[Effectiveness of Postoperative Physical Therapy for Upper-Limb Impairments after Breast Cancer Treatment]

Previous studies have reported the benefits of beginning rehabilitation immediately after breast cancer surgery for improving motor function. However, most studies have not evaluated the long-term struggles patients face after hospital discharge in resuming their previous activities and socialparticipation. Furthermore, the intervention methods and effects of rehabilitation for such activities have not been evaluated. We investigated the effectiveness of postoperative physical therapy for upperlimb impairments after breast cancer treatment. Fifty-four women in the postoperative period of surgery for breast cancer participated in the study. Range of motion in the ipsilateral shoulder was initially limited after surgery and recovered during the study period: shoulder flexion range of motion reached a mean value from 110 to 155 degrees, mean abduction was from 70 to 110 degrees, and mean externalshoul der rotation was from 69 to 85 degrees. Lymphedema was present in 5 women. In conclusion, physical functional disabilities were present in the late postoperative period for breast cancer survivors, and limited range of motion in their shoulders negatively affected their functional capacity and quality of life. Therefore, we need to increase rehabilitation care after breast cancer surgery immediately.