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Stretching the Limits Post-Mastectomy

743 views · Published 2 September 2014 · 1:35 · Indexed 10 November 2026

Channel: Lee Health · 2014 · Science & Technology

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Studies show the healing touch, expertly directed physical therapy, is helping women following surgery and treatment for breast cancer.

“We would like to make it a part of everybody’s rehab because it’s very important. Some people feel that because they’ve survived the cancer and they had the surgery that they have to live with these limitations. And they really don’t,” says Pat Curr, who is a physical therapist for Lee Memorial Health System. 

Tightness around the surgical area is the most common issue. Some women have issues with numbness, sensitivity, limitations in shoulder movement and balance. 

“Depending on the surgery, there’s a lot of scaring involved and limited range of motion in usually the shoulder and sometimes the neck and thoracic region,” says Curr. 

Research into post-mastectomy therapy found women had greater satisfaction and fewer issues a year after their surgery compared to women who didn’t undergo rehab.

“We customize each physical therapy for what they need. But the goal is for them to be independent so they don’t have to have to depend on others to help them with their everyday activities,” says Curr. 

Specialized women’s therapy is offered by Lee Memorial Health System. As is the case with most surgical rehab, the earlier the start, the better.

“A lot of scar tissue can form right after surgery, so we’ll treat them maybe two weeks after surgery, when drains are taken out,” says Curr. 

This hands on approach - post-mastectomy therapy - is helping women stretch their limits. 

View More Health Matters video segments at leememorial.org/healthmatters/

Lee Memorial Health System in Fort Myers, FL is the largest network of medical care facilities in Southwest Florida and is highly respected for its expertise, innovation and quality of care. For nearly a century, we’ve been providing our community with everything from primary care treatment to highly specialized care services and robotic assisted surgeries.

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