Women's Health | Breast Rehabilitation

Costello Center Physical Therapy's team of experts provide a wide range of individualized women's health programs for treatment of the following:
Osteoporosis.

• Urinary incontinence.
• Pelvic floor dysfunction.
• Low back pain.

Costello Center Physical Therapy and The Kathryn Candor Lundy Breast Health Center have partnered to create a comprehensive rehabilitation program for women experiencing breast cancer. Our specially trained team of experts, in close collaboration with the physicians and staff of the breast health center, is dedicated to meeting the unique needs of breast cancer patients and helping them return to optimal health and lifestyle.

Services include:

• Postoperative Skilled Physical Therapy.
• Lymphedema Management.
• Pain Management.
• Fitness Programs.

Postoperative Skilled Physical Therapy

Who benefits? - Any woman who has had breast cancer surgery or who has had persistent problems since surgery, including pain, weakness, swelling, reduced motion or impaired function.

What we do... A physical therapist provides an assessment of posture, range of motion, strength, function and swelling in the arm. An individualized treatment plan is developed that may include:
Modalities for pain control (moist heat, cold pack, electrical stimulation, ultrasound, massage).

• Myofascial release to manage scar tissue.
• Exercise to address weakness and loss of range of motion.
• Education on posture, body mechanics and returning to daily functions.

Lymphedema Management

Who benefits? - Any woman who has developed lymphedema, or swelling, in her arm, breast, armpit or back as a result of breast cancer surgery. This problem could occur immediately, or many years, after surgery.

What we do... A physical therapist provides an assessment of the swelling and determines the best course of treatment. This treatment may include:

• Manual lymph drainage; a specialized form of massage to soften swelling and mobilize lymph fluid.
• Multi-layered bandaging; a wrapping technique to reduce swelling and restore the contour of the limb.
• Exercise; specific techniques to address weakness or range of motion problems.
• Education; about prevention, self-management and function.
• Compression garment; the final step in treatment, helping to permanently control swelling.

Pain Management

Who benefits? - Any women with persistent shoulder, neck or back pain that may or may not be related to breast cancer surgery.

What we do... A physical therapist provides an assessment of posture, body mechanics, flexibility, strength, joint mobility and function. Treatment may include:

• Modalities for pain control (moist heat, cold pack, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, massage).
• Exercise.
• Manual therapy.
• Reconditioning.
• Stabilization.
• Education on function at home and work.

Fitness Programs

Who benefits? - Women who wish to improve their fitness level including strength, flexibility, endurance and weight control; women who are deconditioned or weakened from cancer treatment, including chemotherapy and radiation; women who suffer from persistent fatigue or depression.

What we do... A rehabilitation professional conducts a fitness assessment, including a body composition analysis (body fat percentage), cardiorespiratory endurance capacity, strength and flexibility. The patient may then choose to participate in any of the following:

• Wellness program with access to Costello Center equipment Monday through Friday, under the supervision of rehabilitation staff, for a small monthly fee. Exercise class exclusively offered to patients with breast cancer and designed specifically to meet their needs. This class also provides the support of other women who are experiencing the same emotions.