Services
What Can You Expect From Your First Session:
Breast Cancer and other Cancer patients where lymph nodes have been impacted:
Pre-Op Visit (30 mins)
Pre-op visits are welcome for those who would like to discuss any concerns or limitations they may face immediately after surgery and would like some baseline measurements taken of their arm prior to surgery. Expertise in post-mastectomy, lumpectomy, implant/expander, DIEP, Latissimus Dorsi flap surgeries.
Initial Assessment (45 mins – 1hour)
Once your drains have been removed, please schedule an initial visit. I will assess your general recovery post-surgically and assess scar tissue healing, discuss do’s and don’ts in terms of activity and exercise, assess range of motion of your shoulder, arm, neck and trunk, identify any axillary cording that may be present; assess for post-op swelling vs. lymphedema, take measurements if necessary and discuss compression garment options if needed; initiate the appropriate exercises for this stage of recovery and answer any questions you may have. My goal for this session is for you to leave feeling confident and empowered that you can manage your recovery well and focus on the next stages of your treatment knowing there is help available if you need it. If you are further along in your recovery and are having concerns such as persistent pain, lymphedema prevention/management, fatigue, exercise prescription or need assistance with return to work please schedule a visit to assess your concerns and prescribe appropriate treatment options.
Follow-up Sessions (45 mins – 1 hour)
Depending on the findings during the initial visit you may not require any further treatment. If you are having trouble with any of the above issues such as cording, loss of range of motion, scar tissue, radiation fibrosis or swelling we will schedule a few follow-up sessions to treat the concerns as needed and progress your exercise program appropriately. My goal is for you to regain full mobility and function of your arm and return to your prediagnosis activities. If you are having trouble returning to work and need guidance and/or strength and conditioning exercises to help you prepare to return to work, we can address this and get you headed in the right direction.
Lymphedema:
Initial Assessment (1 hour)
This session will include a thorough assessment and discuss treatment options and recommendations specific to your situation and condition including manual lymphatic drainage, compression therapy, skin care and exercises. Measurements will be taken. Compression therapy may include compression bandaging, night compression recommendations and/ or referral to a Certified Garment Fitter.
Follow-Up Sessions (45 mins – 1 hour)
Follow up sessions may be needed to further reduce the size of your limb
and teach/assist you in better managing the lymphedema. Manual
lymphatic drainage, special techniques to reduce and soften indurated/
fibrotic tissue, meticulous skin care and compression are needed to
minimize progression of your lymphedema.