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Benefit to seeing physical therapist before surgery?

Page last modified on: August 21, 2008
Question from Xaniella: Is there a benefit to seeing a physical therapist before having a mastectomy and lymph nodes removed?
Answer —Linda Miller, P.T.: I think a one-time consultation prior to surgery is an excellent idea. The therapist can take baseline measurements of both arms so that any post-operative changes can be detected. It's also a good time to get questions about lymphedema and return to activity answered. The therapist can also review some simple range of motion exercises that can be done once the drains are removed but before you actually get out to an outpatient therapist.

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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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.

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