COVID-19 Health and Safety Guidelines
Avila Physical Therapy COVID-19 Guidelines For Everyone’s Health and Safety We are operating by appointment only. Please wash your hand or use hand sanitizer as
May 12, 2020
Post-Mastectomy & Breast Surgery Care
The Sexual Revolution and the Health of Sex
The sixties are well known for birthing the sexual revolution, where the radical concept was raised that women also had sexual need and desires.This is
October 8, 2019
The Benefits of Physical Therapy During Cancer Treatment
Many people do not realize that physical therapy is an important part of cancer treatment, especially as it relates to quality of life during and
July 30, 2019
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Avila Physical Therapy? Who can come to your practice? What services do you offer? Find the answers to these questions and more by clicking on the button below.
Post-Mastectomy & Breast Surgery Care
Because women going through breast cancer treatment have unique healthcare needs, we provide specific physical therapy treatment to you, no matter where you are in the journey. We can provide specialized treatment for you after surgery, during chemotherapy and radiation, during reconstruction, and beyond to achieve :
- Improved shoulder and arm range of motion
- Elimination of Cording (Axillary Webbing Syndrome)
- Decreased pain in the breast, chest, shoulder, and arm
- Specialized exercise programs
- Fittings for post-mastectomy bras and camisoles
- Fittings for breast prosthesis (memory foam, silicone, and swim forms)
- Evaluate, educate and treat for post-mastectomy lymphedema
- Compression garment fittings (sleeves, bras, vests)
- Education in proper body mechanics.
Typical treatments from your physical therapist may include:
- Self-help techniques for pain management and mobilization.
- Hands-on treatment such as soft-tissue work, massage, gentle mobilization and stabilization exercises.
- Instruction in proper posture.
- Instruction in specific body mechanics for routine activities such as housework, job performance, and sleeping.
- Instruction in a home exercise program.
Remember, while discomfort is fairly common during cancer treatment, it should definitely not be accepted as just part of the process. To help make your recovery as pleasant as possible and facilitate a strong quality of life, pain should always be addressed and managed as quickly as possible.
Lymphedema
Lymphedema is a persistent swelling of the arm or leg, trunk or neck. Lymphedema typically occurs when lymph nodes are damaged or removed during surgery, or following infection or scar formation which blocks the lymphatic fluid flow. A person may be at risk for developing lymphedema following cancer surgery, radiation or some other form of trauma that affects the lymph nodes. Lymphedema may occur weeks, months or years after the initial injury. Therapeutic exercise, instruction in prevention, specialized massage, compression bandaging and custom made compression garments are among the treatment choices.