I have had the absolute privilege to be included in client's cancer journeys. I believe I can say for all practitioners who work with cancer patients and survivors, that we are always here to support you and help you live as comfortable as you can.
This post is to shed light on individuals who have had mastectomies or are scheduled to do so. Osteopathy and other types of manual therapy can help with pre- and post- op pain and function.
A mastectomy is a surgical procedure to fully or partially remove one or both breasts. Depending on the diagnosis, sometimes lymph nodes are surgically removed.
This surgery is most often used to treat breast cancer and can also be performed to help prevent breast cancer in high risk women. Breast cancer is also diagnosed in men.
Reconstructive surgery, known as immediate reconstruction, can be performed at the same time as the mastectomy. Immediate reconstruction offers the benefit of eliminating at least one surgery and increasing recovery time.
Recovery from this surgery can be a long and painful process, emotionally and physically. Pain and tension can restrict movement of the neck, chest, arms, and diaphragm, making activities of daily living difficult. The scars derived from the treatment of breast cancer can lead to adverse effects such as fibrosis or retractions of the connective breast tissue.
Studies have shown that myofascial techniques are an effective way to treat post mastectomy surgery to reduce overall pain and improve shoulder mobility and function. Other benefits include:
✔Quicker healing process and recovery time
✔Softened deep scar layers that are pulling around the surgical site
✔Reduced muscle tension and joint stiffness
✔Reduced anxiety and depression
It is recommended to receive clearance from your physician to begin treatment and allow for the wounds to fully close. Regardless if the mastectomy was performed years ago or you are recently healing, myofascial treatment will help you feel better and restore function. Treatment can also help prepare your body while waiting between surgeries.
To learn more please contact Niagara Osteopathy!
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