. Link
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Green, B., et al. (2020). Chiropractic Care and Cancer: A Review. Integrative Cancer Therapies. Link
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Hart, J., et al. (2019). Chiropractic Care and Heart Rate Variability in a Breast Cancer Survivor. Journal of Medical Cases. Link
