Developing an online physiotherapy programme for breast surgery
Join 2 online workshops to help researchers develop an online physiotherapy programme to help people regain shoulder mobility after breast cancer surgery.
What’s the project about?
Breast cancer surgery can lead to pain and stiffness in the shoulder, which can make it harder for people to return to normal activities after treatment. Researchers have developed the PROSPER physiotherapy programme, where physios work with patients to help them regain shoulder movement after surgery.
This programme has been effective in supporting people after breast cancer surgery. However, not everyone can easily see a physio. So, researchers now want to develop an online version of the programme so that more people can benefit.
They want to make sure the programme is easy to use, practical, and suitable for people having or recovering from breast cancer surgery. They are inviting people who have had breast cancer to help them design the online programme.
Who’s organising it?
Name of project lead: Dr Ian-Ju Liang
Job title: Research Fellow
Organisation: University of Exeter
Email address: i.liang51@exeter.ac.uk
Who can take part?
You can take part if you’ve had a personal diagnosis of primary or metastatic breast cancer and have had, or are having, a lumpectomy or mastectomy as part of your treatment.
Why do you want me to be involved?
By sharing your ideas, you can help shape an online programme that supports people to recover from breast cancer treatment, improve shoulder and overall function, and return to their usual activities.
Your involvement will help make sure the programme is easy to use, relevant, and helpful for others in the future.
What will you ask me to do?
You will be invited to join two 1-hour online group discussions. In these sessions, you will:
- Talk about your experiences of breast cancer treatment and recovery
- Discuss what support would help people stay active and prevent shoulder problems
- Share your ideas about how an online programme should look and work
The dates and times will be arranged to be at a time that works for you.
The team will provide support to help you join the online sessions if needed. You will be paid £27.50 per hour for attending the meetings (in line with NIHR public involvement payment rates).
If you can’t attend the group sessions but would still like to contribute, you can contact the research team to discuss alternative ways to be involved.
How do I get involved?
If you’d like to take part, please complete the online expression of Interest form. If you have any questions, or would like more information before deciding to take part, you can contact Dr Ian-Ju Liang at i.liang51@exeter.ac.uk.
The team will send you full details before you decide whether to participate
When’s the deadline?
10 April 2026
Get involved
Join the workshops and help the researchers develop a programme which will help more people return to normal activity after breast cancer surgery.