Breast Cancer Physical Therapy in Hillsborough, NC
Specialized physical therapy for women navigating breast cancer before surgery, after treatment, and every step in between.
Regain your range of motion, your strength, and your life.
Breast Cancer Physical Therapy in Hillsborough, NC
Breast cancer treatment saves lives, but it can leave your body feeling unfamiliar. Surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy often bring shoulder stiffness, tightness across the chest, scar tissue, cording, swelling, fatigue, and a loss of strength and confidence. Many women are told these changes are just part of recovery. They don't have to be permanent. Physical therapy can help you move, feel, and trust your body again.
I'm Dr. Sophia Pelton, a physical therapist since 2001 and a Board-Certified Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist and Certified Lymphedema Therapist. For over two decades, I've focused on rehabilitation. I see clients in person at Cedar Walk Wellness in Hillsborough and offer virtual coaching nationwide.
What we work on together
Every plan starts with you: your surgery, your treatment, your goals. Care may include restoring shoulder and arm range of motion, softening scar tissue, treating axillary cording, and rebuilding strength so you can lift, reach, and get back to the activities you love. As a Leduc-trained lymphedema therapist, I also assess and treat lymphedema using Complete Decongestive Therapy, including manual lymphatic drainage, compression, and a home program you can manage on your own.
Why work with me
Breast cancer rehab is a specialty. It takes more than general orthopedic training to understand how lymph nodes, radiation, reconstruction, and medications affect your body. As someone who has experienced and studied breast cancer rehabilitation extensively, I know what to look for and how to progress you safely.
I also treat the whole person. My training in coaching means we don't just work on your shoulder. We talk about energy, stress, fear of doing too much, and how to build habits that last. You'll leave each session understanding what's happening in your body and what to do next.
It's never too early or too late
Physical therapy can help before surgery, during treatment, or years after. If something still doesn't feel right, reach out. You don't have to accept "this is just how it is now."
Welcome to our Healing Environment at Cedarwalk Wellness Center
YOU ARE NOT ALONE
Your body has been through something extraordinary. Let's help it heal.
Whether you're preparing for surgery or still dealing with effects years later — these are real, treatable issues.
Cording & tightness in arm, armpit and/or trunk, after lymph node removal or breast surgery
Shoulder restriction
Limited movement and/or pain after surgery or radiation
Neck and back pain is common in people who have had breast surgery or breast removal
Restricted breathing and chest mobility
Joint changes from hormonal shifts, medicine and aging
Strength loss
Rebuilding safely after chemo or surgery
Post Mastectomy Pain Syndrome: sensation of chronic tightness, pressure, or constriction around the chest and ribcage
Osteopenia/Osteoporosis
Evidence Based Bone Strengthening
WHAT I OFFER
Hands-on, medically necessary care — tailored to you
Myofascial release
a hands-on therapy that applies gentle, sustained pressure to tight connective tissue, relieving pain and restoring movement
Range of motion
Shoulder, neck & rib mobility — medically necessary
Strength training
Guided return to strength respecting your body's history
Manual Lymphatic Drainage
is used to reduce swelling (edema), support immune function, promote detoxification, and aid recovery from surgery, injury, or certain medical conditions such as lymphedema.
Scar release
Massage, cupping, myofascial release, Graston Technique
Together we tap into healing energy
Dry Needling
For muscular trigger points
Nervous System Regulation
Mindfulness and Meditation
A Calm Place to Begin
Your path back to feeling like yourself
01
Book an evaluation at my clinic in Hillsborough, NC
A full assessment is completed and a plan is developed based on needs.
02
Work the plan we develop together
Many clients only need 1-3 sessions to see major functional improvements.
6 PT sessions after breast surgery is our average.
03
Return to Play
Getting back to high level fitness or just starting out, we’ve got your back.
ALSO ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS
General physical therapy services
In addition to breast cancer specialty care, Sophia accepts a limited number of patients for general PT.
In-home physical therapy
Medicare-covered PT in your home. Hillsborough & surrounding areas.
In-home evaluation
Home exercise program
Balance, strength, mobility
Medicare accepted
Orthopedic physical therapy
In-office orthopedic PT for neck, back, shoulder, elbow, hip, knee, ankle and foot.
Aging athlete
Compliant with exercise but benefits from manual therapy
Screen to rule out ER visit and start rehabbing right away
Manual therapy
Ready to feel like yourself again?
New patients welcome. In-person in Hillsborough · Virtual Physical Therapy NC only.