Body Awareness Breast Care
At Body Awareness we believe physical therapy is a key component of a women's comprehensive treatment program. It is important for women to feel a sense of empowerment over their physical recovery. Our knowledge and treatment methodology is unique and unparalleled. We strive to address the functional limitations that may arise after undergoing breast augmentation, reconstruction or mastectomy.
Shoulder pain and limitation due to soft tissue restriction and/or scarring is common. One can avoid progression of symptoms by addressing these signs early on.
Common Dysfunction Related to Breast Care:
- Soft tissue scarring resulting from augmentation/ reconstruction/ mastectomy
- Shoulder Pain
- Loss of Shoulder Range of Motion
- Lymphedema
- Axillary Web Syndrome
Specializing in the Treatments of:
- Soft Tissue/ Scar Mobilization
- Postural Re-education
- Manual Lymphatic Drainage
- Rotator Cuff Strengthening
- Mobilization of Rib Cage, Trunk and Pelvis
- Individualized Cardiovascular Training
- Increase Bone Density Through Weight Bearing Exercise
- Patient Education
- Prevention & Early Detection of Lymphedema
- Self Lymphatic Drainage
- Diaphragmatic Breathing
- Balance Training
- Pilates Based Exercise
Physical Therapy Proven to Help Recovery After Breast Cancer
- Physical Impairments that are most often undertreated include those related to scar tissue and radiated tissue restriction. This can cause severe limitation in shoulder range of motion.
- Exercise can reduce a patient's risk of death by up to 50%.
- Studies show that exercise can keep our cells more healthy, reduce estrogen levels and better able cells to defend against mutations.
- Lymphedema (swelling of a body part) is a common impairment affecting at least 50% of breast cancer patients.
A recent study revealed that 90% of patients being treated for breast cancer had physical impairments that would benefit from physical or occupational therapy. Sadly, fewer than 30% of those patients actually received treatment for those impairments. ¹ At Body Awareness we believe physical therapy is a key component of a women's comprehensive treatment program. It is important for women to feel a sense of empowerment over their physical recovery.
According to the National Cancer Institute, in 2009, 192,370 women will have been diagnosed with breast cancer in the United States. With medical advances and early detection there are over 2.5 million women alive with a history of breast cancer. Breast cancer survivors frequently suffer from physical problems as a result of the chemotherapy, radiation and surgical procedures.
- Cheville, A, Troxel, A., et al. Prevalence and Treatment Patterns of Physical Impairments with Metastatic Breast Cancer. Journal of Clinical Oncology. 2008 June; 26 (16): 2621-2629.
Recognize the Early Signs of Lymphedema
- Heaviness in the arm
- Numbness or tingling
- Decreased shoulder range of motion
- Skin tightness
- Decreased skin mobility
- If you think you may have the beginnings of lymphedema, contact your specialist right away. Early treatments may help reduce the severity of symptoms.
How do I determine if I need physical therapy?
If you are currently experiencing pain, limited shoulder range of motion, Lymphedema or loss of function you may be a candidate for physical therapy. Your health insurance may cover physical therapy treatment with a referral from your physician.
What if I do not have pain or loss of function, but want to safely exercise while improving my fatigue levels, range of motion, flexibility and strength?
You may be a candidate for Body Awareness Breast Cancer Wellness Program. This program allows you to be assessed by a licensed physical therapist for strength, weakness, and functional activities of daily living mechanics and includes a program tailored to meet your individual needs.
Wellness for Breast Augmentation
Soft tissue restriction and resultant loss of range of motion of the shoulder, rib cage and chest region can result after breast augmentation. It can be difficult to become accustomed to the increased weight distribution of the upper body. At Body Awareness, we have developed a program to ensure that your augmentation yields the best results for your investment. Your program will be individualized to meet your specific needs and goals.
What to expect:
- Postural assessment to determine your needs for optimal shoulder, neck and upper body alignment.
- Development of specific exercises targeted toward a long neck and shoulders that naturally stay back as well as a strong core to hold you upright.
- Soft tissue mobilization to ensure that no scar tissue forms around the implants and throughout the axilla (armpit) and shoulder region.
Cost:
- Initial consultation $155
- 4 visits: $475
- 8 visits: $920 ($40 savings)
Melissa Matta, PT is our Breast Care specialist. She is a Certified Lymphatic Drainage Manual Therapist of the upper extremity and has extensive knowledge in the area of breast care. Her manual therapy background in orthopedics allows her to treat the whole body for the best results in obtaining optimal function. Click here to read Melissa's full bio.
