What is Breast Cancer Rehabilitation?

Breast Cancer Rehabilitation is a specialized therapy to help you regain your physical, emotional, and functional well-being after treatment.

It addresses the physical side effects like pain, limited range of motion, lymphedema, and fatigue through targeted exercises, stretching, and manual therapy.

– What is the Role of Physical Therapy in Breast Cancer Rehabilitation?

Physical therapy plays a crucial role in breast cancer rehabilitation by addressing both physical and functional challenges that arise during recovery.

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.

Physical therapy is vital in breast cancer rehabilitation for several reasons:

• Reduce Pain: Helps alleviate pain through targeted exercises and manual techniques.
• Increase Mobility & Flexibility: Improves flexibility and restores movement in areas affected by surgery or treatment.
• Improve Strength: Focuses on exercises to rebuild muscle strength and enhance overall physical function.
• Lymphedema Management: Provides strategies to manage swelling and promote lymphatic drainage.
• Functional Recovery: Assists in regaining the ability to perform daily activities safely and effectively.
• Education and Guidance: Teaches techniques for safer movement and activity, helping you return to your routine with confidence.

Incorporating physical therapy into your rehabilitation supports both physical and emotional well-being, promoting a smoother recovery and improved quality of life.

What Do Physical Therapists Do For Breast Cancer Patients?

Physical therapists can work with women to alleviate symptoms caused by surgical intervention or medical treatment for cancer.

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.

What is the Prospective Surveillance Model?

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.

Our Proactive Approach

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.

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Breast Cancer Physiotherapy Exercises

These exercises are carefully crafted to aid in your recovery, enhance your overall well-being, and are essential to rebuilding strength after breast cancer.

What are the best physical therapy exercises for you?

– Stretching and Flexibility Exercises

Stretching exercises are essential to help maintain and improve the range of motion in your shoulders, arms, and chest.

After breast cancer surgery or radiation therapy, you might experience tightness and reduced mobility.

Gentle stretching exercises can alleviate this tightness, helping you regain flexibility and prevent long-term stiffness.

– Strengthening Exercises

Strengthening exercises are crucial for rebuilding muscle strength, especially if you’ve experienced muscle atrophy due to surgery or prolonged inactivity.

Our therapists will guide you through a series of resistance exercises that focus on your arms, chest, and upper body.

These exercises help restore muscle tone and improve your ability to perform daily activities with ease.

– Aerobic Exercises

Aerobic exercises, such as walking, cycling, or swimming, are incorporated into your rehabilitation plan to boost cardiovascular health and enhance overall fitness.

Regular aerobic activity helps reduce fatigue, improve energy levels, and support a healthy heart.

Our therapists will tailor these exercises to your fitness level, gradually increasing intensity as you build endurance.

– Postural Exercises

Maintaining good posture is vital for reducing pain and preventing musculoskeletal issues.

Postural exercises focus on strengthening the muscles that support your spine and shoulders, promoting better alignment and reducing the risk of developing postural imbalances.

These exercises are particularly beneficial if you’ve experienced changes in your posture due to surgery or treatment.

– Lymphedema Management Exercises

Lymphedema, or swelling in the arm or chest, can be a common side effect of breast cancer treatment.

Our therapists provide specialized exercises to promote lymphatic drainage and reduce swelling. These exercises, combined with gentle massage techniques and compression garments, can help manage lymphedema effectively.

– Relaxation and Breathing Exercises

The emotional and psychological impacts of breast cancer can be significant.

Relaxation and breathing exercises are an integral part of our physiotherapy program. These exercises help reduce stress, anxiety, and tension, promoting a sense of calm and well-being.

Techniques such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and mindfulness can enhance your emotional resilience and support your overall recovery.

Personalized Exercise Plans

Every breast cancer patient’s journey is unique.

Our specialized physical therapists will work closely with you, adjusting the exercises as you progress and ensuring that you feel supported throughout your rehabilitation journey.

Management of Breast Cancer

If you or a loved one requires breast cancer rehabilitation services, contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our Certified Lymphedema Therapists.

We will support you every step of the way and help you get back to the activities you love most.

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Breast Cancer Rehabilitation is offered at: