Breast cancer recovery and physical therapy

It's estimated that one in eight women will develop invasive breast cancer at some point in their lifetime, and about 1 in 1,000 men will develop the disease.

October marks breast cancer awareness month, which helps to increase awareness about the disease. It also serves as a reminder to have your own plan to detect breast cancer early. After all, if it is detected early, and in the localized stage, the five-year relative survival rate is 100%.

If you do have breast cancer, you can return to your full life after treatment. In fact, physical therapy can help you regain energy during and after chemotherapy. There has been research that shows that patients can improve your energy levels when they participate in cardio during and after treatment.

A physical therapy program focused on helping you build your energy and skills after treatment will start with an evaluation. That way, the program can be tailored to meet your current abilities and help you meet your future goals.

For some people, they want to return to a favorite sport that they used to play; while others just want the opportunity to run around with their children and grandchildren again. Whatever goal you have, a physical therapy program can help you get there.

Most programs will focus on building your strength and regaining range of motion after surgery. Exercises will focus on building up strength in your arm and shoulder, which may be affected after treatment. A physical therapy program will help you learn essential exercises to improve your range of motion and keep these muscles healthy over time.

In addition, physical therapy programs will also focus on radiated areas, where you may experience restrictions and tightness. Physical therapy treatment methods, like myofascial and scar reduction techniques, are commonly used to decrease any pain or discomfort that you may feel in these areas.

Lastly, your physical therapist will be able to provide insight into lymphedema – including symptoms, signs and risks, as well as what to do at the earliest signs to prevent future progression.

Contact us to set up an appointment to start your post-breast cancer treatment therapy.