Abstract
Background: Medical management after breast cancer diagnosis often includes, but is not limited to, medical procedures including biopsy and mastectomy, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and other medication use, and finally breast reconstruction. Because of the number of procedures performed annually and the historical prevalence of breast reconstruction, physical therapists may encounter individuals years or even decades after the reconstruction, with new or lingering reports of pain and dysfunction.
Purpose: This case report describes the physical therapy management of a female 4.5 years after initial breast cancer diagnosis and 2 years after conclusion of breast cancer surgical and medical management. In addition, this case addresses the importance of altered anatomy and biomechanics, as well as the impact of medications on the physical therapy plan of care and physical therapy outcomes in this case.
Study Design: Case Report: Case Description/Outcomes: A 64-year-old woman, 4.5 years following breast cancer diagnosis, presented with neck, shoulder, and thoracic pain and upper extremity sensory complaints. She responded favorably to a 10-visit multimodal physical therapy intervention approach. Upon completion of her course of care, she was pain free and functioning without limitation.
Discussion: A physical therapist must consider the linkage between past breast cancer-related intervention, presenting symptoms, and information related to anatomical and biomechanical alterations and disease- and intervention-related side effects in developing a safe and effective physical therapy plan of care.