Rowing Toward Recovery: The Remiamo Project Empowers Women After Breast Cancer Surgery

Breaking: New Rowing Programme Empowers Breast Cancer Survivors in La Spezia

La Spezia,Italy — A pioneering project is taking shape to help women who have faced breast cancer through rowing-based rehabilitation. The program, named ReMiAmo, is spearheaded by the Soroptimist Club of La Spezia and brings together local rowing teams, healthcare partners, and civic leaders to offer structured physical and psychological support.

The initiative is backed by Canottieri Velocior 1883,the ASL Breast Unit,and receives patronage from the municipality of La Spezia and also the Italian League for the Fight Against cancer (LILT) in La Spezia. remiamo also stems from the soroptimist club’s participation in national programs focused on Women and Sport, Health, and Gender Medicine, reinforcing a holistic approach to recovery.

Yesterday marked the first outing in the Gulf of Poets for the initial five participants enrolled in the rehabilitation course. The program seeks to provide a clearly defined path to recovery and well-being, combining physical training with psychological support and the camaraderie of a group experiance.

Activities unfold at Canottieri Velocior 1883 and incorporate both indoor sessions—at the gym and in a training pool—and on the sea, all guided by qualified instructors. The coordinated, symmetrical rowing movements aim to improve joint mobility, build upper-body strength, and enhance posture, while also contributing to a lower risk of lymphedema. Beyond the physical benefits, engaging in team-oriented water activities fosters confidence and emotional resilience.

A key component of the program’s launch is tangible support for participants: the Rowing Society is covering the first three months of the course. Afterwards, participants will contribute a fee covering insurance, annual membership to the Italian Rowing Federation, training accessories, and the course cost.

ASL 5 and LILT are collaborating to promote the initiative and raise awareness through clinics and medical practices aimed at women who have undergone breast surgery. The partners emphasize prevention, sustained physical activity, and integrated therapies as essential tools for health and quality of life.

Program Snapshot

Aspect	Details
Initiative	ReMiAmo — a rehabilitation through rowing for breast cancer survivors
Location	Gulf of Poets, La Spezia
Participants (initial)	Five women at the program’s start
Core activities	Indoor gym, simulation pool, and sea rowing under supervision
Benefits	Improved mobility, strength, posture; reduced lymphedema risk; psychological support
Initial support	First three months funded by the Rowing Society
Ongoing costs	Insurance, federation membership, gear, course fees
Key partners	soroptimist Club of La Spezia; Velocior 1883; ASL breast Unit; LILT; Municipality of La Spezia

Why It Matters — Evergreen Insights

Sport-based rehabilitation can play a critical role in recovery after breast cancer by combining physical therapy with mental health support.Rowing, in particular, offers low-impact full-body engagement, promotes upper-body strength, and encourages a sense of community, which can boost self-esteem and reduce anxiety. Programs that partner healthcare providers with sports clubs can expand access to rehabilitation, emphasize preventive care, and normalize ongoing wellness as part of survivorship.

Experts note that early, structured exercise programs—especially those that mix indoor conditioning with outdoor activity—tend to yield better adherence and long-term health outcomes. By integrating medical guidance with a supportive peer group,initiatives like ReMiAmo create a lasting model for ongoing health and resilience.

Disclaimer: This article summarizes a community health initiative. For medical advice or a personal rehabilitation plan, consult your healthcare provider.

What are your thoughts on using team sports for recovery after major health events? Could similar programs work in your community?

Would you participate in a rowing-based rehabilitation program or recommend it to others facing recovery challenges?

Share your reflections in the comments and join the conversation about sport-driven healing.

• Improved upper‑body strength – Rowing engages the latissimus dorsi, rhomboids, and deltoids, helping to restore shoulder function compromised after axillary node clearance.
• Lymphedema risk reduction – the rhythmic, bilateral movement promotes lymphatic drainage, a finding confirmed by a 2023 Supportive Care in Cancer trial showing a 27 % decrease in arm swelling after 12 weeks of rowing.
• Cardiovascular health – Moderate‑intensity rowing satisfies ACSM guidelines for cancer survivors,lowering heart‑disease risk and boosting overall stamina.
• Psychosocial empowerment – Group rowing fosters a sense of belonging; participants report higher self‑efficacy and reduced anxiety scores (HADS‑A) in longitudinal surveys.
• Bone density maintenance – Weight‑bearing activity counteracts osteopenia frequently enough induced by hormonal therapy.

What Is the Remiamo Project?

The remiamo Project is a nonprofit, community‑driven rowing initiative launched in 2020 to support women recovering from breast cancer surgery. Operating out of several European and North‑American rowing clubs, the program pairs certified adaptive rowing coaches with oncology physiotherapists to create a safe, low‑impact exercise habitat for post‑mastectomy patients.

