Pilates for Breast Cancer Recovery: Specialist Training & NHS Support

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A recent Warwickshire World article highlighted a wonderful development in post-surgical care for breast cancer patients.  At the Laurel Unit, Rugby’s Hospital of St Cross, women recovering from breast cancer surgery are now benefiting from specialist Pilates-based rehabilitation sessions delivered by physiotherapists from the University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust (UHCW).

These classes, funded by the West Midlands Cancer Alliance, combine education, scar management guidance, and a progressive six-week Pilates programme designed specifically for the needs of post-operative patients.

Pilates Designed for Breast Cancer Recovery

Lucy MacDonald, Lead Physiotherapist for Breast Cancer Rehabilitation at UHCW, is leading these sessions: and her approach isn’t simply about “general Pilates.”

Lucy trained with Mbodies Training Academy, completing the Pink Ribbon Breast Cancer Post-Operative Rehab Course, an in-your-own-time online programme that prepares instructors, physiotherapists, and medical movement specialists to confidently work with breast cancer patients at every stage of recovery.

She explains the impact of this work beautifully:

“It’s great to be able to offer this service to patients and empower them with the tools to return to normal function after surgery.  Exercise can be important in preventing recurrence of cancer and helping patients to tolerate treatment.”

Unlike mainstream gym-based Pilates, these sessions are bespoke for breast cancer patients:

·        Each patient is assessed individually before joining class

·        Exercises focus on safe movement, scar tissue management, posture, and gradual rebuilding of strength

·        The programme helps patients reconnect with their bodies and return to normal daily activity at an appropriate pace

Patient Voices



Carol, a breast cancer survivor who attended an early pilot session, reflected:

“It’s lovely to be in a group of people where you’ve all been through the same thing.  The session was really enjoyable, and I can see how the project will help future patients in their recovery. Had this been available when I had my surgery I definitely would have taken part.”

This speaks volumes about the psychological and social benefits of movement rehabilitation: helping survivors feel supported, understood, and guided back to confidence in their own bodies.

Why This Matters Beyond Rugby

While this initiative is based in Warwickshire, it represents a growing national and international movement: using specialist Pilates rehabilitation as a bridge between medical care and restored quality of life.

Pilates instructors, physiotherapists, and movement professionals can play a vital role in this recovery pathway: but only with the right training and knowledge.

Not every class is suitable for someone post-mastectomy or reconstruction surgery.  There are specific considerations around scar management, lymphoedema risk, fatigue, joint mobility, and emotional wellbeing that require understanding and sensitivity.

The Pink Ribbon Post-Operative Rehab Training

The course Lucy MacDonald completed: the Pink Ribbon Breast Cancer Post-Operative Rehab Course; is designed exactly for this purpose.

Delivered online, at your own pace, it equips you with the tools to:

  • Understand the surgical journey and how it impacts movement
  • Learn safe, evidence-informed exercise progressions for each recovery stage
  • Recognise when to regress, when to progress, and when to refer back to a medical team
  • Gain confidence in working with clients with scar tissue, lymphoedema, fatigue, and treatment side effects
  • Support clients holistically, helping them rebuild strength, posture, and confidence

This isn’t just for Pilates instructors: it’s valuable for:

  • Physiotherapists & rehab specialists
  • Cancer exercise professionals & nurses
  • Yoga, barre, or other movement instructors
  • Sports conditioning & clinical exercise practitioners

It’s a course with wide application across medical and movement professions, because recovery doesn’t belong to one discipline: it’s an integrated effort.


View the Pink Ribbon Post-Operative Rehab Course Here

Why Your Skills Are Needed

Sadly, breast cancer affects 1 in 7 women in the UK in their lifetime.  Many will need support beyond surgery and traditional physiotherapy to rebuild strength, mobility, and confidence.

This means there’s a huge need for qualified professionals who understand both the physical and emotional nuances of post-cancer recovery.

You could be the instructor or clinician who:

·        Offers life-changing support to survivors in your community

·        Bridges the gap between medical rehab and everyday movement

·        Opens a new area of specialist practice within your studio, clinic, or online business

How to Get Involved

  • If you’re a Pilates instructor, physio, or healthcare movement professional, take the Pink Ribbon Post-Operative Rehab Course online at your own pace.
  • If you run a studio or clinic, consider how you can integrate breast cancer rehab programming into your services.
  • If you’re a fitness or wellness professional in another discipline, remember this knowledge applies beyond Pilates: safe movement is universal.

👉 Click here to learn more and enrol

Take Away

Lucy MacDonald’s work in Rugby shows how specialist training turns Pilates into a vital medical movement tool, not just an exercise class.

When we equip ourselves with the right education, we create programmes that truly restore lives; not just bodies.


Author:  Chris Onslow - Pilates Consultant

Chris Onslow, has run Pilates focussed businesses since 1998.  He and his team specialise in supporting Pilates entrepreneurs and business owners.  With a rich history of owning and running successful Pilates studios in the UK, and supporting others in Europe and the Middle East, Chris has broad expertise in maximising profitability and optimising operational efficiency.  His agency provides top-tier advice on selecting new, pre-owned, and hireable Pilates equipment from renowned brands such as Align-Pilates, Balanced Body or Stott-Pilates/Merrithew.  As the founder of Mbodies Training Academy, Chris continues to revolutionise Pilates education, offering premier online and hybrid CPD and qualification courses for Pilates apparatus instruction and special population CPD.  Discover more about how Chris can support your Pilates Business or home exercise choices:

Pilates Business Specialist Consultant

Phone: +44 (0)1993 883449

Whatsapp text +44(0)7301052846 

20 Nash Lane, Freeland, Witney, Oxon, OX29 8HS, UK

Web: https://www.pilates-consultant.co.uk/  (Pilates Consultancy, Apparatus sales and hire)

Email: chris@pilatesconsultant.co.uk

Web: https//www.mbodiesacademy.co.uk/  (Instructor training)

Email: chris@mbodiesacademy.co.uk

Web: https://mbodies.thinkific.com/     (Online Training Portal)

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