Physical therapy plays a crucial role in the comeback for breast cancer survivors during rehabilitation and recovery. It helps address several physical issues that may arise during or after treatment, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and hormonal therapy. These treatments can result in pain, stiffness, weakness, and functional limitations that affect quality of life. A holistic approach targets the physical and mental aspects of breast cancer survivor’s comeback.
Key Goals of Physical Therapy for Breast Cancer Survivors:
- Restore Mobility: Surgery (e.g., mastectomy, lumpectomy, or reconstruction) can lead to tightness and restricted range of motion, especially in the chest, shoulder, and arm. Physical therapy helps regain flexibility and mobility.
- Reduce Pain: Physical therapists use various techniques, such as manual therapy, stretching, and soft tissue mobilization, to reduce pain from surgery, radiation, and scar tissue.
- Lymphedema Management: Lymphedema, or swelling caused by the accumulation of lymphatic fluid, can occur after lymph node removal or radiation therapy. Specialized techniques like manual lymphatic drainage, compression garments, and exercises help reduce and manage lymphedema.
- Increase Strength: Muscle weakness, particularly in the chest, shoulders, and upper back, is common after breast cancer treatment. Individualized strength training helps rebuild muscle strength, improve posture, and enhance functional independence.
- Improve Posture: Surgery and reconstruction can affect posture, leading to discomfort and musculoskeletal issues. Physical therapists focus on correcting posture through exercises that strengthen the upper back, core, and shoulder muscles.
- Scar Tissue Mobilization: Scar tissue from surgery or radiation can cause tightness and limit movement. Techniques like soft tissue massage, myofascial release, and stretching can help minimize these effects.
- Address Fatigue: Cancer treatments often result in fatigue. Physical therapy, through a graded exercise program, can help survivors gradually build endurance, improve energy levels, and reduce fatigue.
- Enhance Quality of Life: Engaging in regular physical activity under the guidance of a physical therapist can help survivors return to daily activities, sports, and hobbies with reduced pain and improved confidence.
Specific Exercises and Techniques
- Range of Motion Exercises: Gentle stretching exercises to improve flexibility and mobility, particularly in the shoulder and chest.
- Strengthening Exercises: Weight-bearing exercises or resistance bands to strengthen the muscles of the arms, chest, back, and core.
- Postural Training: Exercises like wall angels or rows to correct posture and reduce strain on the neck and back.
- Breathing Exercises: To improve lung capacity, which can be affected by surgery or radiation, and reduce stress.
- Therapeutic Yoga: Poses, breath work and meditation also improves balance, coordination, mental focus, and manages pain
- Pilates: Helps restore mind body connection, core strength, and reduces physical fatigue
Timing of Physical Therapy
- Pre-surgery: Some programs offer "prehabilitation," which involves preparing patients for surgery by improving strength and mobility beforehand.
- Post-surgery: Physical therapy may begin within days or weeks after surgery, depending on the procedure and the patient’s recovery.
- During Chemotherapy/Radiation: Physical therapy can help manage side effects like fatigue and muscle weakness that occurs during treatment.
- Long-term: Survivors may continue physical therapy to manage long-term effects and maintain overall wellness.
Importance of Individualized Care
Breast cancer survivors experience varied challenges depending on the type of treatment and personal health. Physical therapists create individualized care plans tailored to the specific needs of each patient. By addressing both the physical and emotional components of recovery, physical therapy can be a valuable part of a comprehensive rehabilitation program for breast cancer survivors. Dr. Nekita Sullivan provides comeback physical therapy for cancer survivors with a holistic approach. You are welcome to contact her by email at info@yogatherapybar.com or on the web at www.yogatherapybar.com. #physicaltherapyforcancersurvivors
Movement is medicine for your body and mind,
Dr. Nekita
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