Breast Cancer Rehabilitation
Physical Therapy is an integral part of breast cancer rehabilitation. Those undergoing treatments for breast cancer often face surgery. Physical therapists can work with women to alleviate symptoms caused by surgical intervention or medical treatment for cancer.
Our therapists can help:
- Reduce Pain
- Improve Strength
- Mobility & Flexibility
At The Jackson Clinics, our goal is to assist you through the course of cancer treatment and help you return to your regular activities. Current breast cancer treatment may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and endocrine therapies. Some treatments may lead to physical or functional impairments which can be amenable with rehabilitation. In the past, many of these impairments, which may include pain, fatigue, lymphedema, weakness, loss of mobility, or numbness and tingling, have gone untreated.
Here, at The Jackson Clinics, we utilize the most up to date standard of care called the Prospective Surveillance Model to assist in prevention, and to help minimize the effects of cancer treatment.
The Prospective Surveillance Model, or PSM, is a proactive approach to periodically examining patients and providing continued assessment during and after disease treatment, often in the absence of impairment. This model allows for early detection and intervention of physical impairments known to be associated with cancer treatment. Research has shown that the PSM reduces post-operative complications related to breast cancer treatment and lowers the overall cost of treatment by being proactive in early detection of physical complications.
The PSM is divided into 3 phases.
Phase 1: The first phase includes a preoperative evaluation. This evaluation consists of a thorough assessment of current level of function, exercise habits and allows the clinician to establish a baseline from which to follow the patient and detect change over time. This visit also provides education regarding the postoperative plan of care, including postoperative exercises, and advice for returning to activities during and after treatment. Further, the preoperative visit allows for discussion regarding known risk factors and adverse effects of cancer treatment.
Phase 2: The second phase of PSM includes a postoperative evaluation. This visit repeats baseline tests and measures and further reinforces education regarding exercise, and return to activity. An individualized exercise program is prescribed for independent exercise throughout the course of cancer treatment, aimed at improving function and preventing impairments related to treatment.
Phase 3: The third and final phase consists of ongoing surveillance. Baseline tests and measures are repeated at each follow- up visit in an effort to identify changes and to detect early signs of physical impairment. If impairments are detected, rehabilitation may be initiated. This proactive approach promotes early intervention to optimize recovery and return to pre-operative level of function.
At The Jackson Clinics, we strive to assist you in reaching your optimal level of function and achieving your goals of health and wellness. We believe taking a proactive approach via the Prospective Surveillance Model is the best way to reach these goals together.
Schedule your appointment today with one of our Certified Lymphedema Therapists!
Locations and specialists are subject to change. Please call 540-687-8181 for the most current information.
