Breast Cancer Prehab Program

Overview

Prerehabilitation, or prehab, is a physical therapy program that aims to minimize functional impairments that may result from breast cancer treatment.

Patients with breast cancer may experience impairments such as:

• Lymphedema
• Shoulder impairments
• Chemotherapy induced neuropathy and cognitive changes
• Sexual dysfunction

Per NCCN Guidelines for Survivorship, patients with risk of lymphedema benefit from early detection and diagnosis for best outcomes. Patients who have undergone an Axillary Lymph Node Dissection have a 20-53% risk for lymphedema as well as axillary web syndrome. Sentinel node biopsies have a 5-17% risk of lymphedema. Radiation therapy also increases lymphedema risk due to radiation fibrosis.

Meeting with a physical therapist prior to surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation allows patients to have their baseline functional measurements assessed. During the initial visit, measurements will include:

• Posture
• Gait
• Range of motion of unaffected and affected extremity
• SOZO measurements – bioimpedance spectroscopy completed at baseline and regular intervals to identify early stage lymphedema.

In addition, patients are educated on signs and symptoms of lymphedema, lymphedema precautions, and energy conservation strategies. The patients are given an exercise program to improve function following surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.

Our Approach

WashU Medicine Physical Therapists are nationally recognized interdisciplinary experts in the science and treatment of movement impairments. You will receive one–on–one customized care at each appointment, so our focus is entirely on you and getting you back to a pain-free life!

We will provide you the most current and effective treatment plans for your specific condition, including complex issues that may have been previously treated without success.

We will empower you by providing the education you need to understand and correct your movement impairment.

Service Locations

Central West End- 4444 Forest Park Ave Building

O’Fallon, MO- 1 Progress Point