Breast Cancer Rehab At Lanserhof Sylt: Holistic Care For Body & Mind

For many women, being diagnosed with breast cancer is a drastic event that has both physical and emotional effects. After the intensive phases of treatment – be it surgery, chemotherapy or radiotherapy – the question often arises: What happens now?

Breast cancer rehabilitation plays a crucial role on the way back to everyday life, as it aims to strengthen the body, restore mental balance and improve quality of life in the long term. At Lanserhof Sylt, breast cancer rehabilitation takes a holistic approach that combines conventional medicine and naturopathy.

Holistic care at Lanserhof Sylt

At Lanserhof Sylt, breast cancer patients are offered a comprehensive concept that goes far beyond traditional medical care. Viola Zwanzig, gynaecologist at Lanserhof, explains:
‘One of our strengths here at Lanserhof is that we combine conventional medicine with naturopathy and integrative medicine. This includes approaches such as Ayurvedic medicine and acupuncture, which we offer here in addition to conventional treatment. This means that every patient can receive holistic care and all aspects of their well-being are taken into account.’

The phases of breast cancer rehabilitation

Rehabilitation after breast cancer at Lanserhof comprises several key areas that specifically address the needs of women after intensive breast cancer treatment:

Medical care: medical support forms the foundation of rehabilitation. This is where the patient’s state of health is stabilised and monitored after treatment to ensure that they receive the best possible care.

Physical rehabilitation: A central aspect of rehabilitation is the restoration of physical strength. Many women suffer from restricted movement and lack of energy after breast cancer treatment. Individual physiotherapy, osteopathy and lymphatic drainage are used to alleviate these restrictions and improve physical mobility.

Sports activation: Another focus is on sports activation. Here, women are given the opportunity to regain their strength through personal training and exercise programmes. Viola Zwanzig emphasises that exercise is an important part of recovery: ‘We offer various exercise sessions that are customised to help women regain their strength.’

Psychological support: The psychological and emotional burden of breast cancer is often enormous. Many women struggle with fears, worries and emotional exhaustion after treatment. At Lanserhof, experienced psychologists are on hand to help women overcome these challenges and restore their mental stability. ‘It is important that we also support the women psychologically so that they can regain their mental strength after this profound illness,’ says Viola Zwanzig.

The special significance of the island location on Sylt

In addition to the medical and therapeutic offers, the surroundings of the Lanserhof play a decisive role in rehabilitation. The nature of Sylt, the sea and the fresh air provide a unique backdrop for the healing process. Viola Zwanzig describes the healing power of the island:

‘Our location on the island of Sylt has a special energy. The sea, the beach and nature not only offer beautiful surroundings, but also have a healing effect on body and mind. Many women feel this power and draw new courage and energy from it.’

The combination of medical care, psychological support and proximity to nature creates an environment in which patients can feel safe and secure.

When is the right time for rehab?

Viola Zwanzig recommends waiting four to six weeks after completing breast cancer treatment before starting rehab. This period allows the body to recover from the acute treatments and ensures that patients can make the most of the rehab programmes on offer.

‘It is important that the healing process is largely complete after the therapies so that the women can take full advantage of all the programmes and therapies we offer,’ explains Zwanzig.

Prevention: Self examination of the breast

Regular breast self-examination is an important part of breast cancer rehabilitation and prevention. Many changes can be recognised early if women know their own bodies well.

Self-examination should be carried out systematically by dividing the breast into four quadrants. Using flat fingers, the entire breast – from the breast crease to the collarbone – is first palpated superficially and then a little deeper. Changes in the skin or the shape of the breast can also indicate possible abnormalities.

The importance of quality of life and normality

After breast cancer, nothing is the same as it was before. Returning to everyday life is a major challenge. At Lanserhof, the focus is therefore also on helping women to regain their quality of life.

‘Many women tell me at the end of their rehabilitation that they feel fitter and more active again and have regained their quality of life. That’s the biggest compliment for us,’ says Viola Zwanzig.

Thanks to the combination of medical care, naturopathic approaches and the healing power of nature, women can return to their everyday lives not only physically but also emotionally strengthened after their stay at Lanserhof.

In conclusion

Breast cancer rehabilitation at Lanserhof Sylt offers women who have survived breast cancer the opportunity to recover holistically. The approach of combining conventional medicine with naturopathy ensures that both physical and emotional needs are taken into account. In combination with the unique natural setting of Sylt, women find a place of healing and retreat where they can recharge their batteries and regain their quality of life.

‘We offer women here the opportunity to concentrate fully on their recovery in a familiar environment and to overcome both their physical and emotional challenges,’ says Viola Zwanzig, summarising the philosophy of the Lanserhof.