Physical therapy and dance in the surgical management of breast cancer. A clinical report.

This report describes a creative therapeutic exercise program that is part of a preoperative and postoperative regimen prescribed for patients with breast cancer surgery. Since August 1982, physical therapy has been offered as part of a multidisciplinary breast cancer program at our acute-care hospital. Our physical therapy department provides preoperative and postoperative evaluations and treatment for patients with breast cancer surgery. This treatment is offered on an outpatient basis and includes group dance sessions that are supervised by a licensed physical therapist and a licensed dance teacher. Physical therapy for patients with breast cancer surgery need not be limited to traditional wall-climbing exercises. Early physical therapy intervention should be directed at the unique emotional and physical problems encountered by these patients. Through dance, patients may experience the freedom of total body movement that enhances their adjustment to a new body image. An organized group setting provides a support mechanism that enables patients to share their experiences, fosters a positive attitude toward exercise, and facilitates psychological adjustment to the diagnosis of breast cancer.