| REHABILITATION AFTER
BREAST SURGERY |
Page
3 of 4 |
WHAT SHOULD l EXPECT DURING THE THERAPY EVALUATION?
The therapist will perform an evaluation
including active range of motion of your arms and neck, strength
in your arms and the muscles around your shoulder blades,
and perform a postural evaluation. The therapist will assess
the mobility of the scar to determine if there are any adhesions,
and assess specific muscles to determine if there are any
soft tissue restrictions. Circumferential measurements of
both arms should be taken to determine if lymphedema is present.
Sensation testing of the extremities will also be done.
WHAT COMPRISES THE REBABILITATION PROGRAM?
Upon completion of the initial evaluation,
the therapist will be able to tell you where your strengths
and weaknesses reside. It is important for you to share with
your therapist any particular concerns that you might have
regarding therapy, as well as what your specific goals of
treatment are. The therapist will utilize all of the above
information to develop a comprehensive yet individualized
treatment plan that is within the guidelines of your doctors’
prescription. Some patients will require only a few sessions
of therapy, whereas some may require up to six weeks. Before
being discharged from physical therapy, you will be given
a complete home exercise program designed specifically for
you to be done on a regular basis.
WHAT IS THE IMPORTANCE OF HAND AND ARM CARE?
The therapist will continue to reinforce
the importance of hand and arm care that has been discussed
with you before. It is important to prevent infection or injury
to the hand and arm, as it is believed that infection can
contribute to the development of lymphedema or exacerbate
an existing problem. Signs of infection of the hand or arm
can include redness, pain, swelling, and warmth and should
be reported to your doctor should they persist. Trauma, such
as having blood drawn or having your blood pressure taken
on the involved extremity should be avoided, especially if
you have had a radical mastectomy. Other precautions include
the following:
- Avoid cutting cuticles
- Use a mitt rather than a potholder to
avoid burns
- Wear gloves while gardening
- Avoid underarm shaving with a razor
blade use an electric shaver if your doctor permits.
- Avoid constrictive clothing or jewelry
- Avoid heavy lifting and pushing
- Avoid excessive sun exposure; this can
be dangerous on irradiated skin and can cause excessive
swelling
Should any changes occur it is important
to report them to your doctor or therapist immediately.
SUMMARY
In summary, physical therapy is one discipline
in the field of rehabilitation medicine that can offer many
services to one who has had breast surgery as a result of
cancer. In order to minimize potential problems it is important
for the therapist to be informed of the surgical procedure
you underwent, as well as any adjunct therapies that you might
be having (chemo, radiation). After a thorough evaluation
is completed a treatment plan will be designed to meet your
individual needs and goals. This intervention can help to
reduce the incidence of post-operative complications and facilitate
your return to your previous lifestyle. |
