Physical Therapy For Breast Cancer Patients
The lymphatic system collects excess fluids from the body tissues. Lymphedema occurs when the normal drainage of fluid is disrupted by a blockage or a cut in the lymph nodes in the groin area or the armpit. While lymphedema can be inherited, more often it’s the result of blockages caused by infection, cancer, and scar tissue from radiation therapy or the surgical removal of lymph nodes.
Women who have had a radiation therapy to the underarms, have undergone surgical removal of lymph nodes, or have cancer that has spread to the chest and underarm are at greater risk for lymphedema. This painful condition causes swelling, skin tightness and discomfort, weakness in the arms, limited mobility in joints, and difficulty doing daily activities.
When it comes to managing the swelling and physical challenges of lymphedema, an experienced, physical therapist can serve as an important member of your health care team. Whether it’s controlling swelling with appropriate compression garments and special exercises or treatments like “Complex Decongestive Physiotherapy,” physical therapists can help improve the flow of lymph from your body and reduce the swelling.
Once your swelling is controlled, a physical therapist can help you begin to take over your own care by:
- Developing a personalized exercise program to increase mobility without straining your condition.
- Updating your compression garments to ensure proper fitting.
- Educating you about proper diet to decrease fluid buildup in your tissues.
The goal of Breast Cancer Physical Therapy is to restore and maximize function. All patients who have undergone a mastectomy, lumpectomy, axillary dissection or breast reconstruction are candidates for therapy. However, those patients who have not achieved full active shoulder range of motion and a gradual return to their pre-surgical activity level are particularly good candidates for therapy intervention.
+ Learn more about In Motion’s Breast Cancer Rehabilitation Program.