After getting breast cancer surgery, exercise can help in reducing upper limb disability. A report by the BMJ states that women who regularly exercise feel less pain after a non-reconstructive procedure. During the non-constructive procedure of surgery, the surgeons target to remove cancer. This procedure also includes the removal of lymph nodes in the armpit.
As a result, patients face severe arm and shoulder problems post-surgery. It also causes lymphedema and restriction of movements. Past research depicts that most women struggle to continue daily tasks such as driving, lifting bags, etc. But, taking part in a program for PROSPER rehabilitation helps in improving the pain.
The research team of the University of Warwick suggests that starting exercise after breast cancer surgery is highly effective. Along with that, it is cost-effective and reduces the disability in the upper limb. Hence, the risk of complications is also low for those who start exercise after one year of the surgery.
However, the guidelines in the United Kingdom for exercise gradually after non-constructive surgery. But, crucial topics are still not clear such as safety, intensity, timing, etc. However, it is important to take a doctor’s advice to get the best limb lengthening surgery in India.
PROSER Programme
It is the abbreviation of an exercise program called “Prevention of Shoulder problems.” Doctors also advise chemotherapy for breast cancer in India for initial treatment. But the PROSPER program starts after 7-10 days of surgery.
This program was started by physiotherapists that require various physical activities. It includes strengthening, stretching, as well as techniques for behavioral change. This exercise program also requires a thorough assessment by a physiotherapist.
The researchers at the University of Warwick conducted the study among 392 women. These women were having breast cancer surgery and had a high risk of problems in the upper limb. Then, the women are randomly segmented into two groups.
One-half of the group received structured exercise with standard care while the other only received basic care. After completing 1 year of surgery, women are given a questionnaire which helps the researchers to know about the outcomes. It includes pain, activity levels, life quality, swelling, etc.
Furthermore, it also includes two appointments conducted within one and then three months. The result showed that women who received exercise therapy with basic care had less pain. Also, they had better life quality compared to the ones in the other group with basic care.
Moreover, there was no improvement or change in nerve pain in both groups after breast cancer surgery. Other complications such as swelling, infection in the surgical site, wound complication was similar in both groups.
Exercise is Cost-Effective
The study explains that exercise is a cost-effective and efficient way to reduce problems in upper limbs. It also states the unavoidable limitations such as losing participants during the follow-up. The study also highlights its strengths such as including large samples compared to the last trials. The new trial also included a longer period of follow-up.
Therefore, the authors of the study state that regularly doing structured exercise after breast cancer surgery are safe. The manualized exercise is also helpful for the broad implementation of clinical practice. So, exercise plays a crucial role in women having a high risk of getting disability in the upper limb.
Also, they must take the advice of their doctor and avail for the best limb lengthening surgery in India. This will help to get better and reduce body pain in the upper limb that is prevalent after surgery. It is also crucial to get chemotherapy for breast cancer in India at the right time to avoid future complications. Exercises such as stretching and other physical activities should be done only under the guidance of a physiotherapist.
In conclusion, for women who get chemotherapy for breast cancer in India, surgery can recover fast. You must consult your doctor if you are worried about any complications. With some significant measures and perfect guidance, you can reduce any chances of getting a disability in the shoulders and upper limbs.
Even if there is no difference found in nerve pain, swelling, infection, you can still lower the pain intensity. Furthermore, it also improves the life quality and reduces the struggle to do everyday tasks after breast cancer surgery.