
Cancer seems to touch everyone these days. Family. Friends. Clients. In particular, 1 in 9 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some point in their lives. It is part of the reason that we, at Donald Physiotherapy are committed to helping with the annual C95 Radio Marathon for Breast Cancer Research. My own personal family history, makes the cause even closer to my heart.
But what does physiotherapy for Cancer Rehabilitation look like? The treatment process can be intensive. Surgeries, radiation, chemotherapy. They can all play a role on a persons fatigue levels, functional mobility, and ability to complete activities of daily living. Tissue damage can occur. Weakness is common. Loss of range of motion, in particular for the upper body when dealing with breast cancer.
Physiotherapy plays a role in assisting with many things, including:
- Lympedema or swelling in the effected arm
- Frozen shoulder or loss of range of motion in the effected arm
- Improve strength
- Chemo-induced peripheral neuropathy
- Pain
- Axillary web syndrome
- Scar tissue management
- Cancer related fatigue
Treatment can include manual therapy, acupuncture, dry needling, and exercise therapy. It encompasses the biopsychosocial approach, meaning the person is the focus, followed by the issue we are dealing with. We are also very fortunate to work with Janis Riise, a kinesiologist who runs a Cancer Management and Strengthening Program within our clinic.
If this blog speaks to you, or anyone you know, please do not hesitate to contact us to find out more on how physiotherapy can help with the rehabilitation process.
~ Michelle, PT