Did you know one in eight Australian women will be diagnosed with breast cancer by the time they turn 85?
Thanks to measures such as early detection and great improvements in treatment, Breast Cancer Survivorship is on the rise.
Treatment choices include:
- Surgery
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation
- Hormonal/target therapies
These treatments options all have side effects that may cause some of the following issues:
- Pain
- Scar tightness
- Limited range and strength in shoulder, neck and spine
- Lymphoedema
- Bladder and Bowel issues
- Sexual function
- Difficulties with every day duties
- Neuropathy (a nerve problem that can cause numbness, pain or tingling amongst other symptoms)
- Axillary web syndrome/cording
- Cancer related fatigue
- Osteoporosis
What can a Women’s Health Physiotherapist do to help?
There are a few different physiotherapy methods we can use to help with the side effects from Breast Cancer Treatment.
Manual therapy – to help facilitate shoulder, neck and spine range of motion, modulate pain, reduce soft tissue inflammation, promote relaxation and improve overall function.
Create a tailored exercise program – exercise through all phases of the cancer pathway has shown benefits for breast cancer patients.
Advice on lymphoedema – prevent infection or trauma that may cause or exacerbate lymphoedema, provide education on signs of lymphoedema and advice on access to specialist lymphoedema services.
Pelvic floor assessments – to manage sexual health and bladder and bowel issues.
We recommend booking an appointment with a Women’s Health Physiotherapist if you are interested in learning more about physiotherapy for Breast Cancer Rehabilitation.
Kate Goode, myPhysioSA Women’s Health Physiotherapist North Adelaide
