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3 Degree Health Program - The McKenzie Clinic

Compass Program

Many issues arise following treatment for breast cancer, but these issues don't often get the time or attention required during the initial treatment phases. Once active treatment is finished, it can feel like your medical team suddenly disappears. Women often report feeling isolated, lost in the wilderness and experiencing a loss of direction and purpose

The Breast Cancer Compass program provides a free online open forum for community discussion and support with additional information and education webinars discussing how to combat the side effects of Breast Cancer Treatment.

COMPASS
WEBINARS

Discussion & Education Seminars

Join Jen McKenzie discussing everything and anything about Breast Cancer from diagnosis, surgery and treatments to side effects, rehabilitation and how to thrive following treatment.

  • Learn how to manage and overcome the many side effects of breast cancer treatment.
  • Discover exercises and techniques to help relieve discomfort and mobility issues following treatment.
  • Get answers to the many unanswered questions following treatment.
Physiotherapist
Exercise Physiologist
What Our Clients Say...
  • I couldn’t recommend Jen highly enough, after 13 years of having a what I was told was a rotator cuff shoulder injury. That I had seen no less than 10 professionals and countless appointments over the years for, I had come to accept it was just something I was going to have to live with. Then wit...
    Johanna Gross
  • Jen McKenzie is a beacon of light in the storm that follows Breast Cancer diagnosis. If you are lucky enough to be located close enough to consult with her, get a referral from your GP to have her included in your medical team. She is a grounded, genuinely compassionate human who makes you feel l...
    Kate S.
  • Staff are very professional and take a personal interest in each and every one of their clients to help them through their recovery / fitness journey.The gym is well equipped and offers a range of courses. I have been a member now for 18 months and can feel the benefits of the programs they have ...
    Colin Webb
  • I experienced a clinical pilates class yesterday and Sharon was exceptional. I have a limited range of movement due to thoracic surgery and Sharon assisted me rather than just showing me and talking me through the exercise (this made a huge difference). She is patient and skilled and I highly rec...
    Faith Beaumont

    Who can benefit from our
    Breast Cancer Compass program?

    Anyone recently diagnosed with Breast Cancer, currently undergoing treatment or recovering and suffering the side effects of treatment. If you still have unanswered questions following treatment or are unsure of any symptoms or restrictions you may be experiencing our Breast Cancer Compass program can help you understand your treatment progress and better manage or control common side effects and symptoms such as Lymphoedema, cording and breast pain.

    Specialised Program Topics

    Lymphoedema

    Is excessive build up of lymph fluid in a body part - Upper limb or Breast.

    Chronic Lymphoedema can include inflammation, fibrosis and a high risk of skin infection.

    Lymphoedema

    Gain qualified diagnosis and LDEX Score, treatment options & ongoing management. Learn the signs and symptoms, how to mitigate risks and be fitted for compression garments where needed.

    Cording

    From clinical experience cording is nerve tension that can appear following lymph node removal or post radiation. It is important to treat to reduce pain, increase range of movement & to regain strength.

    Cording

    Once diagnosed, cording can be treated by mobilisation of the nerve tissue, neural tensioning & flossing, massage, stretching, laser therapy & compression sleeves to mention a few options.

    Scar Tissue

    It is important to treat scars as they can lead to chronic symptoms if left untreated. Symptoms include pain & tightness, tingling & itchiness, restricted movement and sensitivity.

    Scar Tissue

    With medical clearance, treatment can start from 2-4 weeks post surgery utilising specialist products, massage, cupping, stretching & laser therapy.

    Radiation Fibrosis

    A delayed side effect of radiation, it can appear 3-12 months post treatment. Worsening if untreated, it can include thickening and scarring of radiated tissue, breast swelling or shrinkage & skin breakdown. It can cause pain, tension & discomfort.

    Radiation Fibrosis

    Our team treats fibrosis with scar massage, specialty compression support, stretching and cupping as a few targeted therapies. All working within patient tolerance levels.

    Exercise & Breast Cancer

    The benefits of exercise whilst recovering from Breast Cancer include improved sleep & mental health, improved bone density & muscle mass, reduced treatment side effects, not to mention a great distraction.

    Exercise & Breast Cancer

    Once medically cleared an exercise program can be developed to work on your specific needs making use of the equipment at hand and your physical abilities. Helping to support your recovery, symptoms and mindset.

    Restoring Shoulder Mobility

    Post treatment & surgery shoulder mobility can be affected by scarring, swelling, soft tissue tension and stiffness, limiting movement and causing pain & discomfort.

    Post Menopause

    Rehabilitating clients from 4 weeks post surgery, our team combines joint mobilisation, soft tissue release, massage and stretching with equipment such as foam followers, tennis balls and therabands to support a gentle recovery.

    Is our Breast Cancer Compass program
    right for you?

    What conditions do I treat?

    Whilst the program is a great resource of information for many symptoms & conditions resulting from Breast Cancer, it specifically covers the most common side effects;

    - Lymphoedema Diagnosis, Prevention and Management
    - Cording
    - Radiation Fibrosis
    - Scaring & Pain
    - Restricted Movement
    - Low Bone Mineral Density

    Do you work with other health professionals currently managing my health needs?

    Absolutely, we do this on a regular basis.

    A consistent and cohesive approach to your health is essential to a good outcome and improved lifestyle.

    The Breast Cancer Compass program is designed to improve your recovery prospects, working alongside any other current activities or treatments.

    Do you work with patients on a one-to-one basis?

    Absolutely, if you are local we can work with you at the McKenzie Clinic in parallel to you particpating in any of the Breast Cancer Compass programs.

    If you are not local to the Sunshine Coast or are international we can arrange a telehealth video call if desired.

    Either drop in to the clinic to arrange an appointment or contact us through the website to discuss a telehealth call.