Undergoing a mastectomy can be a challenging experience for any woman. Whether to treat breast cancer or reduce its risk, the procedure takes a toll on a person’s physical and emotional health. Physical therapy is indispensable in pursuing a healthy and fulfilling life post-mastectomy, and our team of women’s health experts at EW Motion Therapy is dedicated to helping our post-op patients reduce pain and return to their favorite activities. Even if you choose not to do your physical therapy with us, we still want to delve into the importance of physical therapy after a mastectomy, exploring its benefits, average recovery timeline, and what a comprehensive treatment plan entails.
Common symptoms after a mastectomy
After a mastectomy, women may experience various physical and emotional symptoms as they navigate recovery. While every individual's experience is unique, some common symptoms that women might encounter include:
- Pain and discomfort: Pain is a common symptom following a mastectomy. Surgical incisions, tissue removal, and scar formation can all contribute to varying levels of pain and discomfort.
- Limited range of motion: Due to the removal of breast tissue and possible lymph node dissection, women may initially experience reduced shoulder and arm movement. This can affect activities like reaching, lifting, and dressing.
- Muscle weakness: Surgery and reduced activity during recovery can lead to muscle weakness, particularly in the chest, shoulder, and upper arm muscles.
- Lymphedema: Lymphedema is the swelling of the arm on the side of the surgery due to impaired lymphatic drainage. It can cause discomfort, heaviness, and tightness in the arm. However, the lymph nodes are removed in many mastectomy cases, mitigating lymphedema after surgery.
- Changes in sensation: Numbness or tingling around the surgical area or the chest wall are standard. Some women might experience hypersensitivity or phantom sensations as well.
- Fatigue: Fatigue is a common post-operative symptom, often due to the body's healing process and changes in daily routines.
- Emotional distress: The emotional impact of a mastectomy is significant. Women may experience various emotions, including anxiety, depression, body image concerns, and self-esteem issues.
- Posture changes: Changes in breast structure can affect posture, leading to potential back, neck, or shoulder pain. Women might also compensate for changes in body shape, which can contribute to poor posture.
- Difficulty sleeping: Physical discomfort, emotional stress, and changes in sleeping positions can make it challenging to get restful sleep.
- Scarring and body image concerns: Surgical scars and changes in breast appearance can lead to body image concerns and impact self-confidence.
- Cording: Axillary web syndrome, commonly known as "cording," is a condition where rope-like structures develop under the skin in the arm and chest area, causing pain and limited mobility.
- Difficulty breathing: In some cases, women may experience discomfort or difficulty taking deep breaths due to the surgical site and changes in chest movement.
It's important to note that while these symptoms are common, they can vary widely in intensity and duration from person to person. These issues can be addressed and managed through medical care, physical therapy, psychological support, and lifestyle adjustments. Women should communicate openly with their healthcare team about any symptoms they experience to receive individualized guidance and support.
The importance of physical therapy
Physical therapy plays a crucial role in the post-mastectomy recovery process. While the primary focus of a mastectomy is to eradicate cancer or prevent its progression, it is essential to address the potential unique challenges that may arise afterward. These challenges include reduced mobility, pain, muscle weakness, lymphedema (arm swelling), and posture-related issues. Physical therapy is a personalized, structured, evidence-based approach to counter these challenges and regain optimal physical function.
Benefits of physical therapy
- Restoring range of motion: Patients may experience limited shoulder and arm movement due to surgical scar tissue and muscle tightness after a mastectomy. Physical therapists employ various techniques to gradually restore the range of motion, enabling patients to perform daily tasks easily.
- Strengthening muscles: Muscle weakness can occur in the chest, shoulder, and arm after surgery. Physical therapy involves targeted exercises that strengthen these muscles, promoting functional independence and preventing long-term complications.
- Managing pain: Pain and discomfort are common after a mastectomy. Physical therapists employ gentle therapeutic techniques to alleviate pain, facilitating a smoother recovery.
- Addressing lymphedema: Physical therapists can use manual techniques and exercises to manage and reduce lymphedema or can refer to a lymphedema specialist if needed.
- Improving posture and body mechanics: Changes in breast structure can affect posture, leading to potential back and neck pain. Physical therapy addresses these issues and educates patients on proper body mechanics, promoting a more balanced, pain-free posture.
Average recovery timeline
The recovery timeline after a mastectomy can vary depending on individual factors such as overall health, the extent of surgery, and adherence to post-operative care. However, the following is a generalized recovery timeline:
- Immediate post-surgery: Patients may start with gentle breathing and mobility exercises for the unaffected arm during the hospital stay.
- Weeks 1-4: Patients continue with arm mobility exercises and begin light stretching to maintain flexibility. Pain management is also a priority during this period.
- Weeks 4-8: As the incisions heal, physical therapy intensifies, focusing on regaining strength, range of motion and addressing postural imbalances.
- Weeks 8-12: The emphasis shifts towards functional training, including tasks like reaching, lifting, and carrying. Exercises to address lymphedema may be incorporated as needed.
- Months 3-6: By this stage, most patients experience significant improvement in mobility and strength. Physical therapy continues to fine-tune progress and guides maintaining long-term gains.
Comprehensive treatment plan
A comprehensive physical therapy treatment plan after a mastectomy should be tailored to each individual's needs. It typically includes the following elements:
- Initial assessment: To design a personalized treatment plan, the physical therapist assesses the patient’s baseline mobility, strength, and pain levels.
- Range of motion exercises: Gentle exercises are introduced to restore arm and shoulder range of motion gradually.
- Strengthening exercises: Specific exercises targeting the chest, shoulder, and arm muscles help rebuild strength and stamina.
- Pain management: Various pain-relieving techniques like ice therapy, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), and manual therapies are employed.
- Education and support: Patients receive guidance on proper posture, body mechanics, and self-care strategies to enhance their daily activities.
- Functional training: Exercises that mimic daily tasks are introduced to improve functional independence as the patient progresses.
Physical therapy after a mastectomy is an indispensable component of the recovery process. By addressing mobility, strength, pain, and lymphedema concerns, physical therapists play a crucial role in helping patients reclaim their lives. While the recovery timeline varies for each individual, a comprehensive treatment plan under the guidance of skilled physical therapists can significantly improve physical function, allowing patients to embrace life after a mastectomy with confidence and vitality. Our women’s health team at EW Motion Therapy aims to do this for all our patients, whether your goal is to return to running or play with your grandkids. If you’re curious about what else physical therapy can do for you, click the button below to download our answers to 20 frequently asked questions.
