According to breastcancer.org about 1 in 8 U.S. women (about 12%) will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime. With odds like that chances are high you have been directly affected by breast cancer in the course of your life. The good news is that the medical community is aggressively researching the disease and constantly developing new treatments and refining existing ones to help people beat the odds and join the long list of survivors.
If you've battled through cancer and your treatment plan has included a mastectomy then you already know you have teams of people ready to help you battle your way back to full health. Treatment should never end after the surgery, even if your doctor has given you a list of exercises to do on your own at home. You have already come this far in your fight against cancer, be certain you commit yourself to a post-mastectomy physical therapy treatment plan to get yourself back to your best.
You will want to consult with a physical therapist whether your mastectomy required removal of muscles, lymph nodes, or if you were able to just remove breast tissue. A pt will be able to further develop any muscle strengthening program given to you by your doctor and will also be able to offer you a trained eye to gauge your progress and make adjustments along the way. Post-mastectomy physical therapy gives you the space to regain strength you may have lost and can even help you come out stronger than you have ever been.
Studies have shown starting pt as soon as two days after mastectomy has helped patients regain strength, mobility, and has even lessened post-surgical pain. Join the ranks of amazing men and women who have battled breast cancer and be sure to do it with as many people as you can. Include physical therapy in your post-mastectomy recovery plan and beat the odds while increasing your chances at recovering from the surgery with less pain and more mobility.