October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month! Many of us have been personally affected by breast cancer – either directly or indirectly. So October is rich with meaning for many around the world. Research is happening at an astounding rate and treatment options are better than ever before. One thing that can aid in your treatment course is physical therapy. There are numerous ways in which physical therapy can add benefit to your treatment team. Here are just a few ways that your physical therapist can work with you
Exercise: Exercise has a wide array of benefits. In those patients who have been diagnosed with cancer, a carefully-designed and well-guided therapeutic exercise program can decrease pain, help you manage weight, alleviate tight muscles, maintain or increase your physical stamina, and increase your ability to perform activities at home.
Manual Therapies: Cancer (and subsequent treatment) takes a toll on the body. Hands-on therapies can help with alleviate pain and symptoms associated with your condition.
Lymphedema Care: Certain types of cancer treatments can result in lymphedema, or swelling in the arms and legs. Active’s Jeannie Wagner is a LANA Certified Lymphedema Therapist, and can help treat your lymphedema with evidence-based techniques.
Post-operative Care: In the case of a mastectomy, a Physical Therapist can help monitor your incision sites and provide rehabilitative efforts in order to restore the function of your chest and shoulders. Often times a mastectomy will bring unwanted side-effects such as stiffness, numbness, tingling, pain and weakness. Physical Therapy can help alleviate these symptoms and restore the function of your operative area.
Wellness and Support: Experiencing breast cancer can be an extremely scary experience. Establishing a solid system of support is important as you’re going through a time of crisis. Your physical therapist can be a solid source of support and knowledge for you through your process, as well as a source of ongoing care.