Lymphedema and Breast Cancer Therapy

Northwest florida  Panhandle Ft. Walton Beach  Niceville CrestviewMen and women recovering from breast cancer surgery and treatment face a number of challenges to include pain, fatigue, scarring, lymphedema, muscle weakness, movement restrictions and all of the emotional issues that arise when dealing with a serious illness. Primetime Physical therapy is honored to offer breast cancer aftercare to assist patients in their recovery process.

As a Certified Lymphedema Therapist, Shyla will customize an aftercare program to include the following in order to allow patients to return to their normal routine as quickly as possible:

  • Manual therapy to reduce scar tissue and improve range of motion
  • Improve sensation and relieve nerve pain
  • Postural training
  • Shoulder exercises to help prevent Lymphedema and restore full function
  • Conditioning exercises to restore strength and combat fatigue
  • Patient/caregiver education on scar management and the prevention of Lymphedema

Lymphedema after physical therapyLymphedema before physical therapyLymphedema treatments include:

  • Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD)
  • Wrapping with short stretch bandages and foam to reduce swelling.
  • Scar tissue management
  • Exercise to facilitate lymph flow
  • Fitting for Compression Garments
  • Establishment of Self Care Program
  • Compression pumps, if indicated, with medical necessity – usually in conjunction with MLD