2. Introduction
Mastectomy is a common surgical procedure for
breast cancer treatment, and it can have significant
physical and emotional impacts on patients. Physical
therapy plays a crucial role in post-mastectomy
recovery and rehabilitation, helping patients regain
strength, mobility, and function. This presentation
explores the benefits of physical therapy in post-
mastectomy care, postoperative therapy, exercises
for recovery, lymphedema and scar tissue
management, pain management, psychological
support.
3. Mastectomy nefto si tI .stsaerb htob ro eno fo lavomer eht sevlovni taht erudecorp lacigrus a si
ni erusaem evtineverp a sa enod eb osla yam tub ,recnac tsaerb rof tnemtaert a sa demrofrep
hgih
-
dna recnac eht fo tnetxe eht no sdneped demrofrep ymotcetsam fo epyt ehT .stnetiap ksir
gnidulcni ,ymotcetsam fo sepyt lareves era erehT .secnereferp s'tnetiap eht
:
Overview of Mastectomy
Total mastectomy
Modified radical
mastectomy Radical mestectomy
removal of the entire
breast
mastectomy
removal of the
entire breast and
some lymph nodes
removal of the entire
breast, lymph nodes,
and chest muscles
4. Postoperative Care
Recovery
Timeline
Postoperative care for mastectomy patients typically begins immediately after surgery and
continues for several weeks. During this time, patients may experience pain, swelling, and
limited mobility. Physical therapy can help alleviate these symptoms and improve overall
recovery.
Benefits of
Physical
Therapy
Physical therapy can help improve range of motion, reduce pain and swelling, and prevent complications
such as lymphedema. It can also improve overall physical function and quality of life.
Exercises for
Recovery
Physical therapists can prescribe a range of exercises to help patients regain strength and mobility.
These may include gentle stretching, range-of- motion exercises, and resistance training.
5. Benefits of Physical
Therapy
Physical therapy is an
essential component of
post- mastectomy recovery
and rehabilitation. It can
provide numerous benefits
for patients, including:
•Improved range of motion and
flexibility in the affected area.
•Reduced pain and discomfort
during and after treatment.
Improved strength and
endurance, which can
help patients return to their
normal activities more quickly.
•Reduced risk of lymphedema
and other
complications.
6. Preoperative
Physical
Therapy
Physical therapy before mastectomy surgery can help prepare the body
for the procedure and aid in a smoother recovery. Preoperative physical
therapy can help increase range of motion, improve strength, and
reduce pain and swelling in the affected area. It can also help patients
mentally prepare for the surgery and understand what to expect during
the recovery process.
• Improved range of motion and flexibility
in the affected area
• Reduced pain and swelling before and
after surgery.
• Mental preparation for the surgery and
recovery process
7. Postoperative Physical Therapy
After mastectomy surgery, physical therapy can help patients
regain strength, mobility, and range of motion. The goal of
postoperative physical therapy is to improve overall physical
function, reduce pain and discomfort, and prevent
complications such as lymphedema and scar tissue formation.
When to Start
Physical therapy can begin as early as a few days after surgery,
depending on the patient's condition and the surgeon's
recommendation. The initial sessions may focus on gentle
range-of-motion exercises and breathing techniques to prevent
complications and promote healing.
Goals of Postoperative Physical Therapy
• Restore range of motion and mobility in the affected area
• Strengthen the muscles around the surgical site to improve
overall function
• Reduce pain, swelling, and discomfort in the affected area
• Prevent complications such as lymphedema and
• scar tissue formation
8. Breathing exercises can help to reduce
pain, improve lung function, and
promote relaxation after a mastectomy.
Examples of breathing exercises include
diaphragmatic breathing and pursed lip
breathing. Your physical therapist will
teach you the proper techniques for
these exercises and monitor your
progress.
Exercises for Recovery
Range of Motion Exercises
Range of motion exercises help to
maintain and improve flexibility
and mobility after a mastectomy.
These exercises can be done at
home and include arm circles,
wall crawls, and shoulder shrugs.
Your physical therapist will guide
you on the frequency and
duration of these exercises.
Strengthening Exercises
Strengthening exercises help to
rebuild muscle strength and
endurance after a mastectomy.
These exercises can be done using
resistance bands, dumbbells, or
bodyweight. Examples of
strengthening exercises include
bicep curls, tricep extensions, and
chest presses. Your physical
therapist will design a personalized
plan for you based on your specific
needs and abilities.
Breathing Exercises
9. • Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a technique that involves
gentle massaging of the affected area to stimulate lymph flow
and reduce swelling.
• Compression bandaging or garments can also be used to reduce
swelling and improve lymph flow .
• Exercise, such as arm elevation and range-of- motion exercises,
can also help improve lymph flow and reduce swelling.
Lymphedema Management
Lymphedema is a common side effect of mastectomy, where the
lymphatic system is damaged or removed, resulting in swelling
and discomfort in the affected area. Physical therapy can help
manage lymphedema through various techniques and exercises.
10. • Massage therapy can help break up scar tissue and promote healing.
• Stretching exercises can also help improve range of motion and reduce
scar tissue buildup.
Scar Tissue
Management
After a mastectomy, it is common for scar tissue to form in the affected area. This can cause
discomfort and limited mobility. Physical therapy can help manage scar tissue and improve range of
motion.
11. Modalities such as heat or ice therapy, electrical stimulation, and ultrasound can also be used to manage pain and
promote healing. These modalities can help reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and relieve pain.
Pain Management
Pain is a common symptom after mastectomy surgery, and it can be managed with physical therapy. Physical therapists
can help patients manage their pain through a variety of techniques, including manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, and
modalities such as heat or ice therapy.
Manual Therapy
Manual therapy techniques, such as massage and joint mobilization, can help reduce pain and stiffness
in the affected area. These techniques can also improve circulation and promote healing.
Therapeutic Exercise
Therapeutic exercises, such as range of motion exercises and strengthening exercises, can help improve
mobility, reduce pain, and prevent complications such as lymphedema. Physical therapists can design a
personalized exercise program for each patient based on their specific needs and goals.
Modalities
12. Mind-body techniques such as meditation, yoga, and mindfulness can help patients manage stress and
improve their mental health. These techniques can also improve physical symptoms such as pain and
fatigue.
Psychological Support
Physical therapy after mastectomy is not just about the physical recovery, but also the emotional and
psychological well-being of the patient. The process can be overwhelming, and it is important for patients to
have access to psychological support during their recovery journey.
Counseling and Therapy
Patients may experience a range of emotions after mastectomy, including anxiety, depression, and fear.
Counseling and therapy can help patients cope with these emotions and provide them with the tools to manage
their mental health.
Support Groups
Support groups can be a valuable resource for patients to connect with others who have gone through similar
experiences. These groups can provide emotional support, practical advice, and a sense of community.
Mind-Body Techniques
13. Conclusion
In conclusion, physical therapy plays a crucial role in post-
mastectomy recovery and rehabilitation. By providing
personalized care and support, physical therapists can help
patients manage pain, reduce swelling, and improve range of
motion. They can also provide psychological support and help
patients regain confidence in their bodies. Through a
combination of preoperative and postoperative physical
therapy, as well as exercises for recovery, lymphedema
management, scar tissue management, and pain
management, patients can experience a smoother and more
successful recovery process. Patient testimonials and case
studies demonstrate the effectiveness of physical therapy in
improving quality of life after mastectomy. It is important for
healthcare providers to recognize the value of physical
therapy in this context and to make it an integral part of post-
mastectomy care.
