Rehabilitation Services Can Greatly Improve Your Recovery After Cancer-Related Procedures - Ready to Get Started?

If you are currently fighting cancer and have undergone a surgical procedure, we understand that it can be a daily struggle to manage pain and live life with as much comfort as possible. At Dynamic Physical Therapy, we want to help make your daily life a little easier, so you can continue your battle toward remission without as much pain and discomfort.

Our physical therapists are compassionate and professional, having helped many other patients find relief while also undergoing oncology treatments. In fact, many of our physical therapists have specialized in oncology rehabilitation by completing extensive training courses, in order to help patients just like you.

Whether you are currently living with cancer or you’ve recently completed the last rounds of your treatment with your recent surgery, physical therapy can help you manage your pain, regain some strength, and return some normalcy to your life. Contact Dynamic Physical Therapy to learn more.

What can I expect from a post-cancer surgery treatment plan?

There is no singular streamlined treatment plan when it comes to rehabilitation after a cancer-related procedure. In fact, our oncology physical therapists create an individualized treatment plan for each and every patient, focusing solely on that patient’s goals.

Treatment plans can help with a wide range of issues, including, but not limited to:

• Reducing fatigue
• Improving physical function
• Decreasing pain
• Increasing overall well-being

Your personalized treatment plan will address the phase of your cancer treatment and what your body is in need of at that time. Treatment plans will be modified as you progress through your treatment and may begin needing different forms of treatment or areas of focus.

Our Covington and Westwego, LA physical therapy clinic uses several modes of treatment for patients who have undergone cancer-related surgical procedures. These include, but are not limited to:

• Pelvic floor rehabilitation
• Pilates
• Occupational therapy services
• Physical therapy services

At Dynamic Physical Therapy, our Covington and Westwego, LA physical therapists are here to help you every step of the way. We will work hard to restore the normal functions of your body and enhance the healing process, so you can get back to your normal life as quickly as possible.

Why is it important that I go through PT treatments following my surgery?

Physical therapy after surgery can be incredibly helpful for any patient dealing with any type of cancer, at any stage of treatment.

In fact, in a study published by the European Journal of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, researchers examined the effects of physical therapy treatments on women scheduled for Madden's modified radical mastectomy or segmental mastectomy with axillary dissection. These women were divided into two groups, with one group receiving post-mastectomy physical therapy, and a control group that did not.

Women who received the PT oncology rehabilitation treatments began their sessions two days after undergoing surgery. Sessions lasted 40 minutes, 5 days a week, during the duration of the drainage. After the drainage was removed, sessions increased to an hour, and the women completed 20 additional sessions.

Improvement in flexion was reported as early as 5 days after surgery in the treatment group, and progress gradually increased as these women continued their sessions.

Results of this study concluded that the treatment group experienced improved joint mobility, reduced pain, and a widely improved quality of life. However, the control group, composed of women who did not undergo PT rehab following mastectomy, did not yield any of the same positive outcomes as the treatment group.

Find relief with Dynamic Physical Therapy today

As you may have now discovered, there are many benefits to participating in a rehabilitation plan following your cancer-related surgery. No matter what type of cancer you are battling, or where you are in the process, Dynamic Physical Therapy can help.

Our Covington and Westwego, LA physical therapists are highly trained in helping you regain your range of motion as quickly as possible, so you can avoid any unwanted complications.

At Dynamic Physical Therapy, you don’t only receive treatment - you receive a team of supporters to help you out and let you know you’re not alone in your journey. When you arrive for your initial appointment, our physical therapist will conduct a comprehensive exam to determine the best course of treatment for your needs.

From there, an individualized treatment plan will be designed especially for you, including targeted stretches, exercises, and any additional modalities our physical therapist may deem fit.

It is likely that your physical therapist will also prescribe gentle stretches for you to do at home, in order to maintain progress and help your recovery period move along quicker. Your physical therapist may also advise slight lifestyle changes during your recovery time, in order to make sure you are allowing your body to heal as quickly as possible.

At the end of the day, our goal at Dynamic Physical Therapy is to help you with whatever you need throughout your journey so you can get back to living your normal life. Contact us today to learn more.

Post-Mastectomy Rehabilitation

Having a mastectomy is a major surgery that can leave you feeling weak, isolated, and defeated. However, with physical therapy, you’ll have a support system that will encourage you every step of the way during your recovery process, until your pain has subsided and you have regained your strength.

At Dynamic Physical Therapy, we know how difficult this time can be. We understand how much you’ve gone through, and we want to help you get back to your normal daily life. Contact our Covington and Westwego, LA physical therapy office to find out more about post-mastectomy rehabilitation services and how we can help you recover.

How will post-mastectomy rehabilitation benefit me?

According to the American Physical Therapy Association, “Postoperative physical therapy that begins as early as 2 days after surgery significantly improves joint mobility and widely improves the quality of life for women who underwent mastectomies.”

In fact, in a study published by the European Journal of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, researchers examined the effects of physical therapy treatments on women scheduled for Madden's modified radical mastectomy or segmental mastectomy with axillary dissection. These women were divided into two groups, with one group receiving post-mastectomy physical therapy, and a control group that did not.

Women who received the physical therapy rehabilitation treatments began their sessions two days after undergoing surgery. Sessions lasted 40 minutes, 5 days a week, during the duration of the drainage. After the drainage was removed, sessions increased to an hour, and the women completed 20 additional sessions.

Improvement in flexion was reported as early as 5 days after surgery in the treatment group, and progress gradually increased as these women continued their sessions. Results of this study concluded that the treatment group experienced improved joint mobility, reduced pain, and a widely improved quality of life compared to the control group, that had none of those outcomes.

How can I get started?

Physical therapy is an integral part of post-mastectomy recovery. Our Covington and Westwego, LA physical therapists are highly trained in helping you regain your range of motion as quickly as possible, so you can avoid any unwanted complications, such as lymphedema. If this condition (or other complications) do happen to occur, our physical therapist will treat you accordingly and help bring you back to your normal function.

At Dynamic Physical Therapy, you don’t only receive treatment - you receive a team of supporters to help you out and let you know you’re not alone in your journey. When you arrive for your initial appointment, our physical therapist will conduct a comprehensive exam to determine the best course of treatment for your needs. From there, an individualized treatment plan will be designed especially for you, including targeted stretches, exercises, and any additional modalities our physical therapist may deem fit.

It is likely that our physical therapist will also prescribe gentle stretches for you to do at home, in order to maintain progress and help your recovery period move along quicker. Our physical therapist may also advise slight lifestyle changes during your recovery time, such as using the affected arm (on the side the surgery was performed) to do all daily tasks, such as brushing your hair, eating, and bathing. This will help that arm regain strength while you are healing. However, it is likely that our physical therapist will advise against sleeping on that side of the body, as that may lead to swelling.

Have you recently undergone a mastectomy? At Dynamic Physical Therapy, we are here for you during this difficult and trying time. We want to help you get back to your normal life as quickly as possible. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and get started on the path toward a speedy recovery.