Physical Therapy, Breast Cancer, and Lymphedema
As Breast Cancer Awareness Month and National Physical Therapy Month come to an end, we wanted to provide information regarding the important connection between the two. Lymphedema is a common complication that can happen in breast cancer patients. Physical therapy is considered the best treatment for lymphedema! At ReQuest Physical Therapy we not only treat breast cancer-related Lymphedema but we help prevent the progression of Lymphedema through risk-reduction, education, and hands-on teaching.
What is Lymphedema?
Lymphedema is the term used to describe swelling that generally occurs in one of your arms or legs (or sometimes both). In breast cancer-related Lymphedema, swelling can also occur in the shoulder, breast, and thoracic regions.
What causes breast-cancer related Lymphedema?
Lymphedema is typically caused by blocked, damaged, or removed lymph nodes. The World Journal of Clinical Oncology writes “breast cancer-related Lymphedema results from obstruction of the lymphatic system associated with cancer treatment (removal of lymph nodes and radiotherapy); patient personal factors [obesity or higher body mass index (BMI)]; and infections or trauma can trigger Lymphedema.1”
What is the Impact?
Women treated for breast cancer face a 40% lifetime risk of developing Lymphedema. Having Lymphedema not only makes daily activities more difficult (like combing hair or cooking) but also plays a large role in an individual’s quality of life and health care costs. A recent study found that women with Lymphedema spend more days hospitalized or visiting physicians per year than most women; they also have more days absent from work.2
How Can ReQuest Physical Therapy Help You?
ReQuest now offers a Cancer Survivorship Program specifically designed to reduce the risk of cancer-related ailments. We offer personalized education and wellness programs for those at risk of developing Lymphedema. We also offer all cancer patients a complimentary In-Body Assessment. The In-Body Assessment provides non-invasive details about your body composition in terms of muscle, fat, and water. The In-Body Assessment is also a GREAT way to check for early signs of Lymphedema (extra fluid in one limb).
Getting Started
Contact us regarding our Cancer Survivorship Program and set a time to meet 1-on-1 with our Certified Lymphedema Therapist or our Cancer Survivorship Program Leader. We look forward to helping you!
Take care,
Dr. Tori Wilson, PT, CLT
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4127597/#!po=8.62069
2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25506390/