PHYSIOTHERAPY FOLLOWING BREAST SURGERY FOR CANCER

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study is to observe the effects of active, guided exercises on postoperative complications, shoulder range of motion (ROM) and functionality of the arm and the in women undergoing radical mastectomy or lumpectomy with axillary lymph node dissection for breast cancer. We compared patients who participated at the recovery exercise program to those who didn't attend any exercise program and patients with different associated therapies (hormone, chemo, chemo+radiotherapy). METHODS: The study was carried out on 140 patients with breast surgery for cancer, divided in two groups: the study group and the control group. Both groups were divided in three categories: patients with associated hormone therapy, patients with chemotherapy and patients with chemotherapy and radiotherapy. RESULTS: The most affected movements after surgery are: flexion and abduction. Also, the most significant changes happen for these two movements after daily participating to the physical therapy program. Postoperative complications are ameliorated and functionality tests for the arm show an improvement. CONCLUSIONS: A structured, patient tailored, well designed and early applied exercise program has several benefits on troublesome symptoms, functionality and range of motion of the ipsilateral arm. There are differences between the three categories of patients regarding the followed aspects, although, physiotherapy influences all of those aspects in well. (C) 2017 Published by Future Academy