A Kenilworth physiotherapist is launching a new specialist service to support cancer patients in rebuilding confidence, comfort and movement following treatment.

Jude Davis, a Musculoskeletal and Pelvic Health Physiotherapist and Oncology Scar specialist at HALO Physiotherapy Ltd, is leading the clinic's newly introduced Oncology Scar Treatment service.

The service aims to raise awareness of the vital role specialist pre and post-operative oncology rehabilitation plays in recovery for people across Warwickshire.

Jude, a qualified Pink Ribbon Rehabilitation instructor with extensive experience in cancer rehabilitation, developed the service after repeatedly hearing from breast cancer patients about the long-lasting physical challenges they faced after treatment.

"Oncology patients were telling me that their journey didn't end with surgery," Jude said.

"Many were struggling with tightness, restricted movement and an ongoing discomfort—particularly where soft tissues and overall body biomechanics had been affected."

These conversations led Jude to explore why so many patients continued to experience physical limitations long after their initial oncology procedures.

While physiotherapy is widely recognised for improving movement and flexibility, Jude found that the specific impact of oncology-related scarring was often overlooked.

"It's a huge area across all cancer types where we want to make a difference," she explained.

"When tumours are removed, the structure and dynamics of the skin and underlying tissues change.

"Scars can contract, restrict movement and in some cases, even affect breathing if the chest wall can't fully expand.

"Similar issues are seen with many non-cancer post-operative scars including C-section or joint replacement scars — when tissues are tight and not moving well, it can be difficult to return to previous activities and feel like yourself again."

Oncology scar therapy sits alongside other complementary therapies at HALO (image via KoaStudios)

Oncology scar therapy is a gentle, hands-on treatment designed to reduce tightness and sensitivity, ease pain and promote freedom of movement.

Jude notes that it can benefit people who have undergone surgery, radiotherapy or chemotherapy, regardless of how recently treatment was completed.

With nearly 1,000 people diagnosed with cancer every day in the UK, many local residents are living with the long-term effects of treatment. Crucially, improvements can often be achieved months or even years after surgery.

Every patient at HALO Physiotherapy receives an individualised assessment.

"Two people may have had the same surgery, but their experiences are never identical," Jude said.

"Chemotherapy, radiotherapy protocols, surgery type and tumour size all influence recovery. My approach is truly holistic. I take time to understand how each patient is feeling so I can support their movement, breathing patterns, recovery and confidence."

As a pelvic health specialist, Jude also supports patients experiencing treatment-related menopause symptoms and may incorporate acupuncture to influence the body's nervous system and promote symptom relief.

This service sits alongside other complementary therapies at HALO, reflecting the clinic's commitment to whole-person rehabilitation.

For Jude, supporting patients through this stage of recovery is both professionally and personally meaningful. "It's incredibly emotional," she said. "Cancer is a tough journey". Helping someone feel more comfortable and more like themselves again is both humbling and deeply rewarding."

To find out more about the Oncology Scar Treatment service at HALO Physiotherapy Ltd, or to book an appointment with Jude Davis, visit the HALO Physiotherapy website or contact the clinic directly.

HALO Physiotherapy sponsors Kenilworth Nub News.

Without community-minded partners like them, we would not be able to provide clickbait-free news to the people of Kenilworth.