Breast Cancer Rehabilitation

A cancer diagnosis is the start of a very long and difficult journey.
Physical Therapy treatment can help you from point of diagnosis, during treatment and through recovery. As you read further, you will see the clinical indications of how Physical Therapy can help you in all stages of cancer treatment. We believe in the following as the core values for this important program:

To be a partner in healing

• To help cancer victims become cancer survivors
• To improve one’s strength, self esteem, and quality of life
• To restore a sense of control over the physical and emotional wellbeing of our patients

Stages of Treatment that can be Improved with Physical Therapy:

• Surgery (lumpectomy, mastectomy, reconstruction)
• Radiation Therapy
• Chemotherapy
• Post Treatment/ Recovery

Treatment techniques utilized to improve the outcomes of breast cancer treatments:

• Manual Therapy Techniques
  • Restore full shoulder joint range of motion by eliminating muscle spasm and decreased joint mobility
  • Decrease the side effects of chemotherapy including neuropathy, fatigue, and muscle and joint pain.
    
    
• Scar Tissue Management
  • Reduce the risk of scar tissue fibrosis from surgical incisions and lymph node biopsy/removal
    
    
• Complete Decongestive Therapy (see the Lymphedema section for further information)
  • Manual Lymphatic Drainage
  • Bandaging and Compression Therapy
  • Assessment and fitting for Compression Garments
  • Education for self care techniques
  • Lymphedema Risk Reduction training
    * Learn the important ways you can reduce your risk of developing Lymphedema
    
    
• Pilates based exercises
• Rebuild muscle and regain strength and flexibility
• Re-connect with your body
• Progressive, resistive exercises

At Integrative Physical Therapy You Will Receive:

• A comprehensive, thorough evaluation
• Private, one-on-one treatment sessions
• Patient education and involvement in the entire rehab process