Patient Perspective on Post-Breast Reconstruction Exercise and Physical Therapy

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Reconstructive Surgery
• Physical Therapy

Background:

• Breast reconstruction can lead to pain and functional deficits.
• Postoperative exercise and physical therapy are proven to reduce these issues.
• Healthcare providers infrequently recommend these beneficial rehabilitation services.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the frequency of postoperative at-home exercise and physical therapy recommendations for breast reconstruction patients.
• To assess patient adherence to prescribed exercises and therapy.
• To identify the recommended timelines for initiating these interventions.

Main Methods:

• An anonymous, 16-question online survey was administered.
• The survey targeted breast cancer survivors in a private Facebook group (Diep C. Foundation).

Main Results:

• Out of 150 respondents, a majority were not advised on at-home exercises (54.3%) or physical therapy (63.6%).
• Of those instructed, only 22% began exercises at 2-3 weeks post-surgery.
• Only 34.1% of those instructed began physical therapy at 4-5 weeks post-surgery.

Conclusions:

• This study is the first to investigate the recommendation rates of postoperative rehabilitation for breast reconstruction patients.
• Despite evidence supporting their benefits, most patients do not receive instructions for at-home exercises or physical therapy.
• Lack of guidance likely impairs recovery and return to daily activities, highlighting the need for improved patient engagement strategies.