Evaluation & Treatment
Evaluation
During a patient's first appointment at the Breast Health and Rehabilitation Center, a physical therapist will take an extensive medical history. The initial evaluation typically takes one hour. Following the history, the physical therapist will perform a thorough musculoskeletal examination. This includes:
- Postural and body mechanics assessment
- Range of motion and strength of the shoulder
- Trunk muscle flexibility and strength
- Skin inspection
- Sensation testing
- Assessment of lymphedema (swelling) in arms, breasts, and trunk
- Arm girth and volume measurement
- Scar mobility
- Examination of soft tissue and presence of cording
After the evaluation has been completed, the physical therapist will discuss the assessment and treatment plan with the patient. The patient is welcome to bring another person with them to any and all physical therapy appointments.
Treatment
Treatment sessions are typically one to two hours in length. Treatment frequency is based upon the established treatment plan, typically 1-2 times per week. A treatment session may include some or all of the following:
- Manual therapy
- Manual lymph therapy
- Scar mobilization
- Joint mobilization
- Myofascial release
- Release of cording
- Therapeutic exercise
- Range of motion
- Strengthening
- Flexibility
- Cardiovascular training
- Postural education/exercise
- Compression bandaging
- Compression pumps
- Patient and family education
- Home exercise program development
- Self compression bandaging
- Range of motion, strengthening, cardiovascular exercise
- Partner or family training
Disclaimer: The Breast Health and Rehabilitation Center seeks to educate the community on musculoskeletal causes of pelvic pain. Specific medical advice and/or answers to your personal health questions will require a full examination by one of our physical therapists. This website is not intended to be a substitute for a medical evaluation, but rather as an educational resource.