Rehabilitation of the Post-Operative Breast Cancer
Patient: Special Considerations
Presented by Linda T. Miller
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Meet your instructor
Linda T. Miller
Linda T. Miller, PT, DPT, CLT, served as the founder and clinical director of the Breast Cancer Physical Therapy Center in the Philadelphia area for over 20 years. She has over 300 hours of training in lymphedema management and has been an international student of lymphedema, including training in the UK, Italy, Spain,…
Chapters & learning objectives
1. The Axillary Dissection
Given the number of new breast cancer diagnoses every year, clinicians in various settings should be familiar with the morbidities that directly result from the axillary dissection performed with most invasive breast cancers. It is this procedure that causes most of the post-operative pain, decreased UE ROM, and impact on immediate function. Identification of some of these morbidities will be discussed.
2. Post-Operative Cording
Post-operative cording is a common, acute consequence of the axillary dissection that can be managed successfully when identified early. Cording, sometimes with forearm and hand swelling, can occur months or years following surgery. Identifying the cords and treating them with modalities and manual therapy can prevent this from becoming a chronic source of pain and edema.
3. Muscle and Postural Imbalances
Several motor nerves course through the area of the axillary dissection and are at risk for trauma during the procedure. Therapists treating this population of patients should be aware of the possible consequences on specific UE muscle function.
4. Breast Cancer Reconstruction
Reconstruction following mastectomy will impact the rehabilitation process. The various options currently available will be presented.
5. Rehabilitation Following Breast Cancer Reconstruction
The immediate and long-term effects of reconstruction techniques will be described. Providing a comprehensive rehabilitation program and insuring a return to full function will be discussed.
