Physical therapy meets the needs of cancer patients
By Peggy Scannell, physical therapist, Novant Health Rehabilitation Center

In pain as a result of cancer treatment? Call 704-316-1900

Novant Health Rehabilitation Centers recently have become a more integrated part of treatment for breast cancer patients. We offer physical therapy (PT) services for women who have had mastectomies both with and without reconstruction, lumpectomies, and sentinel and axillary lymph node dissections. Our therapists have completed additional training and certification in advanced physical therapy techniques to assist in meeting the unique needs of these patients and enhance their quality of life.

Physical therapy is appropriate following breast surgery for women who are experiencing symptoms that significantly affect their everyday life activities. These may include pain; limitation in mobility of their arms, trunk or neck; as well as limitations in strength. Many women think that this is just something they have to live with following breast surgery. It is not.

Almost every woman we evaluate describes feeling like they have a belt pulled tightly around their chest. This tightness is due to the body’s response to surgery and the guarded posture that is naturally assumed as a result. It’s the pressure on nerves, blood vessels and muscles that cause the pain that so many women describe.

Upon referral to PT by any one of your physicians, you will be evaluated and, together with the therapist, will develop your own individual goals and receive education regarding the problems you are experiencing. Our approach to treatment is a gentle, hands-on approach, known as myofascial release that is focused on the entire trunk where the muscles originate. The results truly are amazing!

As the pain decreases and mobility improves, the focus on treatment moves to a gradual progressive strengthening program. Most women are seen by a physical therapist or physical therapy assistant twice a week for several weeks to relieve pain and achieve full mobility and strength in order to return to fitness programs and recreational activities. Your physical therapy visits are covered by most insurance plans.

Many women don’t experience problems initially but may possibly after radiation or even years later as their overhead reach or ability to rotate their trunk to turn while driving become limited. Tightness following radiation treatments can occur even up to a year following treatment. Other women have experienced increased breast pain as scar tissue develops throughout the breast after a lumpectomy. These are all problems that can be helped by PT with significant improvement in level of pain and function.

Referral to PT is appropriate at any time during or after treatment. We see patients before, during and after breast reconstruction and radiation treatments. Some women have started PT as early as three weeks after surgery, but others have been referred to us as long as 35 years after surgery, because of problems they developed as a result of this prolonged tightness and limited mobility. Our goal is to detect and treat muscle imbalances and restricted movement early in order to avoid shoulder problems in the future.

If you are experiencing any of the problems described here, talk to your physician about a physical therapy referral, and experience what one patient described as making her “feel like a new woman.”

If you’re interested in learning more, please call Novant Health Rehabilitation Center at 704-316-1900.