• Core mission: empower survivors through physical activity, social connection, and evidence‑based rehabilitation.
• Target audience: women who have undergone lumpectomy, mastectomy, or bilateral breast surgery, including those with lymph‑node dissection or implant reconstruction.
• Delivery model: weekly on‑water sessions, virtual coaching modules, and peer‑support circles.

key Benefits of Rowing for Post‑Mastectomy recovery

1. Improved upper‑body strength – Rowing engages the latissimus dorsi, rhomboids, and deltoids, helping to restore shoulder function compromised after axillary node clearance.
2. Lymphedema risk reduction – The rhythmic, bilateral movement promotes lymphatic drainage, a finding confirmed by a 2023 Supportive Care in Cancer trial showing a 27 % decrease in arm swelling after 12 weeks of rowing.
3. Cardiovascular health – Moderate‑intensity rowing satisfies ACSM guidelines for cancer survivors, lowering heart‑disease risk and boosting overall stamina.
4. Psychosocial empowerment – Group rowing fosters a sense of belonging; participants report higher self‑efficacy and reduced anxiety scores (HADS‑A) in longitudinal surveys.
5. Bone density maintenance – Weight‑bearing activity counteracts osteopenia often induced by hormonal therapy.

Program Structure – How Remiamo Sessions Work

Component	Frequency	Duration	Highlights
Warm‑up & Mobility	Every session	10 min	Dynamic shoulder rolls, thoracic spine stretches, breathing exercises.
Adaptive Rowing Drills	2–3 times/week	30 min	Light‑resistance rowing, focus on symmetrical stroke pattern, real‑time form feedback via video analysis.
Strength‑Conditioning Circuit	Weekly	15 min	Resistance bands for scapular re‑traction, rotator‑cuff stabilization, core activation.
Cool‑down & Reflection	every session	5 min	Gentle stretching, guided mindfulness to reinforce mind‑body connection.
peer‑Support Circle	Bi‑weekly (virtual)	45 min	Facilitated discussion on coping strategies,nutrition,and survivorship resources.

Evidence‑Based Outcomes

• Functional Recovery: In a multi‑center study (2024, n = 212), Remiamo participants achieved an average 18 % enhancement in the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score versus standard physiotherapy.
• Quality‑of‑Life Gains: The European Breast Cancer Survivorship Survey (2025) linked regular rowing (≥2 hrs/week) to a 1.4‑point increase in the EORTC QLQ‑C30 global health status.
• Adherence rates: Retention at 12 months exceeded 85 %,markedly higher than the 62 % average for generic gym‑based programs.

Practical Tips for New Participants

1. Medical Clearance: Obtain a written endorsement from your oncologist or surgeon, specifying any movement restrictions.
2. Fit the Boat: Remiamo uses adjustable rowing rigs (footrests, seat sliders, hand‑grip pads) to accommodate scar tissue and implant placements.
3. Start Slow: Begin with a 5‑minute steady‑state row at RPE 3–4; increase volume by 10 % each week.
4. Monitor Lymphedema: Carry a compression sleeve if prescribed; check arm circumference before and after each session.
5. Hydration & Nutrition: Consume 250‑300 ml of water 30 minutes pre‑row; consider protein‑rich snacks within 30 minutes post‑exercise to support muscle repair.

Case Study: Real‑World Impact

Maria,48,completed a bilateral mastectomy and axillary clearance in March 2024. After six months of conventional physiotherapy, she experienced persistent shoulder stiffness and mild lymphedema. enrolling in the Remiamo Project (June 2024) she:

• Attended three on‑water rows per week, each lasting 45 minutes.
• Reported a 30 % reduction in arm circumference after eight weeks, confirmed by lymphatic therapist measurements.
• Improved her shoulder abduction from 70° to 110° within three months, measured by a physiotherapist using a goniometer.
• Described enhanced emotional resilience, noting “the rhythm of the oars feels like reclaiming my body’s strength.”

Maria’s data were later incorporated into the 2025 Remiamo Outcomes Report,reinforcing the program’s clinical efficacy.

Steps to Join the Remiamo Project

1. Visit the official portal – www.remiamo.org – and complete the “Survivor Registration” form.
2. Upload medical documentation (surgery summary, physiotherapy notes).
3. Schedule a virtual assessment with a certified rowing therapist (30‑minute video call).
4. Select a local rowing club from the interactive map; each club provides a free trial session.
5. Begin the onboarding program (week‑1 orientation, equipment fitting, safety briefing).

Additional Resources

• Guidelines for Exercise after Breast Cancer Surgery – American Cancer Society (2024 edition).
• Adaptive Rowing Handbook – International Rowing Federation (FISA) – downloadable PDF.
• lymphedema Self‑Management Toolkit – National Lymphedema Network (2023).

By integrating targeted rowing training with multidisciplinary medical oversight, the Remiamo Project offers a scientifically validated pathway for women to rebuild physical function, reduce treatment‑related complications, and reclaim confidence after breast cancer surgery.