Outpatient lymphedema treatment allows patients to work with a lymphedema
certified therapist to address minimal to severe swelling because of the
normal drainage pattern in the body’s lymph nodes disturbed or damaged
by breast cancer. They are trained in treating, educating, and garment
fitting when working with lymphedema patients. Lymph node swelling can
be the result of surgery that involved the removal of lymph nodes or as
a side effect of radiation therapy. A physician diagnosis of lymphedema
is required to undergo this type of specialized treatment.
Pelvic floor therapy
Chemotherapy and hormonal therapy for breast cancer may affect your pelvic
muscles, also called the pelvic floor. These muscles, which run from the
tailbone to the pubic bone, help support your bladder and other organs.
While the reason is not really know, hormonal therapy may have something
to do with it. Estrogen helps to maintain the health of the pelvic floor.
To prevent some breast cancers, hormonal therapy is used to block estrogen
and other hormones from reaching breast cancer cells. Blocking estrogen
may lead to pelvic floor problems. Also, chemotherapy can cause ovaries
to temporarily shut down, leading to early menopause and a weak pelvic
floor. Pelvic floor therapy is taught by specially trained physical therapists
to help strengthen, relax, and coordinate the muscles, ligaments, and
connective tissues in the pelvic area.
