One of the most integral components of THRIVE Physical Therapy + Wellness  is working with patients who have undergone various cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation. Many of these patients need education and ongoing monitoring to understand and manage the effects of these treatments.  

For example, patients who have had chemotherapy often experience significant fatigue. They may also develop neuropathies, such as numbness and tingling in their hands and feet, leading to muscle weakness and balance issues, particularly if they have difficulty feeling their feet. This can affect their mobility and daily tasks – like buttoning a shirt or zipping a jacket. 

For patients who have had surgery, we focus on addressing scar tissue and performing manual lymph drainage to optimize lymphatic flow in the affected area. This is especially important for women with breast cancer who have undergone a lumpectomy or mastectomy, as well as radiation therapy. Surgical management and lymphatic care are vital in these cases. 

Radiation can cause scar tissue to develop, leading to fibrosis and secondary orthopedic issues. For women with breast cancer who’ve had radiation to the chest wall, this often results in restricted shoulder mobility. Breaking up scar tissue and mobilizing the lymphatics in the surrounding area is essential for restoring optimal function.