S.H.A.P.E.
S.H.A.P.E is an 7-week exercise program designed for women affected by breast cancer who have completed treatment.
Using light weights, participants will safely and gradually build up their strength, energy and stamina as well as improve their range of motion after surgery. This program is offered by Rebecca Wilkinson, a Registered Massage Therapist and Certified Lymphedema Therapist with 12 years experience treating lymphedema, and Laura Stornelli, a Breast Cancer Thriver and Certified Fitness Instructor with training in Pilates & yoga for breast cancer survivors.
This program was developed after the evidence-based model of Strength After Breast Cancer. This intervention has shown to decrease lymphedema exacerbations by 50%; decreases the onset of lymphedema by 70% (among women with 5+ nodes removed); improves body composition, body image, and upper body symptoms; and prevents the decline in physical function that occurs in women affected by breast cancer.
Studies have shown that supervised, slowly progressive, controlled increase in physiological stress through strength training may be more beneficial to breast cancer survivors than acute stress from activities of daily living. This is what S.H.A.P.E. is about. Using light weights and a gradual, slow progression, it is designed to support the involved shoulder/arm, and avoid any potential harm. The program is safe for women who have recently finished treatment, those who have been survivors for years as well as those survivors who have developed lymphedema.
This program consists of eight, 1 hour sessions where you will learn stretches and strengthening exercises for the whole body. It will help develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence to continue with the exercises as a home program.
**All participants must undergo a lymphedema evaluation with a Certified Decongestive Therapist prior to starting the program.**
Here are some of the benefits experienced by the women who participated in the research study:
- 50% reduced likelihood of lymphedema worsening
- 70% reduced likelihood of lymphedema onset among women with 5 or more nodes removed
- Improved strength and energy
- Improved body image
- Reduced body fat
- Prevented decline in physical function
The class runs on Tuesdays at 5:30 pm
Next Sessions: April 2024
If you have any questions about the program, or would like to find a Certified Decongestive Therapist in your area, please use the contact form on this website to contact Rebecca directly.
