Cancer Rehabilitation

Patients diagnosed with breast cancer often have the breast partially or completely removed along with a few or many lymph nodes. Other cancers can also involve surgical removal of tissue. Chemotherapy, and/or radiation may follow the surgery. Some women elect to have breast reconstruction when their treatment is completed.

The first priority after being diagnosed with any cancer is to shrink the tumor or remove it. Once this part of the process is completed, there can still be many issues that affect the quality of life. Movement may be impaired and painful due to scar tissue from the surgery and radiation. Swelling may result from lymph node removal and interrupted flow of lymph fluid. This swelling may happen in the first years after the cancer treatment – or many years later. Early intervention for scar tissue restrictions and for lymphedema is very important for the most beneficial outcomes.

PHYSICAL THERAPY INTERVENTION

• Scar tissue management.
• Exercises to increase arm range of motion and strength.
• Exercises to promote circulation of lymph node fluids.
• Compression bandages and sleeves to reduce the impact of lymphedema.
• Relaxation strategies to reduce anxiety.
• Strategies to fight fatigue.
• Balance exercises to reduce the effects of numbness in feet from cancer treatments (neuropathy.)