The goal of physical therapy after surgery and during cancer treatment (radiation, chemotherapy) is to minimize side effects and to optimize function.
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Physical Therapy interventions include:
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Manual Therapy: Manual Therapy is defined as skilled hands on treatment to the joints, muscles, fascia and scar. This can help with restricted range of motion, pain and swelling.
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Lymphedema Treatment: This treatment includes manual lymphatic drainage, compression bandaging, evaluation for garments, and instruction in exercise and self-care.
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Postural Training: Physical therapy will address the postural changes after surgery with postural specific exercises and ergonomic assessments.
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Exercise: Exercise through all the phases (prior, during and after) is of vital importance and has been proven to minimize, or eliminate the side effects of treatment.
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Physical therapy will provide an individualized programs with specific goals.
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Sources: http://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/understand_bc/statistics
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Bearskens CH et al: The effeicacy of physiotherapy upon shoulder function following axillary dissection in breast cancer, a randomized controlled study. August 2007 volume 7: 166
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Courneya KS, Mackey JR, Jones LW. Coping with Cancer: Can Exercise Help? The Physician and Sportsmedicine (28)5, 2000
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