Breast Cancer Post-Operative Surgery Therapy Intervention
Our specialized physical therapy services are designed to help women take a more active role in their recovery. A pre-surgical therapy screening for lumpectomies, mastectomies, reconstruction, reduction and enhancement is offered free of charge. This visit includes a baseline measurement of the full upper quadrant and extremity for range, strength, girth and function. Post-operative treatment includes scar tissue release, range of motion and strengthening of the upper quadrant and extremity, as well as patient education for Lymphedema precautions. Treatment for Lymphedema includes manual lymphatic drainage, compression bandaging, exercise and patient / family education for self-management.
Pre-Surgical Screening
Pre-surgical screenings are performed at no charge to the client to provide:
1. Collection of baseline data, including: range of motion, strength, and girth of the involved arm(s)
2. Education information
a) Pre- and Post-Surgical Exercises
b) Lymphedema Precautions and Prevention
Post-Surgical Physical Therapy Intervention
Specialized rehabilitation programs are designed to treat:
1. Post-Surgical Complications
a) Soft-tissue adhesions and scarring
b) Impaired neck and shoulder mobility
c) Decreased upper extremity strength and function
d) Cardiovascular reconditioning due to cancer treatment
2. Reconstruction
a) Myocutaneous Flaps (TRAM, Latissimus Dorsi and Gluteus): Rehabilitation focuses on complications at both the chest wall and donor sites. Complications may include scar tissue adhesions, decreased mobility/range of motion, decreased strength, and cardiovascular deconditioning that interferes with a woman's ability to perform activities of daily living with ease and without pain.
b) Implants: Rehabilitation focuses on reducing scar tissue formation around the implant and increasing flexibility and strength around the shoulder joint in order to maximize the functional use of the arm.
3. Lymphedema Management
a) All patients who have had surgery involving removal of axillary lymph nodes are educated about the possibility of developing this condition. Patients are instructed in Lymphedema precautions in order to minimize the risk of its development.
b) Patients diagnosed with Lymphedema will be evaluated in order to determine the appropriate course of treatment, and may include the following:
c) All patients who have had surgery involving removal of axillary lymph nodes are educated about the possibility of developing this condition. Patients are instructed in Lymphedema precautions in order to minimize the risk of its development.
Post-Mastectomy Lymphedema
Our Comprehensive Lymphedema treatment services focus on alleviating the swelling that occurs in the hand, arm, neck or chest wall when the lymphatic system is disrupted. Lymphedema appears when the lymph vessels or the lymph nodes are damaged, blocked, malformed, or removed. Lymphedema is a challenging condition, which requires a team of professionals to help manage the problem and improve your patient's quality of life so they can concentrate on living.
Lymphedema Treatment and Therapeutic Procedures
Lymphedema Guidelines "Do's / Don'ts and Why"
Lymphedema Treatment and Therapeutic Procedures
While it is not usually possible to repair the damage done to the lymphatic system, it is possible to move lymph fluid from a congested, area to an area where the lymphatics are working normally. The fluid can then be drained back to the bloodstream. Treatment follows appropriate medical evaluation of both lymphatic and complicating illnesses.
Therapeutic Procedures
- Combined Decongestive Therapy or / Manual Lymph Drainage to stimulate lymph drainage and reduce swelling by using a hands-on approach
- Multi-layered compression bandaging to control edema reduction obtained through combined decongestive therapy and promote further edema reduction
- Exercise to maximize lymph drainage through simple remedial exercises without overexertion
- Skin care to maintain a healthy skin condition and reduce the risk of infection
- Referral for a custom fitting of physician prescribed medical compression garment to maintain edema reduction
- Education to teach patient and family lymphedema management techniques
Clinical Staff
Rehabilitation services are provided by a multidisciplinary team whose most important members are the patient and family. The rehabilitation team works with the referring physician to establish a treatment program specific to individual needs. The services provided are short term in nature and are designed to foster patient independence.
Breast Cancer Post-Operative Surgery Therapy Intervention Locations
Post-Mastectomy Lymphedema Locations
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