In home physical therapy can aid in recovery following breast cancer surgery.
As you probably already know, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. But what many people don’t know is that October is also National Physical Therapy Month, and the two are often connected.
According to the American Cancer Society, women with breast cancer frequently require some kind of surgery which may include:
- Breast biopsy
- Lymph node removal
- Breast conservation surgery (lumpectomy)
- Mastectomy
- Breast reconstruction
Pain and stiffness following these surgical procedures can cause weakness and limit how much a woman recovering from breast cancer surgery can move her arms and shoulders, as well as how she is able to handle daily activities like dressing or bathing. That’s where physical therapy can help.
Benefits of In-Home Physical Therapy
Physical therapy can make a huge difference in a woman’s recovery journey. The process is meant to relieve pain, restore function, and reach or maintain maximum performance and mobility.
Nursing Plus of Broward, a wholly owned subsidiary of Jewish Family Home Care, offers in-home physical therapy that can be combined with home care services from Jewish Family Home Care. The physical therapists at Nursing Plus of Broward will work with your physician and can address a variety of issues that may arise following breast cancer surgery such as:
- Tightness in the chest or armpit
- Burning, tingling, or numbness on the back of the arm or on the chest wall, likely caused by nerve irritation
- Limited range of motion
- Low endurance
- Poor muscle strength
- And other functional issues
Following an initial in-home consultation, the physical therapist will work with you to develop a customized therapy plan that is progressive, realistic, and safe for recovery.
Home Care Services Aid in Healing and Recovery
To help aid in the recovery process following breast cancer surgery, many women find it beneficial to combine post-surgical home care services with in-home physical therapy. Working in tandem, these services can help ensure safety and preserve energy that is important in the healing process.
A few of the ways in which our post-surgical home care services can help include:
- Medication reminders
- Encouragement and assistance with physical therapy exercises
- Planning and preparing nourishing meals
- Light housekeeping and laundry services
- Transportation to doctors’ appointments
- Bathing, dressing and using the bathroom
- And much more
If you or someone you love is undergoing treatment for breast cancer, reach out to Jewish Family Home Care today! Our kind and considerate caregivers can assist with a variety of care needs to help you recover and maintain independence. If you’d like to hear more about our home care in Sunrise, FL and the surrounding areas, contact us online, or call us at 954-908-5677.