MEDITALK- PHYSIOTHERAPY INTERVENTIONS IN RADICAL MASTECTOMY

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Originally Posted on August 1, 2017 bymedilagessence

Cancer can be malignant or benign; chronic and deadly or mild and uncomfortable respectively. Surgery performed to remove tissues and lymph nodes from the breast to prevent the metastasis of breast cancer is known as mastectomy [mastia=breast, ectomy=surgical removal]. If it involves the two breasts, it is referred to as Total mastectomy and it involves one breast, it is called Radical mastectomy.

Post-operative complications of Radical mastectomy include the gross Oedema or swelling of the affected or adjacent upper limb. This is as a result of fewer channels of lymph nodes to pass through because some lymph nodes (infected or susceptible to be infected ones) were removed.

The  body takes time to recuperate and reproduce new lymph nodes for lymph to pass through, but in the meanwhile the affected upper limb presents with restrictions such as turgid skin and constricted joints due to swelling.

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Physiotherapy is of utmost importance in this condition as massage through stroking, petrissage and effleurage are applied to drain accumulating fluid where also exercise to maintain joint mobility may be incorporated all in the vain to maintain upper limb anatomicity as new lymph channels develop.

We begin the massage procedure with stroking and end with drifting, preferably superficial stepping which gives a soothing feeling than deep stroking which has a more mechanical effect like opening up of blood vessels close to the skin and loosening up the skin of the affected region. 

Stroking it’s also performed so the therapist can get a feel of the patient’s skin and the patient can get familiar with the therapist’s hand to alleviate anxiety the patient may have and to instill confidence in the patient on the effectiveness of the of the therapist’s technique and skill in the procedure. 

The massage technique involves simultaneous or alternate brisk movement of the palmar surface of the hand over the area of the skin to be massaged. It is important to apply a lubricant such as talcum powder, oils and gels on the therapist’s hands in appropriate amounts in order to reduce friction between the therapist’s hands and the patient’s skin. 

Other cautionary steps to be taken before the massage begins include: 

1) properly screening the patient in a well ventilated and clean environment to ensure patients privacy and relaxation. 

2) Patients are to be massaged in a comfortable and convenient position in order to ease the process

3) Expose only the affected area and cover other areas
Article by Odunayo Peter(Physiotherapy 400lvl)

This article is for educational purpose only