Faculty Advisor(s)
Amy J. Litterini
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Description
Research presentation:
Background and Purpose: Breast cancer treatments (surgery, chemotherapy, endocrine therapy, and radiation) may cause late effects of pain, range of motion loss, and activity limitation in the upper extremity. The purpose of this case report was to describe the utilization of soft tissue techniques with instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) in outpatient physical therapy to address decreased UE function and pain for a patient post-mastectomy, chemotherapy, endocrine therapy and radiation.
Case Description: The patient was a 61-year-old female who was referred to physical therapy for restricted mobility and pain in her right upper extremity post-oncologic treatments preventing her from vocation and participating in daily activities. The initial evaluation demonstrated right UE weakness of 4/5 (withstand light resistance), painful right active end-range of motion pulling into the hip and trunk with corresponding right-sided tissue puckering and mottling. The patient received 26 visits over 23 weeks combining manual therapy techniques, IASTM, yoga, a foam rolling program and therapeutic exercises.
Outcomes: At the recertification evaluation note at week 23, she demonstrated outcome measure improvements in right UE strength 4/5 to 4+5 (withstand moderate resistance); increased tolerance of UE end-range AROM with decreased reported pain sensation; Quick Disability of the Shoulder Arm and Hand score decrease (27.27/100 to 11.36/100); Numeric Pain Rating Scale decrease (2/100 to 1/10); and Pain Disability Index decrease (2/10 to 1/10).
Discussion: Orthopedic outpatient physical therapy rehabilitation for UE conditions in breast cancer survivors should have consideration to effects of surgical, medical and radiologic treatments both locally and systemically. The pursuit of therapists’ continuing education for future treatment considerations of breast cancer survivors post-surgery combined with endocrine, chemotherapy and radiation may enhance efficacy of soft tissue mobilization and therapeutic exercises.
Publication Date
12-2020
Disciplines
Physical Therapy
Related Materials
The case report manuscript for this presentation can be found here:
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© 2020 Marissa Paquette
Preferred Citation
Paquette, Marissa, "Soft Tissue Techniques For Upper Quadrant Range Of Motion And Pain In A Breast Cancer Survivor Following Mastectomy: A Case Report" (2020). Case Report Presentations. 11.
https://dune.une.edu/pt_studcrpres/11