A Case Report on the Impact of Physiotherapy on Shoulder Function in Breast Cancer Patients Undergoing Surgery

Abstract

Early breast cancer treatment can cause shoulder dysfunction, which is a well-known and prevalent adverse effect (1). In individuals treated surgically for breast cancer, physiotherapy was found to enhance shoulder function considerably (1). Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women and the leading cause of death and morbidity (2). Every year, 1.67 million new instances of breast cancer are identified worldwide, with 458,000 fatalities (2). Although 89 percent of breast cancer survivors live for at least five years after treatment, side symptoms can continue for months or even years(2). The most common upper-limb side effects are pain and joint dysfunction, with prevalence rates ranging from 12% to 51% for pain and 1.5 percent to 50% for joint dysfunction. Surgery is the most common treatment for primary breast cancer. Shoulder exercises are commonly advised to reduce mobility and strength loss as well as prevent lymphedema. Several clinical services have been developed to help with shoulder range of motion rehabilitation and secondary lymphedema prevention(3) . The goal of this study was to see how additional postoperative physiotherapy affected shoulder function after the initial postoperative healing period, especially when given for a longer period. Patients who have had a mastectomy are always at risk of getting shoulder pain and adhesive capsulitis, and they must take precautions (3). Key words: Modified radical mastectomy, shoulder pain, breast cancer, lymph nodes, physiotherapy rehabilitation.