Restrictions after surgery?
Meet the Experts
Kristin Brill, M.D., F.A.C.S. is a breast surgeon and clinical instructor at the Thomas Jefferson University Department of Surgery in Philadelphia, PA. She also maintains a practice in Cherry Hill, N.J. Dr. Brill is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons. In addition, she has published breast cancer research in medical journals such as Annals of Plastic Surgery and Cancer, and she has presented research at the American Society of Clinical Oncology.
Linda Miller, P.T. is the clinical director of the Breast Cancer Physical Therapy Center, LTD, a private practice serving the Philadelphia, PA and southern New Jersey areas. Linda specializes in treating post-operative complications of breast cancer surgery, including lymphedema.
Question from Nan W: How does driving or lifting heavy things affect my arm or cause any kind of problems with the area where I got the surgery?
- Answers —Kristin Brill, M.D., F.A.C.S.: You should be properly healed before lifting or extending to full range of motion. Once healing has occurred, we encourage strengthening and stretching exercises to get you back to your baseline as much as possible.
- Linda Miller, P.T.: I think the key here is to get a gradual return to activity. Most women can return to the full function, but need to return gradually.
On Wednesday, May 21, 2008, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called After Surgery: Short-term and Long-term Effects. Kristin Brill, M.D., F.A.C.S. and Linda Miller, P.T. answered your questions about short-term and long-term side effects of breast surgery, and what you can do about them.
The materials presented in these conferences do not necessarily reflect the views of Breastcancer.org. A qualified healthcare professional should be consulted before using any therapeutic product or regimen discussed. All readers should verify all information and data before employing any therapies described here.
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