Breast Cancer Therapy Post-Surgery
Goals of Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy has an important role in breast cancer recovery.
"Reach Your Full Potential" Treatment and Education Offered at Comox Physiotherapy Clinic by Shannon Lawrence.
We suggest you make an appointment for physiotherapy one to two weeks following your surgery. A consultation will provide you with important information on post-operative care.
Specific treatments and exercises have been developed to deal with problems relating to your breast cancer surgery and to help promote healing. Here are some of the goals of physiotherapy in your treatment:
Reduce Chances of Lymphedema
Lymphedema is arm swelling caused from a pooling of lymphatic fluid. If you have had radiation or have had lymph nodes removed, the normal flow of lymphatic fluid can be slowed resulting in lymphedema. Lymphedema can develop at any time, but often appears within the first year following surgery. A goal of physiotherapy is to help control edema and restore the arm to normal size by early intervention. This is achieved with soft tissue techniques, exercises and postural activities.
Education in Avoiding Infection and Injury to the Affected Arm
Lymph nodes are where the body fights infection. If some of your lymph nodes were removed, it is important to help prevent the risk of infection or injury to the arm. Your physiotherapist will discuss special precautions to use during your daily activities, general care of your arm and early detection of signs of infection.
Pain Control
Pain may arise from pressure on nerves caught in newly forming tissue or postural fatigue from muscles that are weak or tight. Isometric exercises will help control the pain resulting from muscle spasm.
TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) is an effective modality for pain control. It is a small portable machine that acts as an electrical "nerve block". TENS is non-addictive and can help you regain a sense of control over the pain you may experience.
Prevention of Scar Tissue Tethering
Tethering is a contraction of the superficial fascia stimulated by the axillary incision down the arm. It may feel like tight cords under the arm and is often unrecognized until arm mobility is restricted.
Tethering, incisional pain and chest wall adhesions may develop post-operatively. These can all be helped with specific myofascial techniques and gentle stretching.
Regaining the Range of Motion
If some of the lymph nodes are removed, either through a lumpectomy or a total mastectomy, then the muscles and other tissues of the chest wall, shoulder, and arm can be affected. Some women may develop shoulder restrictions. If you do not have full shoulder mobility several days after surgery, you may require physiotherapy to help regain mobility.
If you are scheduled for radiation, good shoulder mobility will make your treatments more comfortable.
Regaining Muscle Strength
Surgery, radiation, and periods of immobilization can cause muscles to lose strength and tone. Postural fatigue syndrome brought on by weakness can result in neck and back discomfort. As a result of protecting the involved side, muscles often work overtime and postural mal-alignment can develop.
Manual therapy and progressive strengthening exercises can correct these problems.
Monitoring Activity
Care must be taken not to overwork the involved arm if the axillary lymph nodes have been removed. Straining and over stretching can cause arm pain and swelling. Your physiotherapist will progress your exercises and discuss return to normal activities.
Domestic chores, gardening and recreational activities require special considerations for six to eight weeks following surgery.
Registered Physiotherapist Shannon Lawrence received specialized training in 1996 for treatment of patients following Breast Cancer surgery. Treatment focuses on all the areas mentioned above and is very gentle. Most patients are seen 3 - 4 times and then are able to manage on their own.
Contact Comox Physiotherapy Clinic:
Phone: (250) 339 - 6221
Fax: (250) 339 - 6379
Email: Comox Physiotherapy Clinic
Mail: 1822 - Unit C, Comox Ave., Comox, B.C., V9M 3M7
Location: Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada