Our Physical and Rehabilitative Medicine Therapists

It’s important that women undergoing specific types of breast cancer surgery receive physical therapy both before and after surgery—particularly patients having axillary node dissections or mastectomies with flap reconstruction.

Patients are referred to a physical or occupational therapist by their physician or nurse practitioner. The therapist will perform a preoperative assessment to evaluate arm strength and function. The objective findings from this assessment will help gauge your progress after surgery and ensure that you return to your baseline physical capabilities. A preoperative physical therapy appointment also helps you to prepare for the postoperative precautions and recommended exercise routine, thus preventing complications related to frozen shoulders and other orthopedic problems that could occur without proper monitoring and care. Exercises will focus on shoulder range of motion and core strengthening.

We also recommend a postoperative assessment to help patients establish their home program and goals for progress. This appointment will be scheduled after your surgical drains are removed.

To make an appointment for a pre or postoperative physical therapy assessment, call                  410-955-0015.  

Learn about our rehabilitation programs.