Interview with:

Jocelyne Rolland, physiotherapist, specialized in the post treatment of breast cancer. Please, find here her interview:

How long have you been practising as a physiotherapist?

I am a physiotherapist since 1977, in other words for 37 years, but I am still delighted every day to be able to help my patients feel better in their bodies.

How long have you been offering post breast cancer support?

After numerous years teaching in physiotherapy school and then to professionals in vocational training, in 2009, I wanted to open up a new practice in Paris in the 5th district to bring to life the concept I created which is called the rehabilitation of beauty (www.reeducation-beaute.com). It was on this occasion that I met women who had just been operated for breast cancer.

What are the reasons motivating you to offer this kind of treatment?

Because nearly all women need physiotherapy for one reason or another : breast surgery and its reconstruction, affect women and their femininity and can undermine their own image, leaving after-effects if we do not do what is necessary : scars, pain, stiffness in the shoulder, swelling and fibrosis. Chemotherapy, radiotherapy and hormone therapy tire the body leading to muscle weakness and painful joints. It is therefore essential to teach women to exercise and help them regain their femininity and elegance; all of this inspired me to help them, especially as this is a new subject for physiotherapists, and I love challenges in new areas!!

Feel free to view the film on: Film of the order of physiotherapist

What feedback do you get from the women?

They often say during their long and difficult journey: “Only the physio gave us comfort!”

They feel better because we take care of them (massage, drainage, exercises, stretching, and advice) and because the session is also an opportunity for them to talk, the physio listens and takes time to reply to all questions! Having specialized and having seen many different cases, we can explain what will happen in the near future, how they will recover after the exhausting treatment, and how they can rebuild their lives. We are able to reassure them!

Jocelyne ROLLAND