PHYSICAL THERAPISTS HELP BREAST CANCER SURVIVORS BENEFIT FROM EXERCISE AFTER THE WALK AND AWARENESS

What can we do after walking and raising awareness for Breast Cancer? Promote exercise everywhere you go and with everyone you meet, especially among Breast Cancer survivors. Did you know even Breast Cancer survivors benefit from exercise?

October was Breast Cancer awareness month and Physical Therapy awareness month. What better way to celebrate and raise awareness by continuing to give the gift of fitness to survivors by working with one group of professionals best trained to work with them, physical therapists, and by encouraging everyone you love to make fitness a regular part of their daily lives.

Everyone knows of someone affected by Breast cancer. Over 271,420 new cases of Breast cancer were expected to be diagnosed in 2005. Breast cancer survivors have very special needs requiring a skilled professional at least until they reach a maintenance phase in exercise programming.

Once your physician provides a medical clearance exercise you can begin exercising. Exercise programs provide flexibility exercises for the effected arm and improve postural alignment and awareness after surgery.

Some of the exercise benefits of participating in a regular exercise program for Breast Cancer survivors are:
- increased quality of life
- increased mood
- increased strength and endurance
- prevention of complications after surgery and treatment

Exercise helps to battle the side effects of treatment and aid in Breast Cancer recovery. Additional benefits of exercise include improvements in function and pain perception and all psychological areas according to the latest research. Exercise will help with daily activities and prevent further weakness and musculoskeletal problems.

Once you have full range of motion or mobility restored you can start strength training for the affected arm. While you work towards full range of motion, continue strengthening those body parts that are not effected. You'll need the strength in the rest of your body to be functional and efficient with your daily activities. Some women on hormonal therapy are at risk for developing osteoporosis. Weightbearing exercise can help offset any possible fractures.

Physical activity is still possible even with lymphedema, a chronic swelling of the effected arm when lymphatic fluid collects and is unable to drain properly. Close supervision by a Physical Therapist or Occupational Therapist is a good idea to receive proper guidance for exercise selection and instruction. Not only can strengthening occur but the therapist can assist in developing alternate routes for lymphatic fluid drainage to prevent the likelihood of developing lymph edema. Therapists can also show you how to monitor your arm if you are prone to developing lymphedema. The risk of lymphedema is also decreased by participation in a supervised exercise program. Physical therapists are well trained and qualified to provide evidence-based, supervised and individualized exercise programs for willing survivors. An integrative and complete exercise program will focus on strength and flexibility of the shoulder, arm, back and hand in addition to posture, aerobic endurance, lower body training and stress reduction.

Exercises for core strengthening and stabilization are another way to improve function and strength. Proper postural retraining is very important as changes tend to occur following surgery which if left unaddressed can lead to the development of other problems.

Deep breathing techniques will assist with controlling and returning lymphatic fluid back to the heart By practicing deep and efficient breathing techniques, postural alignment will be improved and stress can be reduced.

Flexibility exercises will increase range of motion where limitations exist not only in the upper body but in the back as well. A flexibility program will also address any scar tissue that may have developed following surgery.

If exhaustion and fatigue are a factor, participating in appropriate exercises throughout the course of the day as opposed to a continuous exercise session may be more tolerable. Cardiovascular or aerobic exercise will boost your endurance. Try something simple and safe initially like walking.

Learn how to use and incorporate the use of your effected arm in your daily activities. This is a great way to functionally work on flexibility and strength.

Remember we can all do something active and encourage those around us to do the same. Exercise is an inclusive activity that we all can benefit from with proper guidance. So don't wait for a special month or a problem to enlist the help of a physical therapist. Partner up and start moving today to feel your power - all year long!

Yours in health,
Trish
Trish Muse, MPT, CSCS
Physical Therapist
Polestar Pilates Practitioner
PowerBar Team Elite Fitness Expert
Doce Vida Designs East Coast Fitness Ambassador
www.bodyproductions.com
www.fitnesscontinuum.blogspot.com
--Posted by Trish Muse, MPT, CSCS to THE FITNESS CONTINUUM at 10/29/2006 11:07:00 PM