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Rehabilitation following Breast Reconstructive Surgery Complaints: * Pain from Scar and Tissue Expansion * Limited Mobility of Soft Tissue and Joints Surrounding the Shoulder * Postural Weakness and Discomfort Following TRAM FLAP Procedure * Chronic Trunk Lymphedema Surrounding the Surgical Site Cosmesis Therapy Goals: * Facilitate healing at incision sites and periwound lymphedema. * Decrease lymphedema in trunk and limb * Maximize mobility of the shoulder and thoracic region * Enhance soft tissue and scar mobility * Optimize posture and core muscle strength * Return to functional activities of daily living, including an active lifestyle Treatment Techniques: * Gentle effective manual techniques such as manual lymph drainage to facilitate healing and myofascial techniques to address scar adhesions can greatly relieve pain and encourage recovery. * Instruction in individualized exercise programs combined with manual techniques and one on one training result in dramatic improvements with range of motion, strength and function of the involved shoulder and upper extremity. * Instruction and practice of a graded strengthening and flexibility program to the core muscle groups can significantly improve performance for pain free activities of daily living and the return to an active lifestyle. * Complete decongestive therapy which includes manual lymph drainage, instruction in exercise program, self massage and fitting with custom compression garments and bras minimize the accumulation of fluid and facilitate rapid healing. * When achievement of perfect symmetry is not possible, breast prosthetics and properly fitting undergarments can greatly enhance self esteem. |
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