Physical Therapy should be an important part of the Breast Cancer patient’s continuum of care. Whether it is for those women receiving radiation and or status post surgeries ( lumpectomies or mastectomies) and reconstruction, Physical Therapy can be beneficial.
Many women experience pain, weakness, and stiffness/ loss of motion immediately following these procedures, as well as months or years out.
Physical Therapy can help all these soft tissue impairments, no matter how long ago their surgeries or treatments ended.
Manual therapy performed by a trained Physical Therapist can allow patients to have relief of pain and tightness. Soft tissue is extensible and can be stretched to restore its normal flexibility. Exercises can also be implemented to help restore range of motion, normal posture, and strength.
Therefore, Physical Therapy is effective for women with recent and past breast surgeries. It is never too late to start therapy for Breast Cancer Patients. All can receive a good prognosis for decreasing pain and returning to normal soft tissue mobility to help in all activities of daily living.
Albany Physical Therapy 